Olmsted Point Overlook view of Half Dome

The featured image was taken from Olmsted Point Overlook with Half Dome in the distance. The closest town is Lee Vining, California. From there take Highway 120 about 30 miles. Approximately 12 miles into the drive you will enter Yosemite National Park. Continue straight. In about 18 miles you will come to Olmsted Point on your left. Once you park head up to the paved overlook. Along the sidewalk before you reach the main area you will come to this view with the tree slightly to the left of Half Dome.

The Tioga Pass is closed in the winter making this spot extremely difficult to get to (accessible only by skiing in), but when the road is open this place is equally gorgeous in all months.

For similar conditions visit when the sun sets behind Half Dome — it’s amazing, especially when there are clouds! During the sunrise and morning the light on Half Dome is also really nice. This spot can get hazy and washed out in the afternoon. At night, you can see the lights from rock climbers which adds a nice element to the picture.

I used a Sony 28‑70mm F/3.5‑5.6 for this shot at 70mm. It probably would look better with an even longer telephoto lens, though.

The trees in the foreground create a nice framing element. Experiment with different angles!

I personally enjoy this view from the parking lot over the view from the actual point down the trail, but going there is worthwhile as well.

You can get a nice shot of Tenaya Lake from the south end of the parking lot.

Nearby Tuolumne Meadows and Tenaya Lake are great spots to photograph (or fly-fish).

If you are coming in from Lee Vining make sure to eat at the Mobil Gas Station. You can thank me later!