Summary
- The Sierra Nevada range in California offers stunning landscapes including rugged peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
- Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park provides breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks, with sunset being the ideal time for photography.
- Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park is a serene sanctuary surrounded by giant sequoias and vibrant wildflowers, offering picture-perfect views and opportunities to capture the beauty of nature.
The United States has many gorgeous vistas, but the Sierra Nevada range stands out as one of the most scenic mountain ranges in California. Stretching 400 miles across California and into Nevada, this iconic backdrop of rugged granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, icy blue lakes, and lush forests is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The diversity of landscapes and ecosystems in the Sierra Nevadas provides limitless opportunities to capture postcard-worthy vistas. From national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia to historical sites, here are some of the most scenic spots in the Sierra Nevadas that belong on any traveler's bucket list.
10 Glacier Point: Marvel At Jaw-Dropping Vistas Of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, And The High Sierra Peaks
One of the most iconic overlooks in Yosemite National Park that is worth the hike is Glacier Point, which lives up to its name by providing jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley 3,000 feet directly below.
The breathtaking panorama stretches from Half Dome and Yosemite Falls on the left to the High Sierra peaks on the right. Sunset is the ideal time to take photographs at this spot, as the golden light illuminates the granite faces and domes of the Valley.
For the fullest experience, take the Four Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley up to Glacier Point and absorb the grandeur at every switchback.
- Location: Glacier Point Rd, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA
- Cost: Standard Entrance Pass $20.00–$35.00
- Things to Do: Hike the Four Mile Trail and take free ranger-guided talks and walks.
9 Panoramic Point: Behold The Iconic Granite Cliffs Of El Capitan And Yosemite Falls
Located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, Panoramic Point showcases unique views of two of Yosemite's most famous features: the massive granite monolith of El Capitan and the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls.
It's easy to see why Panoramic Point is one of the most scenic spots in the Sierra Nevadas. Rising over 3,000 feet above the Valley floor, El Capitan is a top choice among elite rock climbers and a stunning photographic subject, especially when the Merced River reflects its imposing visage.
Turn east and point the camera at the upper tiers of Yosemite Falls to capture its thundering 2,425-foot drop.
- Location: Yosemite Valley, south rim drive, Yosemite National Park
- Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to see Yosemite Falls at peak flow.
- Top Attractions: Iconic views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.
Spring is a splendid time to visit when the falls are at peak flow.
8 Crescent Meadow: Wander Among The Lush Wildflowers And Giant Sequoias
Deep in the heart of Sequoia National Park lies Crescent Meadow, a serene sanctuary ringed by towering sequoias and carpets of brilliant wildflowers in summer. This High Sierra gem offers picture-perfect views of the meadow with the unmistakable forms of the sequoias flanking it on all sides.
Photographers flock here to catch golden hour light streaming through the massive trunks and illuminating the puffy white meadows.
For iconic shots, frame Castle Rocks rising from the meadow's center or tunnel the camera up the trunk of the Chieftain Tree, one of the largest in the grove.
- Location: Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
- Hours: Open daily 24 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer to see blooming wildflowers.
- Things to Do: Walk the High Sierra and Log Meadow loop trails.
7 Moro Rock: Climb The Steep Stairs For Panoramic Views Of The Great Western Divide
The view from the top of Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park is worth every step of the steep 400-step climb. The Great Western Divide unfolds at the summit, a landscape of saw-toothed peaks and chiseled cliffs extending off into the distance.
Photographers wait until late afternoon when the low sunlight makes the rocks glow, adding depth to the layers receding into the horizon. For a unique vantage point, take the side trail to Eagle View, jutting out from the side of Moro Rock, and frame the pristine Middle Fork Kaweah River watershed spreading below.
- Location: Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
- Difficulty Level: 400 steep steps
- Top Attractions: Views of the Great Western Divide from the summit.
6 Lake Tahoe: Enjoy The Island-Dotted Turquoise Waters And Mountain Backdrops
Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe the "fairest picture the whole earth affords." Bordering California and Nevada, this alpine lake is renowned for its unbelievable blue hue and scenic mountain backdrops, and it is one of the best places to be this summer.
Emerald Bay, perhaps the most photographed spot on the lake, offers classic views of Fannette Island seeming to float on the vivid waters. Drive the Emerald Bay Byway to capture extra special angles above Vikingsholm Castle with Mount Tallac looming behind the bay.
Other picture-perfect lake vistas await along the lakeshore, whether the snowy peaks provide reflections in spring or orange and red foliage shine in fall.
- Location: California/Nevada border
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for boating, Fall for foliage.
- Top Attractions: Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island.
5 Yosemite Falls: Be Awed By The Sheer Power And Height Of One Of The Tallest Waterfalls In North America
Plunging 2,425 feet in three tiers down the granite face of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite and one of the highest in North America.
There are several prime spots to view and photograph this marvel of nature. For full immersion, take the Yosemite Falls Trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls and feel the mist and thunderous roar.
Or zoom a camera lens into the cascading torrents from vantages like Yosemite Valley Loop Road or the meadows by Yosemite Chapel.
- Location: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA
- Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Early summer during peak flow.
- Things to Do: Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
Early summer is the perfect time to see the falls at their most powerful peak flow.
4 Tioga Pass: Drive Through The Highest Pass In Yosemite For Spectacular Mountain And Lake Views
Reaching 9,943 feet, Tioga Pass is the highest pass accessible by car in Yosemite. The gateway to the High Sierra, this route offers nonstop scenic views for photographers. Stop at overlooks like Olmsted Point to capture a stunning mosaic of granite formations like Half Dome reflected in Tenaya Lake's crystalline waters below.
Further on, Mono Lake appears, its volcanic shores scattered with otherworldly, ghostlike tufa towers rising from the water. Pull at the many turnouts to photograph white-capped peaks, sloping meadows, and abundant Sierra wildflowers.
- Hours: Typically open from late May to November.
- Length: 45 miles
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes drive
3 Mono Lake: Photograph The Otherworldly Tufa Towers And Migrating Birds
Among unique landscapes in California, Mono Lake is a scenic spot in the Sierra Nevadas that looks like part of another planet with its sprawling alkali flats and limestone tufa towers formed over centuries by mineral deposits. These strange rock formations around the shore create a photogenic sight, especially when framed against the Eastern Sierra Nevada peaks.
Millions of migratory birds pass through annually, so bring a telephoto lens to capture intimate portraits of eared grebes, phalaropes, and California gulls floating gracefully on the salt lake.
Sunrise and sunset cast a warm glow on the tufa for magnificent photos, but there are also plenty of other things to enjoy at Mono Basin National Park beyond photography.
- Location: Mono Lake, Lee Vining, CA 93541
- Hours: Open daily 24 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for golden light on tufa.
- Top Attractions: Limestone tufa towers.
2 Devils Postpile: Explore The Mysterious Alien Landscape Of Basalt Columns
Located near Mammoth Lakes, Devil's Postpile National Monument protects one of nature's most remarkable wonders: a formation of intricately symmetrical basalt columns resembling post piles. Hiking trails wind through the 60-foot columns, providing photographers with creative angles on this alien landscape.
Capture the regular hexagonal patterns and molten shapes that form when the columns twist, lean, or curve. Or photograph the columns protruding through the Middle Fork San Joaquin River waters for an incredibly striking image of this volcanic phenomenon.
- Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Hours: Early July to October
- Hike Length/Time: 2 miles roundtrip, 1-1.5 hours
- Things to Do: Hike through and photograph basalt columns.
1 Mammoth Lakes: Hike Around Alpine Lakes With Mammoth Mountain As The Backdrop
Dotting the eastern Sierra around the resort town of Mammoth Lakes are numerous pristine alpine lakes with postcard views, making this city a scenic spot in the Sierra Nevadas.
Hike to these crystalline jewels like Lake George, Twin Lakes, or Lake Mary for spectacular shots of blue waters with the craggy 11,000-foot Mammoth Mountain illuminated on the horizon.
Photograph kayakers paddling across the calm surfaces or fishermen casting lines from the granite shores. When fall arrives, the lakes reflect vibrant foliage while snow-dusted evergreens complete the idyllic alpine settings.
- Hours: Hiking trails are open 24 hours a day.
- Amenities: Camping, fishing, water activities at lakes
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall for clear skies and foliage