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These 15 Breathtaking Photos of Yosemite National Park Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation to the Great Outdoors

The park’s picturesque peaks, wonderful waterfalls and towering trees aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re visual poetry. And they’re just some of the reasons to love Yosemite

The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight
The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight
The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight to create a rainbow of colors. Rex Naden, 2009

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Breathtaking Photos of Yosemite National Park Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation to the Great Outdoors

The park’s picturesque peaks, wonderful waterfalls and towering trees aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re visual poetry. And they’re just some of the reasons to love Yosemite

Photographs selected by Donny Bajohr

The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight
The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight to create a rainbow of colors. Rex Naden, 2009

The third designated U.S. National Park, Yosemite was first protected by the state of California before securing federal status in 1890. Each year, it attracts more than 3 million visitors, who take an untold number of photos of its giant sequoia trees, endemic wildlife, beautiful waterfalls and vast mountain peaks. Its landscape of nearly 750,000 acres, once home to the Ahwahneechee people, includes iconic features such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls and the Merced River. Yosemite consistently tops lists of the best and most beautiful national parks in the country. Ansel Adams, who famously photographed the land, said, “Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” See for yourself.

Catching the sunrise at Tunnel View
Catching the sunrise at Tunnel View, made famous by Ansel Adams,  has become a signature experience when visiting Yosemite National Park. William Senter, 2023
A wood duck floats on the tranquil waters of the 145-mile-long Merced River
A wood duck floats on the tranquil waters of the 145-mile-long Merced River. Peter Blanchard, 2022
Fog rises from frosty vegetation
Fog rises from frosty vegetation and is illuminated by sun rays passing through an elm tree. Alton Marsh, 2024
A buck crosses the Merced River.
A buck crosses the Merced River. Estimates put the number of deer in the park in the thousands. joSon Studio, 2024
Hikers descend the Mist Trail
Hikers descend the Mist Trail, which leads to the tops of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Chase Shelby, 2024
Sunlight reflects off a small waterfall
Sunlight reflects off a small waterfall surrounded by rocks, moss and broad-leafed plants, seen from a spot along Washburn Trail. Chase Shelby, 2024
Smoke from controlled burns
Smoke from controlled burns wafts along the valley floor, giving the forest a mystical feel. Tom Stahl, 2023
Half Dome
Half Dome is a granite formation that rises 8,800 feet above sea level, peaking at about 5,000 feet over the Yosemite Valley floor. It is a landmark of the park and a bucket-list destination for many climbers. Bryan Meeker, 2021
hanging cables to ascend Half Dome
Two young men contemplate before using the hanging cables to ascend Half Dome. They successfully completed the climb. Brian Shimomura, 2025
The Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel opened in 1927 and gives visitors a luxurious alternative to camping in the park. Bruce Sperka, 2022
Yosemite Valley
In 2023, Yosemite Valley experienced a record-breaking snowfall. As the snowpack melted during the spring thaw, waterfalls cascaded at peak flow  and some streams roared back to life after decades of dormancy. Eric Seidner, 2023
El Capitan rises from the landscape
El Capitan rises from the landscape as the first snow of the season descends upon beautiful fall foliage. Douglas Croft, 2020
Orange and red hues, caused by wildfires, color the sky
Orange and red hues, caused by wildfires, color the sky during a sunset over the Yosemite mountain range. Li Liu, 2020
full moon over Horsetails Falls
In this altered image, light from the full moon over Horsetails Falls casts a golden glow on the cascading waters. Greg Clure, 2011

Donny Bajohr is the associate photography editor at Smithsonian. You can follow him on Instagram @donny_bajohr.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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