Photographing Yosemite: Digital Field Guide

26.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

If you don't mind hiking, the best views of Vernal Fall are from the Mist Trail (see A on the map). If you want a good view of the fall without a hike, then drive to Washburn Point for a nice vantage point (see B on the map).

The best locations from which to photograph the Vernal Fall: (A) Mist Trail, (B) Washburn Point. Other photo ops: (1) Ahwahnee Hotel, (8) Half Dome, (9) Happy Isles, (17) Nevada Fall.

26.2.1. Mist Trail

The best photographs of Vernal Fall are made from the Mist Trail that leads to the top of the falls. The Mist Trail begins at Happy Isles, which is reached via the free shuttle bus. The first good view of the waterfall (shown in figure 26.1) is from the footbridge over the Merced River, which is approximately .8 mile from the start of the Mist Trail. As you continue past the bridge, notice that you can photograph the waterfall from several other great locations. Approximately 1/4 mile past the bridge, you can see a little spur trail leading off to the left that has interpretive signs. This trail leads to a large flat rock that juts out into the Merced River. From this vantage point, you can get a great shot with the river cascading toward you with the waterfall in the background. Farther up the trail, you can find several other good views right from the trail itself. From many of these locations, you can also include ...