I read somewhere here to take some time not taking pictures and just take it all in. This is so true. This viewpoint is amazing. We stopped here three times during our 5 day trip to Yosemite. The best one was arriving at 5 am and watch the sun rise. When we got there we were treated to a clear star filled night sky that later turned to many different colors as the sun rose. Amazing experience.

Read on here that sunrise is the best time to visit. I guess must be contingent on weather conditions. Got there an hour before sunrise until and 1 1/2 hours after and was honestly underwhelmed. I guess time of year and sun position must have an influence also. Went up at sunset and was blown away. The colour change on El Capitan, mesmerising. The dominance of Half Dome, looming in the background. I could have soaked that view in for hours. Get there early, limited parking and serious photographers dominating the area with their tripods.

Of course it's a must do! The view is worth it and very stunning at any time of the day. Some advice - car park is quite small but most people stop, snap a photo and then kick on so a spot usually frees up every minute or two. During the day it's absolutely packed with people and it's hard to feel the serenity of the moment with people jostling about you. We got up early for sunrise and if you crave the quiet to enjoy this beautiful spot, that's absolutely the way to do it. Although it was very cold! Wasn't empty even at this time though, so don't expect to have it to yourself completely (maybe 10 cars). I suspect for a colourful sky, sunset is the better option but it'll be crowded.

There's no better overlook on the planet. Take your time, dodge the crowds, and think, "This is awesome." The Tunnel View overlook gives you a vast panorama of of just how powerful nature can whisper to everyone ... maybe even nudge everyone to think, "How immaterial humans are!"

I'm not a morning person. I'm just not. But waking up to drive here for the sunrise was one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen in my life. I highly recommend going here for sunrise. My photo hardly does it justice. Right by the parking lot is the hiking trail for Inspiration Point. I recommend doing that hike right after sunrise, which is what we did. It was a great, moderate hike, before it got too hot. And the views were beautiful. I wrote a review for that hike too with details.

You can't really miss this one as you enter the park from the south. Just a quick stop for photos. Parking is small but people stop and go so just have patience if busy. Photos will probably be better in the evening as you facing the east the and sun would be right in your eyes in the morning.