Photo by Keith Walklet
Sometimes the best part about any road trip or camping trip is the meals you have along the way. On your next Yosemite adventure, stop at one of these places for a memorable and picturesque sunset picnic*. Everything seems to taste better after a long day of hiking, swimming, climbing, or learning. This list below details sunset picnic locations in Yosemite that offer the best views. Some are easy to access by car, others require a little hike.
*Note that official picnic areas close at dusk, so head out for your dinner with a view before golden hour to maximize your time.
Glacier Point
With one of the most iconic and vast views of Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point lands at the top of our list for a sunset picnic. Break for dinner and watch the sun turn the sky orange, pink, and then purple. Whatever you packed for dinner is bound to taste delicious with these sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Glacier Point is accessible seasonally by car via Glacier Point Road or by foot via the Four Mile Trail. In winter, intrepid explorers can also ski out to Glacier Point. Services in the summer vary depending on staffing and availability. Most years there are pit toilets in the parking lot, a water fill up station, and a gift shop. If you are planning on these services, it is always good to check with park rangers regarding their availability.
Enjoy your sunset picnic and stay for star gazing! In the past, depending on staffing and availability, there have been ranger star gazing programs at Glacier Point as well as astronomy clubs that set up telescopes. For information regarding programming at Glacier Point check out the Yosemite Guide.
Sentinel Dome
Sunset on Sentinel Dome is another of our favorites. The hike to Sentinel Dome is just about 2 miles round-trip and gives you some of our favorite views of the mountains. Pack dinner for you and your companions and scamper up the trail to reach Sentinel Dome during golden hour to see the sunset unfold from the top.
The Sentinel Dome trailhead is located on Glacier Point Road which is open seasonally, generally late May through October. There are pit toilets available at the trailhead. Be sure to pack your headlamp if you are hiking out for a sunset picnic on Sentinel Dome.
Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake’s picnic area is the perfect spot to snack after a long day swimming and hiking in the high country. The picnic area is equipped with tables, so feel free to cook your dinner on your camp stove while looking at the beautiful blue lake and granite mountains.
Tenaya Lake is located along Tioga Road which is open seasonally from June through October, weather pending. Be sure to check with Yosemite National Park before planning any trips across Tioga Road, especially at the beginning and end of the season. Pit toilets and trash cans are available in the Tenaya Lake parking lot.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
Looking for the perfect sunset views of El Capitan? Look no further than the beach at Cathedral Beach picnic area. Dine underneath towering El Capitan for your sunset picnic in the valley at the Cathedral Beach Area. Also equipped with picnic tables, go all out on an amazing dinner buffet while admiring El Capitan’s soaring beauty.
Taft Point
Taft Point’s hike is just over 2 miles and brings you to sheer cliff with incredible sunset views. Pack your dinner and hike up to the overlook in time for sunset views and pictures. The Taft Point trailhead is also located on the seasonal Glacier Point Road. There are pit toilets and trash cans available at the parking area. Be sure to pack your headlamp when hiking out for a sunset picnic at Taft Point.
Wherever you make your sunset picnic in Yosemite, we’re sure it’ll be spectacular and one to remember. Remember to bring headlamps and flashlights if you’re enjoying your sunset picnic while on a hike for the way back and don’t forget water, too! Lastly, pack out your trash — even organic matter like orange peels and apple cores. And — don’t feed the wildlife — even if they look so cute and polite.
On your next adventure to Yosemite, join us for one of our art classes, naturalist walks, or outdoor adventures in the park! Book your experience now before spots fill up. Most of our art classes and Outdoor Adventures include your reservation for entry to the park during peak season during 2024.
Bon Appétit!
Photo credits:
Glacier Point, photo by Keith Walklet
Sentinel Dome, photo by Keith Walklet
Tenaya Lake, photo by Josh Helling
Taft Point, photo by Meg Orpwood-Russell
