Cathedral Beach

Cathedral Beach is a great spot for top to bottom views of El Capitan reflected in the Merced River. It's also a nice place to photograph the day's first light on El Capitan, which starts about 20 minutes after "official" sunrise. Beautiful in any season, Cathedral Beach is particularly photogenic in fall, when colorful trees line the shoreline, depositing leaves on the meandering river and sandy beach. And like any location with a view of El Capitan, it's a great spot for photographing the swirling clouds that accompany a clearing storm.

While I never advocate leaving any lens behind, most people find extreme wide focal lengths best for including looming El Capitan and its reflection.

How to get there

Eastbound on Southside Drive from Bridalveil Fall, just beyond the left turn that loops you back toward the park exit, look for the Cathedral Beach sign on your left. If the road is closed, park at the gate and walk in—it’s only a couple hundred yards.