Sentinel Btridge

It's ease of access and beautifully framed view of Half Dome make Sentinel Bridge a popular sunset location, though the lack of variety, shear volume of images already in circulation, and the number of other great sunset locations in Yosemite, keep me away at sunset. That said, it's worth a stop in the late afternoon, after Half Dome's face gets sunlight. The standard shots are a wide vertical that includes Half Dome and the river, and a tighter horizontal of Half Dome framed by trees. Cross the road for some nice downstream views and reflections.

How to get there

Eastbound on Southside Drive, take the first left after you the meadow that gives your first clear view of Yosemite Falls (at the stop sign, just beyond the chapel). Cross the bridge and pull into the parking area on your immediate left. Walk back to the bridge for the “classic” reflection. Continue across the bridge and follow the path along the river to the right for Half Dome and full Yosemite Falls reflections.