Yosemite Forum

I am going to be in Yosemite in July and was wondering if people had any recommendations on places to camp with nice views/sunsets.
I have received a wilderness permit to start at Cathedral Lakes and end at Little Yosemite Valley.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Irrespective of daily mileage...

First night- Upper Cathedral Lake. The alpinglow is amazing, and if it's a full moon, that's even more amazing.

Second night- Either Upper or Middle Sunrise Lakes, or, if you're headed over Cloud's Rest, off to the right on the flats below the north ascent of CR itself (bring water from the creek you pass about a mile before that). Incredible rim views of Tenaya Canyon.

Third night- Sunrise Creek in the rocks to the left of the trail, just past the CRxJMT junction. Great view down the valley and of the backside of Half Dome.

Skip both the backpacker's area of Sunrise HSC and LYV. And even if Cloud's Rest isn't on your route and you're planning to just continue past Sunrise HSC on the JMT, take the time to walk over the hill and then back the next morning in order to camp at Sunrise Lakes.

Phil, thanks for the recommendations!

Cloud's Rest is definitely on my expected route as well as Half Dome (already have the permits).

Then definitely try to camp below CR. Don't forget that water...enough for meals and down to Sunrise Creek the next morning. On the way up or down from HD, secure your food and gear against bears and people, then do HD as a day hike instead of hauling your full packs, and use the same site both nights (before and after HD).