I’ve shared a lot about Yosemite over the years because it holds such an unchanging special spot in my heart. Can you blame me for making five or more trips there per year? But, having said so much about Yosemite National Park already doesn’t mean that there is anything less to say. Going on adventures in the park will just never ever get old. It’s simply a fact that spending an entire day in the park starting with a Yosemite sunrise is always a good idea.

Why We Keep Going Back to Yosemite National Park

A full day in Yosemite = the best day ever. Adventuring around with Jaclyn and Cory in Yosemite National Park was definitely one trip I’ll never forget!

As you plan your next Yosemite adventure, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind: season, what’s accessible (road closures, etc.), and crowds. I created a comprehensive guide for How to Elope in Yosemite that you can access for all of these tips.

Our trip was in the summer which always makes it more difficult for Yosemite photography because it is so crowded. That’s another reason why spending a full day in the park is worthwhile so that you can go to the best spots at the best times. It can also help to go during a Yosemite sunrise when fewer people are present or during off-season when the park is covered in snow!

From A Yosemite Sunrise to Sunset: an All-Day Adventure

If you’re going to have an adventure together as a couple, why not make it a full-day experience? I always recommend all-day adventure sessions because it allows for a super chill and relaxed experience. We had the ability to visit so many locations in the park and switch outfits per location. You can take really special photos because you have the time to just explore, play, and have fun!

If you’ve ever thought of having an adventure session celebrating an anniversary or engagement in Yosemite, I bet I could convince you to do an all-day session like these two did!

Adventure Session Timeline starting with a Yosemite sunrise:

• Sunrise: Glacier Point (keep in mind the road closures but you can also take one of the Yosemite hikes to Glacier Point like we did for this backpacking elopement) followed by breakfast!

• *take a nap until noon and then change outfit*

• Afternoon: enjoy lunch in Yosemite Valley then take photos in the meadows both walking alongside and splashing around in the Merced River which flows through the valley itself. 

• Sunset: change into final outfit for an epic sunset at Taft Point!

 Free Marriage Tip–Keep Going on Adventures Together!

Just because you’re married already, doesn’t mean you can’t still go on adventures. If adventuring together was part of what drew you two together, it can continue to support your marriage by keeping that shared passion alive.

It’s been a gift to witness one couple doing this very thing over the years. We did their first shoot in the Redwoods, this one in Yosemite, and the latest in Glacier National Park. I couldn’t be more honored to join these two as they celebrated five years of marriage together on a day that started with a Yosemite sunrise.

Who else is down for a sunrise to sunset Yosemite adventure?!