Whether you're looking for the perfect place for a picnic or to propose, here are some options your beloved will appreciate.
Old Inspiration Point – Crowds gather in the parking lot on the Valley side of the Wawona Tunnel to see the classic postcard viewpoint. Instead, cross to the south side of the road and hike up a trail to Old Inspiration Point. You'll have the view to yourself at the location where wagons used to stop.
Gates of the Valley – This is the classic, riverside view of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Again, it's very busy here, but walk a bit upstream or down and you'll have a similar view all to your own.
Base of Yosemite Falls – The most traveled trail in Yosemite Valley is at the base of Yosemite Falls . It's popular because of the spectacular view of the falls which run from spring to early summer. If there at the right time, head off the main path to Yosemite Creek and view the falls from there with the sound of rushing water as your serenade.
Yosemite Falls Trail – Not for the faint of heart, but this hike brings you to top of Yosemite Falls (one of the highest in the world) and offers dramatic views of Half Dome, North Dome, Sentinel Rock, Sentinel Dome, Lost Arrow and Yosemite Valley. Drive or shuttle to Sunnyside Camp 4 and follow the 3.4-mile trail. A spectacular place to propose, you just might have to catch your breath first!
Leidig Meadow – Imagine a huge grassy meadow to lay upon, with Yosemite Falls , Sentinel Rock, and Half Dome to see. Bicycle to Swinging Bridge and picnic in the middle of the meadow. It's so big, it'll feel as if the meadow is yours alone.
Glacier Point – Unquestionably the most awe-inspiring view in Yosemite National Park is from Glacier Point. It's one of those spots where you can't help but hug one another.
Sentinel Dome – A 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra is seen from Sentinel Dome, reached by an easy hike from the Glacier Point Road . This is much more isolated than Glacier Point.
Mariposa, Tuolumne or Merced Grove of Big Trees – Any of the groves of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park are romance-inspiring, though the Merced Grove is perhaps the most romantic, because so few people visit. It's a 1.5 mile hike from the Big Oak Flat Road (near Crane Flat).
Tuolumne Meadows – Numerous romantic hideaways are found in this massive sub-alpine meadow on the Tioga Road . Walk the river and you'll find beaches and grassy places to rest.
Hite Cove Trail – Near El Portal at the park's western entrance is the Hite Cove Trail, considered to be one of the finest wildflower trails in California . Hike this blossom-flecked hillside trail with your inamorata in March and April.
Mirror Lake – In springtime, Mirror Lake , a short walk from the bike path provides an almost perfect reflection of Half Dome. However, once the water recedes, Mirror Lake becomes Mirror Meadow.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – This beautiful duplicate of Yosemite Valley was dammed to create a reservoir for the City of San Francisco . In springtime and early summer, waterfalls cascade over the rim of this valley. Since few Yosemite travelers visit Hetch Hetchy, it's like having Yosemite Valley all to yourselves. Find a romantic spot to picnic or curl up and watch the waterfalls.
The lower Merced River – Between Yosemite Valley and El Portal, the Merced River cascades through pools. Many beaches and rock benches provide secluded places along the river.