I usually stopped at this viewpoint. Prior to this the senery is sort of a pleasant forest, followed by a little more open rocky areas that weave into where Yosemite Creek has carved a small canyon and then backout agian.

This point has eye poping views to the SouthWest of Half Dome shown on the right, and on the left is Cloud's Rest which correctly looks higher here (since it is closer). Tenya Creek is below, suppose to be dangerous hiking.

The next picture shows the view to the North East of Tenya Lake, from there the road climbs to Tuolumne Meadows.