Glacier Point Visitor's Guide - Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point is considered one of the best vantage points found in the breathtaking expanse of Yosemite National Park. Perched high above the Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point is known for its panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. Whether you are an avid hiker seeking challenging trails or a casual explorer looking for awe-inspiring vistas, Glacier Point promises a memorable experience for all who venture to its heights. This past week I was in Yosemite for the opening day of Glacier Point Road, so join me as we delve into the wonders & history of this iconic viewpoint and discover what awaits those planning their next journey to this remarkable Yosemite destination.
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Location
Found at the very end of the 16-mile Glacier Point Road, Glacier Point is one of the most popular spots in the park and certainly the most visited location in this section of the park. It features a large parking lot, but it can fill up quickly since the stunning clifftop views are only steps away from your car. Multiple bathrooms are available here, and even snacks & drinks are sold here in the Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand during parts of the year. Just prior reaching the parking lot though, have your road trip buddy in the passenger seat get their camera ready. Located in between Washburn Point and Glacier Point is the famous horseshoe bend in the road with incredible views of Half Dome,
Yosemite Falls with Glacier Point ledge in the foreground (May 2024)
Glacier Point views with Half Dome, Nevada Fall & Vernal Fall (May 2024)
My Photography Gear
I get so many questions about what equipment we use on our adventures, so below I’ve listed out our most used photo gear 😊
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Half Dome seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point popular photo spot and location of Glacier Point Hotel veranda
History
Before the arrival of European settlers, this area was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Ahwahnechee people of the Miwok tribe. They named this overlook Er-na-ting Law-oo-too, which means “bear skin” and regarded it with deep reverence. They traversed these lands for hunting, gathering, and spiritual ceremonies, leaving behind a legacy of respect and awe for the natural wonders of Yosemite.
In the late 19th century, the beauty of Glacier Point began attracting tourists. We can largely attribute this to James McCauley, who built the Four Mile Trail, creating relatively easy access to Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome from the valley floor...and who then proceeded to take tolls from visitors who wanted to hike up! This entrepreneurial pioneer also built the Mountain House, a small hotel on Glacier Point. In an effort to entertain guests, McCauley would build large campfires at the cliff’s edge and then pour the burning embers off the ledge, which began the tradition of the original Firefall. This nightly spectacle grew in popularity and mesmerized guests down in the valley for decades until the NPS finally and understandably put an end to it in 1968 for the conservation and protection of the park’s natural resources.
In 1917, the Glacier Point Hotel was constructed right next to the Mountain House structure. When this impressive chalet-style structure was built, it was the highest elevation hotel in the Western US and was said to have one of the best balcony views in the world. Sadly the structure burned down in the late 60s due to an electrical fire, but you can still see remnants of its foundation today where the stone amphitheater is currently. In fact, the large triangular shaped granite boulder that is a photo favorite today was located right under the hotel balcony. You can still see a notch in the side where a beam once lodged into it.
Over the years, you may have come across a photo of John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt standing on a clifftop ledge with Yosemite Falls in the background. Well this photo was actually taken here at Glacier Point. The two of them hiked all over Yosemite during Roosevelt’s trip in 1903, discussing the federal protection of these lands and the expansion of Yosemite National Park.
Geology Hut with sunrise behind Half Dome
Crowded Glacier Point on opening day, May 2024
Cropping out the crowds in Glacier Point photo
Visiting Today
Park guests can technically enjoy Glacier Point year round, although the road leading to it is only open during the Summer and Fall months. During the snowy months, when Glacier Point Road is covered in snow, visitors can cross-country ski to Glacier Point. There’s even a Ski Hut where these adventurous visitors can make reservations to stay overnight! When the road opens to vehicle traffic (typically anywhere from late April to early June depending on the snow levels), park guests should expect this spot to be quite crowded, especially on weekends. My favorite time to visit is on weekdays for sunrise...very few people venture up to this spot that early in the day, and watching the sun rise behind Half Dome is quite a treat.
The old Glacier Point Trailside Museum building is still standing today and makes for a great photo spot. This small stone building, now referred to as the Geology Hut, was constructed in 1925. It was the first trailside museum in the National Park System and was added to the US National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1978.
There is also a wonderful outdoor amphitheater where rangers can give talks. This is the perfect place to sit back, enjoy a picnic, and soak in the views of Half Dome and Yosemite’s high country in front of you. If you didn’t bring enough water or snacks, head into the Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand to purchase more goodies.
Speaking of views, the scenery is certainly the main draw for visiting Glacier Point. Right off the parking area where the amphitheater is, you can get great views of Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall along the Mist Trail to the right of Half Dome. A short 1/4-mile stroll out to the official Glacier Point ledge will provide more incredible scenery of Yosemite Falls, the Royal Arches, the Ahwahnee Hotel, North Dome, and Tenaya Canyon at the base of Half Dome to the left.
Glacier Point ledge towering over Yosemite Valley (October 2023)
Vernal Fall & Mist Trail seen from Washburn Point (May 2024)
Illilouette Fall & Panorama Trail seen from Washburn Point
Hiking
If you’re looking for some great Yosemite hikes with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada, Glacier Point is a great starting point. Hikers will find trailheads here heading out for a wide variety of adventures. Four Mile Trail takes you down a series of switchbacks to the valley floor near the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge in just under 5 miles one-way with 3,200 feet in elevation loss.
Take the Panorama Trail for a round trip hike to Panorama Point with up-close views of Illilouette Falls in about 5 miles with 1,800 feet in elevation gain...or rather than returning, continue on and connect it with the Mist Trail as you pass Nevada and Vernal Falls down to the valley for 8 miles one way.
The mother of all trails in and around the rim of the Yosemite Valley is the Pohono Trail. This epic 13.8-mile one-way hike connects Glacier Point with Tunnel View on the far west side of the valley, passing by incredible viewpoints like Roosevelt Point, Taft Point, Dewey Point, Stanford Point, and Inspiration Point.
Half Dome seen from the Horseshoe Bend along Glacier Point Road in Yosemite
Glacier Point Road Horseshoe Bend & Half Dome in Yosemite
Nearby Points of Interest
The iconic view of Half Dome with the Horseshoe Bend along Glacier Point Road has been a favorite of photographers in recent years. This spot is just a short 1/4-mile walk up from the Glacier Point parking lot. Just be incredibly cautious of cars and please don’t hold up traffic to “get the shot.”
About a mile up the road from Glacier Point is Washburn Point. This is a great spot to stop either before or after your Glacier Point visit. Here you’ll see a perfect profile angle of Half Dome, as well as great views of Illilouette Falls along the Panorama Trail and Nevada & Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail.
Further up the road, visitors will find the parking lots and trailheads for Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. I’d highly recommend spending some time here, combining these two trails with the Pohono Trail to create the Pohono Loop Trail. Along the backside of this loop, you’ll get a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy views from the relatively unknown Roosevelt Point.
Half Dome seen from Washburn Point in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• As tempting as it might be, please refrain from stepping out onto the actual Glacier Point ledge. The NPS has put up railing with signage to stay off in an effort to keep park guests safe and to preserve this unique rock formation that is now potentially unstable.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
• For more information on the Ski Hut during the Winter season, check out all the deatils on the official NPS website. During the Summer season, this structure is converted into the Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand. For the most up-to-date hours of operation of this shop and other stores around the park, check out TravelYosemite.com.
• During the Summer season, bus tickets can be purchased in advance that take visitors from the Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. There is an option for 1-way tickets for hikers interested in heading down one of the many strenuous trails to the valley floor. For availability and hours of operation for these bus tours, visit TravelYosemite.com.
Top 10 Yosemite Viewpoints
Glacier Point
Panorama Point
Half Dome & Tenaya Canyon seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite
Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand in Yosemite National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of Glacier Point and what it looked like on the opening day of Glacier Point Road in 2024, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Nevada Fall seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
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I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Today I'm sharing a comprehensive visitors guide for Glacier Point, one of the most iconic clifftop viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. This famous overlook provides the perfect spot to photo Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and the Yosemite Valley below. Read this complete travel guide for preparing your hiking or photography adventure, and learn about its rich history.