Contents
Glacier Point Road | Introduction
Glacier Point Road, I think.Yosemite National Park（Yosemite National Park is one of the most important areas not to be missed. Yosemite can be divided into five main areas: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point Road, Wawona and Mariposa Grove,Tioga road and Tuolumne MeadowsThe Yosemite Valley is the most visited area because some areas are only open to vehicular traffic during the summer months, and Glacier Point Road is one of them.
Glacier Point Road is generally open to vehicular traffic from late May through October, and is suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing from December through March. For most people, summer is the best time to visit.
Glacier Point Road | Transportation
If you're driving to Glacier Point, you’ll first need to head south and then turn onto Glacier Point Road. Whether you're coming from Yosemite Valley or elsewhere, the drive takes about an hour. We entered from the western entrance of Yosemite, so our route started at the Yosemite sign at the western entrance and continued to Glacier Point, covering a total of about 44 miles. Due to the large number of visitors in the summer, it’s recommended to leave early to secure a parking spot.
Apart from driving, there are two other common ways to reach Glacier Point. One is by booking a direct bus from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, and the other is by hiking the Four Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley. The Four Mile Trail is a beautiful hiking route, so some people choose to take a one-way bus to the top and then hike back down. If you're staying within Yosemite Valley, this is an option worth considering. Note that due to the pandemic in 2021, the bus service was suspended, so check online for updates on its availability.
Glacier Point Road | One-Day Itinerary
On Glacier Point Road, we planned to visit the following spots:
- Glacier Point
- Washburn Point
- Taft Point
- Sentinel Dome
Typically, if you're not planning to hike, most visitors visit Glacier Point and Washburn Point and then leave. This itinerary, including driving, can be done in half a day. However, we set aside a full day to explore the area, so we also chose to visit Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. These two spots require hiking, each taking about two hours round trip, and are considered moderately difficult. If you’re confident in your fitness level, you can even consider tackling other more challenging trails, such as the ones listed on this official hiking page.
Glacier Point Road | Attractions
Glacier Point
The first stop is Glacier Point, the endpoint of Glacier Point Road. After parking, there's a short, easy 0.25-mile walk to the viewpoint.
The view from Glacier Point is absolutely stunning. From the viewpoint in front of the Geology Hut, Half Dome feels incredibly close, and you can also see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall to the right—yes, those are the waterfalls you’d hike to via the Mist Trail in Yosemite Valley.
At the very end of Glacier Point, you get a panoramic view of the entire Yosemite Valley, including the full Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Half Dome, Mirror Lake, and both Nevada and Vernal Falls. After seeing this, you might feel like you’ve seen all of Yosemite!
Washburn Point
Washburn Point is located not far from Glacier Point and offers a clearer view of Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall. From this angle, you can also faintly see the shape of the massive glacier that once existed over a million years ago in the area where the waterfalls now flow.
Taft Point
To reach Taft Point, you’ll hike the Taft Point Trail, which is 2.2 miles (about 3.5 km) round trip with a 200-foot elevation change, making it moderately difficult. Taft Point and Sentinel Dome share the same trailhead. Shortly after starting, you'll see a signpost—turn left for Taft Point and right for Sentinel Dome. There's also a loop trail that connects both points, though it’s a bit longer. Most of the trail is shaded, making for a comfortable hike.
At Taft Point, you’ll stand on large granite slabs, and you may spot wild squirrels darting through the cracks. There’s no barrier at the cliff's edge, and below lies the western half of Yosemite Valley. Looking to the right, you’ll see Yosemite Falls. This spot is perfect for a picnic break.
Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome Trail is one of the most popular hikes along Glacier Point Road. The trail is 1.8 miles (3 km) round trip, with a more significant elevation gain of around 400 feet. Many consider the view from Sentinel Dome even more spectacular than Taft Point.
The hike along Sentinel Dome Trail is a bit more challenging due to the higher elevation and fewer trees, especially as you climb up the dome where there is almost no shade, making it feel hotter. The park’s official recommendation is to visit after sunset, as you can then enjoy stargazing at night.
The scenery along the way is beautiful, and once you reach the top of Sentinel Dome, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view. You can take in breathtaking sights of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and more.
Further reading
- The Ultimate Yosemite National Park Guide: Must-See Attractions and Itinerary Planning
- Exploring Yosemite Valley: Must-See Spots for a One-Day Visit
- Exploring Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows: One-Day Adventure and Summer Camping in Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite’s Iconic Glacier Point: A One-Day Journey Along Glacier Point Road
- The Ahwahnee Experience: Dining and Lodging at Yosemite National Park
- Fall Colors Road Trip: Taking Highway 395 through June Lake and Mono Lake to Yosemite's East Side
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