Glacier Point Introduce
Welcome to Glacier Point, one of the most iconic and breathtaking viewpoints in Yosemite National Park! Perched high above Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point offers an unparalleled panorama of Yosemite's most famous landmarks, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and the vast expanse of the High Sierra. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a memorable view, Glacier Point is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Yosemite National Park.
A View Like No Other
Glacier Point's commanding vista provides a unique perspective of Yosemite Valley, showcasing the park's natural wonders in all their glory.
- Half Dome: Marvel at the iconic granite dome, a symbol of Yosemite's rugged beauty and a favorite challenge for hikers.
- Yosemite Falls: Witness the majesty of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, as it plunges down the cliffs into the valley below.
- Nevada and Vernal Falls: Admire the beauty of Nevada and Vernal Falls, two stunning waterfalls cascading down the Merced River.
- High Sierra: Take in the vastness of the High Sierra, with its granite peaks, lush meadows, and pristine lakes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Activities and Things to Do
Glacier Point offers a variety of activities and things to do, allowing you to fully experience the beauty of this iconic viewpoint:
- Hiking: Explore the trails leading to Glacier Point, offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. The most popular trail is the short and easy paved trail to Glacier Point. For a longer hike, consider the Four Mile Trail (strenuous) or the Panorama Trail (strenuous).
- Photography: Capture the stunning beauty of Glacier Point and its surrounding landscapes through photography. The viewpoint offers incredible opportunities for landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography.
- Ranger Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs and talks at the Glacier Point Amphitheater, learning about the park's geology, ecology, and history.
- Stargazing: Enjoy incredible stargazing opportunities at Glacier Point, with its minimal light pollution and wide-open skies.
Visitor Information
Here is some essential information to help you plan your visit to Glacier Point:
- Location: Glacier Point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road, approximately 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley.
- Accessibility: Glacier Point is accessible by car from approximately late May through October or November. The road is closed to vehicles during the winter months.
- Parking: Parking is available at the Glacier Point parking area, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. Consider arriving early or taking the free park shuttle.
- Facilities: Glacier Point offers restrooms, a snack stand, and a gift shop.
Plan Your Glacier Point Adventure Today!
Whether you're seeking a breathtaking view, a challenging hike, or a memorable stargazing experience, Glacier Point is a must-visit destination in Yosemite National Park. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of this iconic viewpoint!
Contact Us
For more information about Glacier Point and Yosemite National Park, please contact us at (209) 372-0200 or +1 209-372-0200.
Location
Customer Reviews
It is a tough hike, but we'll worth the views! Give yourself plenty of time, water, snacks, and sun protection. If you are feeling adventurous, start the hike down in the afternoon so you can catch the sunset. Make sure you are down well before 10 pm if you want to catch the last shuttle. The shop is closed in the winter but the bathrooms have been open each time
How beautiful is this place 😠It was my birthday and better location I couldn't even imagine. Here is the big parking but at sunset the parking lot was completely filled and cars were parked everywhere. And this is in October, I can imagine that in July you should park a few miles away from the point.
It was a surreal experience to watch the sunrise at the Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park. We reached there well before 6 am, and it was completely dark. What we experienced next, as the nighttime colors changed to pre-dawn, dawn and then early morning, is something amazing to cherish for a very long time. We normally go to the Glacier Point for sunsets. Watching the sunrise over the Half Dome and various peaks was an entirely different feeling. Simply incredible!
The views here are incredible, so be sure to bring water for the trails. There’s a 6.5-mile trail that ascends steadily; we didn’t walk the entire length, but reaching the top was worth it for the stunning view. I recommend using walking sticks and wearing hiking shoes. I usually don’t eat much during long travels, and I’m glad I didn’t because the enclosed porta-potties were nearly unbearable—the smell was overwhelming from 50 feet away. Despite this, the visit is well worth it.
Glacier Point was absolutely breathtaking! Watching both the sunrise and sunset from this spot is a must, each offers stunning, unforgettable views. You can either hike up from Yosemite Valley, which takes about 3-4 hours, or drive directly, which only takes about an hour. Either way, it’s definitely worth it for the incredible panorama that awaits at the top. A truly magical experience!
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