Day Hikes along the Glacier Point Road

Sentinel Dome

 

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Know Before You Go

• Glacier Point Road is usually open from May to November, depending on conditions. Check historical opening and closing dates for Glacier Point Road, or check the current road status.
• Expect trails to be snowy or wet in early spring.
• Services in this area of the park are extremely limited. Water is typically available at Glacier Point from late spring to early fall; pack enough water for your entire hike, especially in the shoulder seasons.
• Shuttle service is not available between Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. Limited bus service (via the Glacier Point Tour) is available in summer; reservations are required. Do not hike to or from Glacier Point expecting to take a bus back to your car.

 

Short Walks & Hikes

Glacier Point Overlook

Time 10–15 min
Distance 300 yds (275 m) one way
Elevation gain paved, gentle incline
Starting point Glacier Point parking area
Enjoy a short stroll to the Glacier Point overlook, 3200 ft above Yosemite Valley. Enjoy iconic views of the valley floor, Half Dome, and the high Sierra.

McGurk Meadow

Time 1–1.5 hours
Distance 1.6 mi (2.5 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 150 ft (45 m) on return
Starting point McGurk Meadow Trailhead
This short trail leads downhill to the meadow and the historic McGurk cabin. Visit in early summer for spectacular wildflower blooms.

Sentinel Dome

Time 1–2 hours
Distance 2 mi (3.2 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 400 ft (120 m)
Starting point Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Trailhead
Scramble up the side of the granite dome for stunning 360-degree views of Yosemite. Stay off domes during thunderstorms.

Taft Point

Time 1–2 hours
Distance 2.2 mi (3.5 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 200 ft (60 m) on return
Starting point Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Trailhead
Follow the trail through forest and meadow to the rim of Yosemite Valley. Enjoy views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

 

Half-Day & Full-Day Hikes

Mono Meadow

Time 2–3 hours
Distance 3 mi (4.8 km) round-trip
Elevation gain steep; 900 ft (275 m) on return
Starting point Mono Meadow Trailhead
The trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow, an area that is very wet throughout the summer. Follow the trail another half-mile for mangificent views of the Clark Range, Mount Starr King, and Half Dome.

Dewey Point

Time 4–5 hours
Distance 7.6 mi (13.2 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 750 ft (230 m)
Starting point McGurk Meadow Trailhead
Follow the trail through lush meadow to the valley rim for breathtaking views. Descend 250 ft from the trailhead to the junction with the Pohono Trail, then climb 500 ft over the final two miles to Dewey Point.

Ostrander Lake

Time 8–10 hours
Distance 12 mi (19.3 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 1,500 ft (450 m)
Starting point Ostrander Lake Trailhead
Hike through forest and meadow before the trail begins its steep climb. Enjoy views of Mount Starr King and the Clark Range before arriving at the lake.

 

Trails to Yosemite Valley

Descend about 3,200 feet (975 meters) to the Valley floor from Glacier Point. There is no shuttle to return you to Glacier Point. Arrange your own transportation, or plan to hike back up.

Four Mile Trail

Time 3–4 hours
Distance 4.8 mi (7.7 km) one way
The most direct route from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley, this trail is a very steep descent with stunning views.

Panorama Trail

Time 6–8 hours
Distance 8.2 mi (13.2 km) one way
Descend to Illilouette Fall, then climb 800 ft before descending again. Continue on either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail for views of Vernal and Nevada Falls along the final few miles.

Pohono Trail

Time 8–10 hours
Distance 12.5 mi (20 km) one way
Hike along the entire south rim of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point to Tunnel View.