Glacier Point

 

Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, is accessible by car from approximately late May through October or November. From mid-December through March, cross-country skiers can experience this view after skiing 10.5 miles.

From the Glacier Point parking and tour unloading area, a short, paved, wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to an exhilarating (some might say unnerving) point 3,214 feet above Curry Village, on the floor of Yosemite Valley.

To Get There

• Car: The Glacier Point Road is open to cars approximately late May through October or November, depending on conditions. (View a list of opening and closing dates since 1995.) When open, you can drive to Glacier Point by traveling on the Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 within the park)—either north from Wawona or south from Yosemite Valley. After traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection. Driving time from Wawona and Yosemite Valley is about an hour.

• Bus: The Glacier Point Tour generally operates when the Glacier Point Road is open. One-way tickets are available if you're interested in taking the bus to Glacier Point and hiking back to Yosemite Valley. If hiking to or from Glacier Point, and expecting to take the bus back, be sure you're familiar with the bus schedule. There is no regular shuttle service between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.

Activities

• Birdwatching (all year)

• Hiking and Walking (summer and fall)

• Skiing and Snowshoeing (winter)

• Stargazing (all year)

• Ranger and Interpretive Programs (all year)

Points of Interest

 

Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint.

 

Washburn Point, just south of Glacier Point, has similar views, though the views of Vernal and Nevada Falls are more direct.

 

When the Badger Pass Ski Area is open (mid to late December through March), the Glacier Point Road is groomed beyond the ski area. Cross-country skiers can follow the road for 10.5 miles to Glacier Point. This is possible as a (21-mile) day trip or as an overnight. A ski hut is open in winter (reservation required) or you can camp (with a wilderness permit, available from the Badger Pass Ranger Station without a reservation). Read more about winter camping and winter trails along the Glacier Point Road. Activities such as downhill skiing and snowboarding are also available.