About
Length (round trip)0.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain50 ft up
Typical time15 min
TrailheadGlacier Point parking area
SurfacePaved, wheelchair accessible
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views

This world-renowned overlook gives visitors a grand view of Yosemite Valley from above and a captivating vista of the park's southeastern high peaks. Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, is located 30 miles (a one-hour drive) from either Yosemite Valley or Wawona. A short, paved, wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to a point 3,214 feet above Yosemite Valley's Curry Village, allowing views of Yosemite's high country. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt went on a three-day guided wilderness trip through Yosemite with John Muir that started at the Mariposa Grove, and included Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Valley. Muir seized this opportunity "to do some forest good in talking freely around the campfire," with the president. Buffalo Soldiers from the Ninth Cavalry Troop were there as presidential escorts, and were asked to clear the Four Mile Trail for the president's use, but Muir and Roosevelt had other plans and used that ploy to escape from their escorts! This story ended up as an article in the New York Times later that year. Tips & Seasonal Information The Glacier Point Road is open to vehicles from approximately late May through October or November. Vehicles longer than 30 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are not allowed past Sentinel Dome parking lot. The Glacier Point Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking is prohibited beginning October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200. From mid-December through March, cross-country skiers can experience the view from Glacier Point after skiing 10.5 miles (one-way), conditions permitting. Accessibility The Glacier Point overlook is wheelchair accessible via a 300-yard paved, switchback trail from the main parking lot. The restrooms, snack bar, and gift shop are all accessible. A bronze tactile relief model which idenitfies geologic features is located on the terrace below the gift shop. Designated accessible parking spaces are available.

Tips
Straight down 3,200 feet to the valley floor, with Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls all in one view. The road is open only from roughly late May to October.
Location

Glacier Point parking area

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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