Glacier Point

People looking out from Glacier Point towards Half Dome.

 

 

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.

Getting to Glacier Point

• 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. 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

 

View of Yosemite Valley and Tenaya Canyon from Glacier Point.

Glacier Point

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.

 

View of Vernal and Nevada Falls from Washburn Point.

Washburn Point

Washburn Point, just south of Glacier Point, has similar views, though the views of Vernal and Nevada Falls are more direct. From this vantage point, in addition to these waterfalls, you can also see Illilouette Fall.

The point is named for the Washburn brothers, who were early Yosemite concessioners in the hotel and transportation businesses in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Washburn interests funded the construction of the original Glacier Point Road in 1882.

 

Badger Pass Ski Area

Badger Pass Ski Area

Since opening in 1935, Badger Pass Ski Area has been a favorite ski destination for Yosemite enthusiasts. Activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. Sledding and other snow play is NOT allowed at Badger Pass.

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 may be 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.