The most amazing views in Yosemite National Park, and among the most spectacular viewpoints on Mother Earth, are found at Glacier Point. In the summer Glacier Point is easily accessed by the Glacier Point Road, but this road is closed in the winter (roughly November through May) so you’ll need to cross-country ski to get there and enjoy the snowy views if you’re so motivated. You can also access Glacier Point by hiking from Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, or even Yosemite Valley via the Glacier Point Trail (a dangerous but scenic 4 mile trail — always go up the Glacier Point Trail, never down as you’re more likely to slip and fall).
Glacier Point is well-named — where two massive Glaciers from the last great ice age met and merged to carve out Yosemite Valley. From this viewpoint you get amazing views of the “Mist Trail” — Vernal and Nevada Falls (best enjoyed in spring because of the heavy snow-melt runoff). You’ll see absolutely stunning views of Half-Dome and Yosemite Valley itself, including Yosemite Falls, and Cloud’s Rest.
The Hike:
One of the easiest hikes anywhere — a casual walk really — yet one of the most scenic you’re likely to ever enjoy. Nearly completely flat, on firm rock or paved trail, and not at all long (just a mile or so). You’ll leave the forest and enter a world of glacier carved granite. Glacier Point is over 3200 feet (about 1000 m) above the valley floor, so the views are panoramic and unobstructed. Much of the trail is wheel-chair accessible. There’s a vague loop you can walk, but most folks just wander around in awe and take it all in.
Distance: 1 Mile (1.6 km) round trip
Rating: Easy
Hiking time: 30-40 mins, depending how long you want to linger and marinade yourself in the scenery.
Elevation at trailhead: 7,200 feet (2,200 meters)
Elevation Gain: virtually none
Glacier Point is an excellent place to watch the sunset, to appreciate the colors brought out by the changing light on rock, especially Half Dome. It’s also wonderful for star-gazing at night.
Be sure you stop at Washburn Point as you drive to this hike; this point is about 3/4’s of a mile from Glacier Point. It tends to be less crowded and offers a slightly different perspective of Half-Dome and more panoramic views of the Clark Range.
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