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Yosemite
Hikes, restaurants, viewpoints, etc in Yosemite National Park
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The Great Outdoors!
Things to see and do in nature, moving from west to east.
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Yosemite the Beautiful
If you love the great outdoors then Yosemite has to be in your must places to visit!
Glacier Point
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Glacier Point
27 reviews in English
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Review from Susanna W.
Palo Alto, CA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
STUNNING.
Regardless of how you make your way to Glaciar Point, make it a priority to get out there at least ONCE. One of the best viewpoints of Yosemite Valley. After you park, walk a short ways (past the geology hut) along the path till you reach the glorious, unobstructed views of Glaciar Point.
J and I drove there (no small feat!) this trip. Its approximately a 1 hr drive from Yosemite Valley floor, and is a lot of windy, narrow mountain roads. If you get carsick easily, I suggest snatching up dibs on shotgun, and also taking a nap till you reach your destination. There is a TON of parking (overflow lots towards the back). Bathrooms/outhouses were pretty smelly (according to J). Beware, all of them except for one set close during the winter season... although bushes might be cleaner/more appealing than those ones. Also remember to dress warmly in the winter, as it gets quite chilly up there.
I'd love to return via the 4 mile Trail. 3,000+ ft elevation change? Bring it on! -
Review from Steph G.
Pacifica, CA
10/15/2011 1 photo
I was in a wedding here three weeks ago and the views were stunning!!! I cannot think of a better backdrop for a wedding (and the pictures). There were a lot of tourists around considering the wedding was in the AM and it looked like there was a little gift shop that i will definiteIy visit next time. The wedding took place in the ampitheater area and there was plenty of seating for all of the guests. The bride was able to stand behind a big rock before the ceremony so the groom didn't see her. You are not allowed to have more than 75, which made for a nice intimate ceremony.
I swear I could have stayed there all day just looking at Half Dome, but unfortunately, we had to leave shortly after taking pictures to make it to the reception on time. I plan on coming back in the near future to look around a little more and go on a hike. -
Review from Arthur A.
Victorville, CA
10/14/2011 3 photos
Been to the park more than five times. Glacier Point has an awesome viewpoint. Offers stunning view of Yosemite Valley from left to right including Half Dome, the falls, peaks and the canyon. This vista is a must to see when visiting the park, anytime of the year.. well, except winter. Glacier point road closes on winter due to snow.
It is best to come here early during peak season. Parking in the trailhead fills up quickly. If you are not so lucky with the parking, drive up a little to Washburn point.. less crowd, it has great view also. A little hike from Washburn point to Glacier point is worthwhile.
Plenty of toilets in the parking area, but lines does exist. Snack and gift shop at the point is a major stop too. Ice cream and cold drinks is a must especially summer time. Definitely coming back here on sunset setting. A never ending photo opt. -
Review from Lei B.
6/8/2011 10 photos
If you're not a hiker than this would be number one on my list when visiting Yosemite. Luckily the road to Glacier Point just opened the weekend we visited. The views are breathtaking! You'll see El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Royal Arches, Half Dome, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest. The drive is a little long, about 2 hours round trip from the Yosemite Valley but it's worth it! If you don't want to drive you can pay for a tour bus or hike the Four Mile Trail,if it's open (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). There's plenty of parking and it's free. There's also a small gift shop to buy souvenirs. Don't forget to stop by the free telescope viewer that faces Half Dome.
Do not miss out! I don't think a trip to Yosemite is complete without stopping here.Listed in: Yosemite the Beautiful
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Review from Andy O.
7/11/2011 1 photo
You did Half Dome, you saw some of the falls, and you still aren't satisfied with the pictures you've come up with. Make your way over to Glacier Point and snap some pictures of the valley from there. It's a nice spot, but it's a bit out-of-the-way from everything else. You need to drive on a separate road that ends AT Glacier Point, and it's 15 miles of slow driving through some pothole-ridden corners.
You're basically driving a minimum of 45 minutes (if you happen to have a cabin in Yosemite West, the closest area to the road that takes you to Glacier Point) to take maybe 10 pictures. Worth it? Depends how good of a camera you've got, I guess.
Guides (including the official one you get when you pay to enter the Yosemite National Park) indicate that Glacier Point is a short hike, but it's hardly so. Sandals are 100% fine and you will not need any gear or refreshments. "Hike" apparently means pretty much anywhere you step foot on asphalt, according to the people who wrote the official guide. This is a stroll or a very, very short walk, NOT a hike. -
Review from Eric B.
3/25/2011
Glacier Point is the viewpoint above Yosemite Valley and sits at an elevation of 7214 feet, a full 3200 feet above Curry Village. What you get is a superb view of not only the Valley, but Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada Falls, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.
Glacier Point can be reached from the Valley via Glacier Point Road and is kind of crowded in the Summer. Glacier Point Road closes due to snow, and access to Glacier Point from the Badger Pass Ski Area is only by ski or snowshoe.
Like I have, you can hike all the way down from Glacier Point. Or if you'd like back up. However, it takes more time than you think and bring plenty of water, a hat, and a few layers Also, watch out for falling rocks from above. -
Review from S T.
Des Plaines, IL
12/31/2011
God magnified. Pure beauty. I don't have good enough words to describe this place. God is an Amazing Creator. There is none like Him. Saw three wolves on the way back. I will never forget their piercing bright eyes. Some people fed wolves from their cars. Don't miss seeing this place no matter how far (about an hour from Tunnel View) and how windy the roads gets ( it gets pretty windy, don't eat much otherwise you might get car-sick).
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Review from Adrienne H.
Palo Alto, CA
10/4/2011 10 photos
The most beautiful view we saw in our entire trip to Yosemite -- you can't beat the panoramic views of the valley, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the spectacular view of Half Dome. You have several options for getting here: you can hike up 4-mile trail, a nice hike with rewarding views all the way up (what we did), you can drive up here, or you can take a bus for around $25 per person. It may be a bit out of the way, but the view from here was the highlight of our Yosemite trip.
Listed in: Natural Wonders, Yosemite
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Review from Dan B.
Pasadena, CA
9/12/2011 4 photos
Three things stick out in my mind the day I visited Glacier Point:
1. The views
2. The horrible toilets
3. My near death experience hiking the Panorama trail
It's a good two hour drive to Glacier Point which climbs to over 7000 feet but it's well worth it. It offers great views of the valley, Yosemite/Nevada and Vernal falls to name a few, as well as the majestic Half Dome. I found it quite humbling stood looking out across the valley at the sights mother nature had crafted.
We arrived July 27th just before 8am and it was empty which made the viewing experience all the more better. There's a little cabin which is like a mini-musuem and also a telescope which turns the ants above Nevada falls into real life people. There's also a shop which sells sandwhiches and food as well as souveneirs but as we found out, this opens after 9am.
There are a few hikes you can do from here, we chose to do the Panorama Trail at roughly 8.30am and let me tell you, it's the hardest thing I've done. Its takes you down to the valley floor where you cross Illilouette Creek (we sat with our feet in the water here for ten minutes or so to rest) before ascending up the Mist trail to Nevada Falls. This trail is 8.5 miles one way, but be very weary if you do the return leg. This was my first hike in Yosemite and I had drank nearly both my bottles of water on the way down and only had one chocolate bar left for the return to Glacier Point. As it was now midday and over 100c, the 3200 feet of elevation gain took it's toll and there was very little shade in which to hide from the suns gaze. I returned to Glacier Point feeling like Bear Grylls, when in reality I had just done a moderate hike having been very underprepared and inexperienced. And Glacier Point was now full of people in mid afternoon with crowds everywhere.
I would recommend Glacier Point to anyone visiting Yosemite, it is easily accessible by car and offers some of the best views, but get there early and if you're doing a hike, you can never take enough water! -
Review from amy m.
San Ramon, CA
8/21/2010
Yosemite is ripe for PICTURE taking, everywhere you turn is a great picture moment.
At the top of Glacier point is a souvenir shop and deli which sold premade sandwiches and salads.
Glorious views abound here with the perfect view of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
We took the Glacier Point tour up this mountain (ONE WAY $23 adult) with the plan to hike down the 4 mile trail (which is actually 4.7 miles). My husband and 3 kids, youngest is 6, did the trek down the steep mountain and took several breaks to let the kids enjoy the views and make wildlife discoveries. There were many hairpin turns and switchbacks so that the slope of the trail was not too dramatic. What an experience! lots of shade and wonderful sights at every turn... -
Review from Shingo A.
7/9/2010 6 photos
For most, the trip to Yosemite National Park ends in Yosemite Valley. I came up here and I do not regret it. It was well worth the drive.
Look at the pictures I've posted. Stunning!
Along the way, I saw patches of snow on the ground. This was over 4th of July weekend 2010!
There are shared bathrooms near Glacier Point visitor center parking lot. But no soap to wash my hands. Next time I travel to remote locations, I'm carrying my own soap and toilet paper and so should you. Luckily, hand sanitizer was in our car to sanitize my hands afterward.
It was funny watching the Korean tourist lady coming out of the bathroom gagging. Yes, its smelly because there are no running water here, meaning all the stinky stuff stays down there permanently. Whatever you do, don't drop anything valuable down there because you'll never get it back! -
Review from Pamela M.
8/23/2010
Amazing views of the valley and Half Dome, from angles that most people don't get because they don't bother to come out here. I got here a couple mornings before dawn and was able to see some spectacular sunrises from this vantage point (now the store isn't open this early, so bring your own hot chocolate to keep you warm!).
One morning I was able to see a guy setting up to go hang-gliding through the valley after he took off from Glacier Point, looked like one of the best ways to see the valley!
Come back during the day and at night for Ranger talks, they have a lot of activities to partake in.
If you're coming to Yosemite don't skip out on Glacier Point, it's one of the best places in the whole park. -
Review from Eric C.
9/24/2010
We had just come back from a hike at Tuolome Meadows so I was exhausted after driving to/from Glacier Point.
I have mixed feelings about this. The view was AWESOME from glacier point. Great photography opportunities. But the trip to/from Glacier Point from the Valley was tiring. It's a 1 hour drive each way. Yes you are rewarded with fantastic views. But it might be better to hike there instead of driving. -
Review from FroSays C.
Atascadero, CA
6/21/2011
This is my favorite part of the park. Views from Glacier Point are unparalleled in beauty. Half Dome, El cap, Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls are all viewable from Glacier Point. The road it Glacier Point is only open from late May tell first snow around October. We were just there yesterday 6/20/2011 and there was still a good amount of snow on the way up. This is the must do if in the park.
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Review from Yee Gan O.
5/14/2009 1 photo
In my humble opinion, this is the single most amazing spot on the planet. I've travelled quite a lot and seen places like Yellowstone and Monument Valley but Glacer Point was still the one place which truly took my breath away when I first saw it.
It's quite a trek from the valley floor but well worth the journey. Head south on the 41 and you'll come across the turnoff. Don't get distracted by Washburn point as you approach Glacier Point as you'll get much the same view.
There's lots of parking and restrooms available. According to plaques telling you the history of the place, there used to be hotels up here too.
Follow the signs to Glacier Point - a gentle 300 yard walk and the dip leading up to the point hides its true nature til you arrive at the top and are confronted by Half Dome ahead of you and spread out on 3 sides are the valley, the valley floor and further mountain ranges. There's a giddying 4000 foot drop to the valley floor but you can clearly see all the major features there.
To the left is overhanging rock which is officially closed as it's a 4000 foot drop straight down to the valley floor if you fall off but I've seen people skip out to it for a photo.
If you're feeling adventurous/masochistic, you can hike up to Glacier Point on the 4 mile trail.
The single most awesome place on this planet! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Honolulu, HI
9/29/2010
Glacier Point. Mmmm.
Well, for me, my expectations were almost too high. Or I expected a lot more than I ended up seeing. Of course, it might be because I really really wanted a sunset viewing and we just made it with 15 minutes to spare right before it went completely dark, which was still awesome, thanks to my boyfriend's superb driving skills and ability to not murder slow-crawling drivers in front of us (we didn't SPEED...we just wanted to maximize the speed limit to it's utmost).
I did very much appreciate the view, though. I think it would've had more meaning if I actually read up the little "trivia" or history of different landmarks like North Dome, Half-Dome, and all the other landmarks..
I liked the night viewing...I can see why it's a fabulous place to go stargazing! I think this is a fabulous place to go and chill and enjoy a meal while you appreciate the scenery. It would be a surreal experience. This is a photographer's paradise. Unfortunately, I'm not that fascinated with photography :p. But it was great, nevertheless! -
Review from Robert O.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2009
Words can't describe it.
Photographs even less so.
The way I tell people about it is that it is as close to heaven as you can get on earth.
I stopped at Washburn Point before I got to Glacier Point, and just sat and meditated on a large rock there.
I headed over to the Point itself (which for a June night, was oddly almost empty). I laid down on the steps by the amphiteater, and just marveled at the surreal "purple mountain majesties" and starlit night sky, and listening to the wind blowing through every single rock, as Nevada and Vernal Falls crash in the backround.
Drive or hike here, but go at least once in your life. -
Review from Christine P.
Berkeley, CA
6/10/2009
This is the best view of Yosemite valley without hiking. 360 view from El Cap, Half Dome, Cloud's Rest.
My friends hiked the path to Sentinal Dome straight to Glacier Point and back. We had lunch at GLacier Point (note food is pricey and not a lot to choose from).
Here's a tip: Take the one way shuttle from Yosemite Village to Glacier Point and then hike down the valley on the Four Mile Trail. -
Review from Kara V.
6/17/2011 1 photo
This is definitly one of the must see places in Yosemite. Along with the views from the valley floor, this is the absolute best view from above, which is easily accessable. Its a 4000 foot drop straight down to the valley below, although now there are railings that keep you away from the edge. My BF in his youth actually went to the edge of that overhanging rock and stood there for a picture. Great views and tons of tourists with cameras....OK I guess that includes us. There are also restroom facilities and a snack bar and store here too open in the summer. The most fun time to come here is the winter. You will have to cross country ski out here from Badger Pass to reach it. Its about 12 miles each way on a groomed cross country ski track. We skied both ways for a day trip. The trail is groomed well for skate skis so the 24 miles was not too hard if you are in shape, its mostly downhill out and a gradual climb back. In the winter there are hardly any people out here at the point. I think there is over night lodging offered if you just want to ski in one day and out the next. Like I said, Glacier Point is a must see if you come to the park.
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Review from Matt E.
10/27/2010
4.5 stars...
Glacier Point offers one of the best unobstructed views of Yosemite valley from 3,200ft above the valley floor. The point (which is at 7,200ft in elevation) is also well-known as one of the best places to see the sun set. You're not actually looking at the sun setting (which is behind Glacier point and out of view) but you're watching the light (mostly on half dome and north dome) getting warmer and warmer as the shadow creeps up from the valley floor until just a pink sliver of light is illuminating the tip of the dome. Although you're seeing a lot of the valley, Glacier Point is in the valley so you're not seeing everything (you can't see El Capitan, the Cathedral Spires, or a lot of the other notable formations from this point). During the setting process there's often a park ranger by the vista point talking about some of the facts, history, and folk lore surrounding Yosemite. This is certainly nice for learning a thing or two but if you don't want to be around a lot of people and want quiet then you're better off taking a quick 1 mile or so hike to Sentinel Dome from a different parking lot down the road. Despite the fact that there are lots of people here you could always jump the barrier (which could be dangerous if you're not careful but it's not against the rules) and sit with plenty more elbow room on the ground or a rock with the same gorgeous view.
Getting to Glacier Point is easy. You can take a tour bus from the valley ($41 round trip) or drive yourself. The drive takes about an hour from the valley. You take Wawona Rd (Hwy 41) about 13miles south and then up the 16mile Glacier Point road to the end. Parking is free and the parking lot is a short 1/4mile paved walk to the viewpoint. If you're into hiking you can hike the Four-Mile Trail from the valley to Glacier Point. The trail is actually 4.8miles each way. If you don't feel like doing a 9.6mile hike you can take the tour bus up to Glacier Point ($25-1way) and hike down. For some odd and inexplicable reason you can't do this in reverse which would make a lot more sense. Note that Glacier Point road is windy and steep at points so it's usually only open from late May to sometime in October or November. -
Review from Rev. Dr. Christopher J. G.
Mountain View, CA
8/23/2008
I'm going to tell you a story and I hope you'll sit and read it all, then think for a minute. The story is called That One Girl, and it's 5 paragraphs. You might want to get a sip of your drink now to power you through the rest.
It was 1994, either late June or early July. I was young, had just finished my freshman year in college and was feelign that joy of returning to old friends. I went to Yosemite with some friends for something like 5 days. The first two days were cool; we listened to a lot of early Beck and ate too much steak, but the third day saw folks want to head into other directions. I wasn't into Half Dome (I'm 5'9, at that point about 220 and not in the shape to pull it off) and I had done the top of Middle Yosemite Falls several times. I figured it was a good time for me to take a moment and find a path I'd never done. I remembered that there was a path from Inspiration Point, the most famous view of the valley, to Glacier Point. I decided to walk it.
It took a while. I had a lot of water, a couple of baggies of GORP, some grapes, a couple of oranges, a few pieces of jerky and a lovely turkey sandwich I bought at Degnan's, I think. I stopped a couple of times along the way and ate and drank and enjoyed the view. There was a couple off the trail a bit, they'd dug a tiny hole with their hands and poured a powder into it, covered the hole and small heap with a large flat rock and then prayed over it, all while I watched and ate my sandwich. It took me a while, but I realised that they were likely fulfilling someone's wish to stay in Yosemite forever, and putting their ashes there did just that. They headed down the trail, rejoining it below where I was sitting, so I never got to ask who it was or why they'd chosen that spot. I did walk to the stone and place a small pebble on it in memorium.
The way I walked it, the trip took me almost four hours. I stopped, I took some pictures (which I don't know if I ever got developed) and even talked with some fo the other people moving better up the trail. I made it to the top and found a gnarled old tree to sit on and look out over the valley. And after a few minutes a young woman, maybe 20, but probably 18 or so, came up and sat beside me. I looked over at her adn she said nothing. I smiled and nodded in greeting. She smiled back. I could tell right away that she was Russian. I knew a little Russian and I wanted to say somethng, but she opened up a little bag and removed some Czar Nicholas chocolate. I remember that because of the pisture of him on the wrapper.
I took a piece and ate and it was lovely. She moved a little closer and opened up her bag. There was a lovely selection of sodas and she even had a thermos filled with hot water which she used to make tea. It was delicious. I remember saying menya zavoot Chris and she saying her name was Caroline, or something like it. That was all we said to each other. We enjoyed the selection of stuff she had brought on the gnarled branch and then we packed up, I took most of the garbage back in my bag, and she walked with me back down the trail, the darkness coming as we got to the parking lot. She gave me a lift back down the road to the Ahwahnee, where she was staying, and I left, giving her a brief hug. I took the shuttle back to my campground and I told the story to all the folks I'd come with. None of them had nearly as interesting a day.
Stuff like that can only happen where there is real magic. Glacier Point is real magic. -
Review from Sarah P.
Bend, OR
2/17/2011
This is the EASIEST way to experience the wonders of the Valley. My favorite view of the valley is from above, and I've been on top of El Cap, the top of upper Yosemite Falls, on top of North Dome, Half Dome, ect, but this one you just drive there! Seriously people, it doesn't get better than this! I have always wanted to ski out here in the winter, but jumping out of my car and tasting a bit of heaven is so easy and so good. I can't imagine giving this less than 5 stars. I would give it 100 if I could, it's that awesome.
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Review from Max M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2011
Wow. This is one of the best views of the whole valley from well up above the valley. You are right above it and a great view of Half Dome to the right.
If you are afraid of heights this is not the place for you. -
Review from Heidi S.
6/28/2010
Glacier Point. It's hard to find words to describe it. We came for the Canon in the Park work shop on a Thursday and got front row parking. It was crowded but certainly manageable. The Canon staff was really great, informative and made the visit that much more memorable. I captured some amazing pictures and will always remember this as my first stop in Yosemite.
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Review from Bob W.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2009
It's a must-see when visiting Yosemite for the first time. Glacier Point is certainly one candidate for the world's greatest viewpoint that can be driven to. Only views of the Grand Canyon have this kind of scale and sweep. Photographs taken from Glacier Point are numerous and easy to find on web sites. The view looks exactly like what you see in the photos.
I disagree with one other review here that says to skip Washburn Point. I think you should go to both Washburn and Glacier Points. There is a view of Illilouette Fall from Washburn Point, and that fall cannot be seen from Glacier Point. It's not as impressive of a waterfall as the other big ones, but if you are counting waterfalls, it's one more to see. The views of Vernal and Nevada Falls are slightly closer from Washburn Point than from Glacier Point and to my ears you can hear them a little more clearly.
Anyway, Glacier Point is definitely a must-see at least once in your life, at least for your first visit to Yosemite. On subsequent visits you might want to spend your time exploring other areas of the park including the wonderful Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows. But make the journey to Glacier Point at least once. Probably the most beautiful time to be at Glacier Point is at sunset, when the alpenglow hits the face of Half Dome and the tops of the high mountains in the park. That's the most beautiful it gets at Glacier Point, but the view is still spectacular at any time.
There is a low wall around the viewing area, which protects you from going too far or falling over. As long as you remain inside the wall, you are totally safe and you can enjoy the views without feeling any fear. If you go up to the wall and look over, straight down, you will get a real shock as it is 3,200 feet from Glacier Point to the valley floor. So if you have a fear of heights do not go right up to the wall and look over. Obviously, never go beyond the wall or to any of the areas marked "Danger - Do Not Enter," including the famous overhanging rock. Despite the warning signs, some people still go out onto that rock to pose for pictures. That is an extremely stupid thing to do, because one gust of wind would easily send them to their deaths. That area is off limits now, and it is extremely dangerous to be anywhere beyond the walled-in area. If you have children with you, you will need to monitor them carefully.
In years past, there was a Glacier Point Hotel in this area, which was completed in 1917 but burned down in 1969.
Another interesting piece of history with Glacier Point is the firefall, which was performed nightly at 9 p.m. in the summer, from approximately 1872 to 1968. The last firefall was done on January 25, 1968. You can read more details about the firefall at http://firefall.info. There is also a Geology Hut in the area that gives information about the geologic history of Yosemite. There is a gift shop and ice cream store between Glacier Point and the parking lot, but I'm not sure of the hours. It was closed when we were there.
Overall, Glacier Point definitely qualifies as a must-see at least once in your life. You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley via the "Four Mile Trail," but that involves an elevation gain of 3,200 feet so it's very strenuous. There is a paid bus that you can take to Glacier Point, and either take the bus back down to Yosemite Valley or just buy a one-way ticket up to Glacier Point and then hike down the Four Mile Trail back to Yosemite Valley. Or, you can just drive your car up to Glacier Point and back.
It's approximately a one-hour drive from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. In the winter, Glacier Point road is closed, except the first part of it, up to the Badger Pass ski area, is plowed and kept open. During the winter, the only way to get to Glacier Point is by snowshoe or cross-country skis. The full Glacier Point road opens to autos usually in May, in fact it opened on May 5, 2009. But depending on weather and snow conditions, it could open later. In 1995 and 1998 it did not open until July 1. It's also possible that Glacier Point road could open for the season, but then be shut down again if a late-season snowstorm comes through. The road usually closes for the season sometime in November. -
Review from Carissa G.
Austin, TX
10/13/2009
Beautiful, make sure you stay for the astronomy spiel. At this altitude, you can see the milky way and there are amazing shooting stars.
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Review from L R.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
9/3/2010
Best place to view the grandness of Yosemite!! So spectacular. I want to go back!
