Overview

Glacier Point Road has a variety of trails, including Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, which both begin at the same point and lead to excellent overlooks. Glacier Point itself offers picture-perfect views. You can drive to Glacier Point or take the bus tour, then hike from there to Yosemite Valley, a scenic four-mile trail that features spectacular views of Yosemite Falls and the valley below. The Panoramic Trail has views of Illilouette Fall and the eastern portion of the valley.

Trailhead

In addition to the hike to Yosemite Valley and the Panoramic Trail, there are several day hikes with trailheads nearby. Bridalveil Creek and Dewey Point begin at McGurk Meadow Trailhead, west of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff, and six miles east of the turnoff you'll find the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead. The Mono Meadow parking area is east of the turnoff, as is the Ostrander Lake trailhead. There are several hikes that are accessible from Glacier Point Road.

Details

• Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley, strenuous, 4.8 miles one way 
• Panorama Trail, strenuous, 8.5 miles one way 
• Taft Point, easy to moderate, 1.1 miles, less than an hour, 280 foot elevation gain 
• Sentinel Dome, easy to moderate, 1.1 miles, approximately an hour

Plan & Prepare

The road is usually open from late May to November; call (209) 372-0200 for the most up-to-date conditions. Take water. Temperatures can vary, wear layers. Beware of sheer downward slopes at Panorama Point and other vista sites, use caution and keep children close.