Glacier Point Trail is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mariposa, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October.
wheelchair friendly
kid friendly
stroller friendly
birding
cross country skiing
hiking
nature trips
snowshoeing
walking
forest
paved
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
snow
no dogs
Drive to the best view in all of Yosemite. This 270-degree view of the Valley, Half Dome, and 3 Falls will amaze you. Glacier Point is a popular stop for many new visitors to Yosemite National Park on their way down to Yosemite Valley. Although it's not much of a hike, the view at the end of the paved walkway will leave you breathless. You will see (left to right) both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley below, Clouds Rest, Half Dome standing proud, and even Vernal and Nevada Falls. What more could you ask for? Winter In Winter the road to Glacier Point is closed to cars, but strap on a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes and you should be good to go. If you want to stay overnight, reserve a spot in the Glacier Point Ski Hut where there are bunk beds (dormitory style), a wood fire, food, and good company.
Don’t miss the magnificent views here! And don’t be scared by the 252 feet—the elevation gain is less than that.
This is not really a hike. There are several viewpoints that are easily accessible. Everything is paved and secured. There are many tourists present at any time.
The view, for example, of the Half Dome, is still breathtaking!
Great view from 7,000 feet up. You can look down in the valley where you were before plus see the surrounding mountains.
Easy walk on a paved walkway that ends with an amazing view
Got there in time to see sunrise and was worth getting up early - not many others around!
outstanding
Great Views!
Beautiful views of the valley!! Especially gorgeous at sunset! There was a ranger talk when we went and she was an awesome story teller. You can tell she loves where she lives and loves telling visitors about Yosemite!
As far as reward to effort ratio goes, you can't get much better than this. The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoints is short, paved, mostly flat and, understandably, pretty crowded. Actually, just finding parking space can be quite tricky. The views of the valley and especially the Half Dome are absolutely stunning though and I really can't recommend this highly enough.
Do yourself a favor, take the bus to Glacier Point and hike all the way back down to the valley. You can hit up Nevada and Vernal falls on the way down, plus a bonus of crossing over Illilouette falls on the way to Nevada. This hike is for the most part all down hill, so for those who find going up the trail to Vernal and Nevada, this will be much more doable. The views are spectacular!
Great little walk for an amazing view of Half Dome and the valley floor.
Amazing views!
Take your camera
The amazing thing about this area is that so many of the trails connect! I will most definitely be back and do more hiking, but this time around, Yosemite was just a half-day stop. And if you’re doing the same thing, get here early and head to this spot! I’m currently on a huge road trip and this may have been the most amazing sight my eyes have ever seen. Simply spectacular. Additionally, another cool thing is that there is great phone connection so I was able to facetime and share the view with some of my friends and family back home. All that to say, I’d HIGHLY recommend this lookout point of the valley, whether you’re just stopping by the park for a few hours, or hiking some of the trails around it!
We walked the mile long trail from the Taft Trail/Glacier Point Junction. Well worth it!
Simple walk to amazing views! Worth going at sunset as it lights up Half Dome!
Kids loved being able to be free, climb rocks and having flashlights.
Of course the view is amazing. Not sure I would consider that a hike. Be careful of when you go - I went in the afternoon of memorial day, and rangers stopped us for 2 hours to wait before there was enough parking place. I was also back there after a hike for sunset which was great.
Arrive early and you’ll have an easy time parking. Unbelievable views of the valley, waterfalls, and surrounding peaks.
Amazing views, definite must do. Parking lot is a decent size to accommodate the crowds. Kids and hungry hikers loved the snack bar up there, must do!!
If you are on Glacier Point Road, you have to check out this place. Such amazing views!
amazing view of the valley ! no crowds early May if open !
Most beautiful area near the valley floor. It's a must see.
amazing view. you can see upper and lower falls and also half dome.
Magnificent view!
Beautiful view ...
Best views of the valley and surrounding range North and East of Yosemite!
Amazing views, check out sentinel dome and Taft point just down the road while you are there
My favorite part of Yosemite has to be here. Worth every breathtaking moment
The most amazing view I have ever seen! Definitely my favorite spot I've found hiking so far! I miss it like I miss a person. Just breathtaking. 100% recommend.
Amazing view! Probably my favorite overlook. You can see the Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal and Nevada Falls. Highly recommend for a bird's eye view