Glacier Point in Yosemite - Why to Visit in 2021 — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Last week I was able to take a bit of a break and escape Los Angeles to spend a few days soaking in the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Today I’m taking you with me to you one of the most famous and classic Yosemite vistas...welcome to Glacier Point.

The Location

Glacier Point stands 3,214 feet above the valley below, and the elevation at the trailhead is 7,200 feet above sea level. From the parking/shuttle area, it’s a short and easy walk (less than 3/4 of a mile round-trip on a paved path) to the stunning overlook. Gazing straight out towards Half Dome is definitely a highlight here.

After sunset from the Glacier Point Road horseshoe bend

The Views

Glacier Point views are unparalleled - located below is Curry Village, Yosemite Village, Yosemite Lodge and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Mirror Lake sits down to the right, and Royal Arch is positioned centrally. This is a wonderful place to look down on Yosemite Falls from above. Mt Hoffman, Basket Dome, North Dome, and Illilouette Falls are also all on display from this spot.

Illilouette Falls from Washburn Point — Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall seen from Washburn Point

Sunrise at the Glacier Point Road horseshoe bend

Sunrise & Sunset

Sunsets at Glacier Point are beautiful. However, during Summer and into Fall, it can get so busy that you can easily spent a 1/2 hr plus waiting in your car on the backed up road, hoping to snag a parking spot for golden hour (trust me I have personal experience with this...and it’s still totally worth it!). If you want to avoid the crowds, start your day early and come here for sunrise. Nothing beats watching the sun rise over Half Dome right in front of you!

After sunrise near the Glacier Point Road horseshoe bend

Seasons

Glacier Point really shines in the Springtime. If you visit on a quiet Spring morning, you can clearly hear the falls raging below. Autumn is magical too, as the season changes and the lush green colors transform into bright hues of orange and gold. The road to Glacier Point closes in the Winter, and while I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place to snowshoe and cross country ski, I’ve never tried it personally…but I imagine it’s quite an experience.

Why to Visit Now

So why must you plan a visit to Glacier Point this Fall? The most important reason is when Glacier Point Road closes for Winter this year, it will not open back up at all in 2021. The road will be closed to all traffic in 2021 as it undergoes a major road rehabilitation project. (Update as of 12/20 the road rehabilitation project has been pushed back to 2022 due to Covid.) The only way to access Glacier Point in 2021 will be one of three strenuous hikes. Four Mile Trail (which is actually over 9 miles round trip) is probably the easiest option, and while the views along this hike are wonderful, it gains and loses over 3,200ft in elevation. Panorama and Pohono trails will access Glacier Point in 2021 as well.

Another reason to visit soon is the current limited traffic due to Covid-19. Entrance to the park is restricted (at least through Oct. 2020) to those who either make reservations for day passes or have reservations to stay in a hotel/camping area inside the park. In the Summer, Yosemite is often packed in the Summer…especially in the valley! Yet while I was there this July, I saw multiple black bears eating in the valley without the typical dozens of visitors inching closer to them (it’s sad but trust me it happens). I also visited some of my favorite spots without any major crowds, which is exceptionally rare during the Summer months.

Sunrise at the Glacier Point Geology Hut

Structures

Aside from the incredible views, Glacier Point has a wonderful outdoor amphitheater where rangers can give talks. Interestingly, the location where the amphitheater now stands was once home to the Glacier Point Hotel built in 1918. Unfortunately the hotel burned to the ground in 1969…however some of the old foundations are still evident if you know where to look for them. The old Glacier Point Trailside Museum building is also worth a stop. This small stone building, now referred to as the Geology Hut, was constructed in in 1924. It was the first trailside museum in the National Park System, and it was added to the US National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1978.

Horseshoe Bend

Before you leave Glacier Point, take time to walk the short dirt path up to the horseshoe bend overlook. Generally this spot is quieter than Glacier Point, but the views are just as worthy of enjoying. This is the spot where all of the famous “road to Glacier Point” pics are taken. If you do walk along the roadside, just be mindful of oncoming traffic as there is a blind curve here. Standing at this lesser visited overlook makes the short but steep walk very rewarding.

Hiking Trails

There are multiple trail heads along Glacier Point Road, and since you can barely consider Glacier Point Trail a hike, it’s fun to add at least one of these on to your visit. My personal favorites are Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, which start at the same trail head (found here) and head in opposite directions…each are just over 2 miles round-trip. You can also enjoy longer and more strenuous hikes, such as Bridal Veil Creek (4 miles round-trip), Dewey Point (8m round-trip), or Ostrander Lake (11m round-trip).

Washburn Point

Washburn Point is the last stop along the road before you reach Glacier Point. A small parking lot and just 20 stair steps lead to magnificent views of Vernal, Nevada and Illilouette Falls. In fact, you get a better view of Illilouette Falls here than you do at the actual Glacier Point location. Washburn Point makes a quick but photo worthy stop. Just be advised that Washburn Point can get almost as crowded as Glacier Point for sunset in the Summer months.

Know Before You Go:

Other Yosemite Points of Interest

Taft Point
( 1 mile N)

Sentinel Dome
( 1 mile N)

Yosemite Valley
(29 miles)

Cooks Meadow/Lower Falls Loop
(28 miles)

Pioneer Yosemite History Center
(26 miles)

Wawona Swinging Bridge
(30 miles)

Tioga Pass
(37 miles)

Mammoth
(120 miles)

Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
(170 miles)

• The drive from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point takes 45+ minutes to drive.

• If you do not enter the park via YARTS or CUA’s or have a in-park lodging/camping reservation, wilderness or Half Dome pass then you must purchase day pass entry tickets at Receration.gov (through Oct. 2020)

• The road to Glacier Point will be closed for all of 2021 so the only access point will be hiking 8+ miles.

• Popular activities include birdwatching, hiking, stargazing and Ranger and Interpretive Programs.

• There are multiple pit toilets located here as well as bathrooms with plumbing at the trailhead.

• A gift shop and cafeteria at the trailhead are open during the summer.

• Please store all food properly in the food storage lockers as black bears call Yosemite home.

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

• The paved path from the parking area to Glacier Point is wheelchair accessible.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me today! For a virtual walk around Glacier Point, see my Behind the Blog video below…and for a full overview of what Yosemite has to offer check out this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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