Olmsted Point - Yosemite National Park
This week we’re making a stop at one of the famous (and scenic) overlooks along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park…join me as we explore Olmsted Point.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: .25 miles
• Elevation Change: >100 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Olmsted Point - official view
Olmsted Point - Yosemite National Park
Location & History
This spot was named after celebrated architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, whose Yosemite Report helped create the framework for the National Park System. This area was long home to the Ahwahneechee before the Mariposa War. Olmsted Point can be found 18 miles from Yosemite’s east Tioga Pass entrance or 40 miles from the Yosemite Valley.
Olmsted Point - additional hike
Olmsted Point - official view
Views
Olmsted Point is famous for its pristine views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest right from the parking lot (which is rarely empty, but has plenty of space for vehicles, RVs and buses). While you can make this a quick stop for a perfect photo op from your car, there are also informational panels about the area and history here, along with a bronze map of the landscape. If you have a little more time, you can take the official trail for a short five minute walk down for even more unobstructed views. The path is dotted with boulders that moved with glaciers centuries ago, and it’s great to scramble around the wide open granite here.
Olmsted Point - Tenaya Lake
Olmsted Point - additional hike
Additional Hiking
Most visitors stick to the parking lot and path in front of the road, but my favorite hike here is actually heading across the street behind the parking area and up to the top of the granite peak. This short hike heads up 100 ft in a 1/4 mile and leads to unparalleled panoramic views, including Tenaya Lake. You are practically guaranteed to have the stunning views here all to yourself. This short hike also gives you a great chance to see Yosemite’s yellow-bellied marmots. This is a short and easy adventure, but please remember to explore here within your own skill and comfort level as you scramble around…the path narrows at the top and there are multiple shear granite edge drop offs.
Olmsted Point - parking lot view
Olmsted Point - yellow-bellied marmots
Know Before You Go
• Please drive safely along the road here…wildlife is abundant, from small marmots to large black bears.
• Most years Tioga Rd is open from June through October, but it’s important to check the NPS website for exact and up-to-date opening/closing information for when this spot is accessible.
• There’s a good chance you’ll have cell reception if you hike to the top of the peak behind the parking area…not that you’d want to spend your time on the phone here instead of enjoying the views.
• The weather can change suddenly here. Often in Summer the early mornings are calm and cool, but by afternoon the winds can pick up and the sun can feel brutal reflecting off the surrounding granite walls.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
National Park shirt from FlyingDawnMarie & SuddenlySee Etsy Shop (click the photo to shop now)
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite. For a virtual visit to this spot, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Olmsted Point - view from parking area
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for hiking the easy 3.5 mile trail along the Wawona Meadow Loop. This is the perfect hike to avoid the busy Yosemite Valley crowds and escape the hot Summer sun. This family and dog friendly trail circles the historic Wawona Golf Course and is found right off Highway 41 near the Wawona Hotel just a few miles north of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.