Hiking to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park
This week we’re in Yosemite National Park soaking in soaking in a quintessential view. Join me as we hike up to Artist Point.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 1 mile RT
• Elevation Change: 500 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Artist Point view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall through smoke
View of Yosemite Valley from Artist Point
Old Wawona Road / Old Stagecoach Road
History
The view from Tunnel View may have been made famous by the incredible photography of Ansel Adams, but the origins of Artist Point go back much further. In late Spring of 1855, Thomas Ayres drew the Yosemite Valley from this area, which was widely published and introduced these wild lands to the world for the first time. Although the angle from which he penned his drawing was slightly different (probably closer to modern day Inspiration Point), Artist Point’s namesake was born.
The Old Wawona Road on which this viewpoint is found also contains quite a bit of history. As you saunter along this storied route, imagine skilled and fearless stagecoach drivers providing safe passage into the Valley below. The most talented and famous of these men was George Frazier Monroe. Son of a local civil rights activist, Monroe was a tour guide and stagecoach driver in the 1860s, 70s, and 80s for the Big Tree Station. Henry Washburn, the owner of this Yosemite resort, was quoted as saying Monroe was “the greatest of all” and he “always put him on the box when there was a distinguished party to be driven.” Some of his most famous passengers were Presidents Grant, Garfield, and Hayes, along with actress Lillie Langtry. For a full story on Monroe, make sure to check out this wonderful article here.
George Frazier Monroe
1855 Thomas Ayres drawing
Views
Artist Point provides very similar views to Tunnel View but without the crowds. Pretty much any time of day (but especially during sunrise and sunset), you’ll be competing with flocks of photographers and tourists by the busload to get a clear shot at Tunnel View. However, after a short uphill jaunt from the parking area to Artist Point, you can have unobstructed views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and the valley below. There are a couple slight differences from the Tunnel View scene, however. Since Artist Point is slightly more southern, Half Dome is a bit less prominent (but certainly still in view!). You’ll get a partial view of Highway 41, Bridalveil Fall is more prominent (perfect during heavy Spring flows), and the elevation is 400 feet higher than Tunnel View.
Artist Point in Yosemite National Park
Stopping for views along the Pohono Trail in Yosemite
Location & Hike
Located at the Tunnel View parking lot at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel, the hike starts at the Pohono Trailhead. The full Pohono Trail would take you all the way to Glacier Point, extending 13 miles one way and gaining 3400 feet in elevation…but today, we’ll only be taking it for about 1/2 mile before turning left onto the old Wawona Road. The crossroad here is marked with multiple signs…since Artist Point isn’t marked, we’ll head down the path marked “Bridalveil Fall”. After another 1/2 mile descending down this old stagecoach road through the beautiful Yosemite Wilderness, the views open up to the vast Valley below. If the views don’t give it away, we’ll know we’re in the right place because of the large boulder which marks the point.
Pohono Trail before turning onto Old Wawona Road
Rocky section of the Pohono Trail in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• Prior to visiting Yosemite, always check the NPS website, the weather forecast, and the air quality during fire season. As you can see, our views of the Yosemite Valley today were filled with smoke (from the Red Fire). Quite often wildfires or prescribed burns are active in the park, making smoke levels quite unhealthy.
• 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.
• Sections of the Pohono Trail are quite rocky and steep, so proper footwear is important.
• There are sections of the hike where poison oak lines the trail.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
Top 10 Yosemite Viewpoints
Inspiration Point
Artist Point
Stanford Point
Hawk perched near Artist Point
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me in Yosemite today. For a virtual visit to Artist Point, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. For more great spots in this area, click here to read all of my Yosemite articles. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Sunrise view near the Artist Point / Pohono Trailhead
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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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Today I'm sharing a comprehensive visitors guide for Glacier Point, one of the most iconic clifftop viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. This famous overlook provides the perfect spot to photo Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and the Yosemite Valley below. Read this complete travel guide for preparing your hiking or photography adventure, and learn about its rich history.