Glacier Point

Glacier Point

Glacier Point
4.9
About
This rustic geological formation is most famous for the magnificent sunsets that can be viewed from its top.
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  • kay-cee-1138
    Houston, Texas556 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Getting up to Glacier Point is a bit of a driving adventure in itself, but if a visitor can handle the 12 miles or so of tight and winding roads, and find an open parking slot, the reward is a superb view over the eastern part of Yosemite Valley. We made the trip on an overcast Wednesday in mid-October, and it was still a breath-taking view. The clouds may have been heavy, but every now and then, a bit of sunshine would peek through between us and the horizon, yielding an ever-changing play of light on the granite sides of the valley. Half Dome, of course, dominates the view to the east. But be sure to look north where one can see, far below, the Ahwahnee Lodge, and Yosemite Village and the towering cliffs of the valley's north face behind them. There is no additional fee to visit Glacier Point beyond general admission to the national park itself. The parking lot there at the point is sizeable, but we found it still got pretty full mid-day on a cloudy Wednesday. It is built in the form of a loop, so it is possible to circle the lot to watch for freshly-open spots, if need be. There are public restrooms at the point. There also appears to be a retail shop of some sort, but that was closed during our visit (possibly it's only open during the summer). While walking the paths, watch for the grey and silver squirrels that live in the area and can often be seen scampering around on the ground.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 10, 2024
  • DesertRose
    568 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The view here is incredible. I had to force myself to get out of the way in order for others to get up close to take a look. Seeing the rainbow from the spray hitting the ground from the waterfall was amazing. The drive of is full of very lovely views as well. The road curves a lot on the way up so keep that in mind if you're prone to car sickness. I felt a bit queasy by the time I got to the top. The restrooms however were awful, with used toilet paper and worse on the floor. They are obviously not serviced often and are in need of not only cleaning but emptying.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 7, 2024
  • D P
    Wellington, New Zealand8,027 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see for everyone visiting Yosemite!! The views from up here are spectacular and accessible for everyone no matter of fitness or disabilities as the car park is right next to them and the path is smooth and wide. There’s heaps of space for everyone to get a perfect view particularly at sunset which it does get busy at. If you want to see the sunset in the best spot or pats to get up there an hour before hand. There is a shop there too that sells sandwiches, ice creams other basic foods and gifts. There are also several toilet blocks in the car parking area but don’t expect much as they are just long drop loos.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 25, 2024
  • aberdeenangler
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom847 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I drove to this point early morning, just as daylight was breaking, and it was thoroughly worthwhile. Stunning outlooks towards Half Dome and down into Yosemite Valley. I imagine this area becomes really busy later in the day and the carpark may become full. If you visit Yosemite, don't miss this out.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written October 14, 2024
  • Janka K
    Brno, Czech Republic9,379 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The place with the most famous picture views from this national park. The valley and the hills around are breathtaking and it's surely worthy to stop by here to look around. It takes few hours of driving to get to the top, especially from Yosemite Valley. Since there is a big elevation different, prepare that it's quite chilly here, even though it might be very warm in the valley. Bring some hoodie with long sleeves or a puffer jacket with you. I also appreciated closed shoes. The parking lot at this place is big and there are dry toilets.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 22, 2024
  • Angel57
    2,140 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A windy hours drive up & a nightmare to park because everyone tries to get into the first parking area when there are loads of spaces in the second area. However, get over that obstacle & the views are magnificent, probably the best in the park. So glad we persevered.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 18, 2024
  • Mouzouris
    Detroit, Michigan2,138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth the extra drive from the main valley. You get a whole different prospective of the size of the national park and the views are amazing. I can see parking being an issue at high season but eventually you will get spot as people come and go pretty frequently.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written September 3, 2024
  • advisorj
    442 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    As has been sighted previously, the bathroom situation is bad. Also the worst I have ever seen in a public area outside of China. Otherwise, great views and adequate parking when the park has visit limitations in effect.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 26, 2024
  • jtop5
    Crystal Lake, Illinois117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must stop in one’s lifetime The views from this point are breathtaking . The sounds and views of stunning waterfalls in the distance . Half dome and the majestic mountain tops . Yosemite is a must to take the entire family when kids are older Later teens and early 20’s -
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 15, 2025
  • Diane R
    Baltimore, Maryland53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most amazing views in the park! After the Valley Floor Tour, it was interesting to see things from above! Well worth the long drive up the mountain. Would not recommend trying to come down after dark, so plan your visit to have daylight when you leave. It was our last place to visit before we left the park and so glad we did!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.9
4.9 of 5 bubbles4,622 reviews
Excellent
4,165
Very good
382
Average
54
Poor
9
Terrible
12

Paul Smith Palliser
Peru364 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Let's start with the only bad thing about this place (hence the 4 stars). I understand there is no sewer system there and that the bathrooms are non-flush waterless toilet system called vaults. I get that. But there has to be a way those bathrooms have to be cleaned at least every two to three hours, considering the amount of people that visit the place. Worst bathrooms I've been to in all my life.
As for Glacier Point itself, definitely one of the best viewpoints in the park. Plenty of places to sit down and relax and admire the views. There is a giftshop that also sells snacks and plenty of water We stayed for the sunset and waited for the stars to come out (we went on a New Moon). It was magical and something we'll never forget.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RM R
Dubai, United Arab Emirates94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Truly incredible views. Starting at the bottom nice and early you get increasingly good views of the north side of the valley, particularly Yosemite Falls. Worth the short walk to the little lookout halfway up. The upper part continues a pretty steep hike on pretty well kept trail. The bit that got me (vertigo) was a narrow snow covered ledge you need to cross to reach the beautiful woods just below the peak - scary. The rangers had come up and partly cleared it later in the day but still found it difficult.
Tip: I was really lucky with timing (early May) on a Monday. Very few people as the road up was still blocked by snow and COVID kept a lot of Lon distance travelers away. Crowds therefore very light, maybe 30 people total at the summit with me - there can be a lot more.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PacificNWFamily
Washington State104,347 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
I visited Glacier Point twice during my recent trip to Yosemite and many many times in the past. Glacier Point and its numerous viewpoints were as lovely as always. There were lots of other folks taking in the views, even though it was October.

I still don’t know why everyone queues up for the busiest vault toilets near the entrance of the parking lot, but they do. The vault toilets as the far end of the parking lot had no line and no bad aroma.

The bear lockers that previously were located in parking places have been moved to the center area between the lower lot and the upper lot, accessed from the upper lot. The new locations make a lot more sense.

The snack bar & gift shop were starting to close up for the season. No more ice cream. The microwave was still available.
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LYNN H
Nashville, TN49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a must see at sunset. Get there at least an hour before to get a parking spot. Take dinner, a snack, wine or nothing and enjoy the changing light and panoramic views. Key view is Half Dome!

A hike beforehand to either Sentinel Dome or Taft point or both adds a good hike before sitting at sunset.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LovestoTravel
san francisco369 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
We've been here 20 years ago and it's so nice to come back. They recently re-opened in late July, so we were so lucky to able to come up here.

Your Google Maps will not show this place and will suggested the hiking trail way, which is up north. However, if you search for Badger Pass Ski Are, it's basically the same route. Just drive on Glacier Point Road, until the end of it. Took us about an hour to get up there, because most of the time it's just one way road. They have to do a lot of constructions, so be patient and wait for it.

Come early to get parking, parking lot is very small. We arrived around 7:45AM and there weren't many people yet, when we leave around 9AM the parking lot of getting filled.
We didn't do the Four Mile Trail, since we have little kids, but if we had more time, we would do it. There are restrooms at the parking lot.

The view is breathtaking, you'll have an overview of where exactly all the peaks and mountains are. It's amazing to overlook Half Dome and Yosemite Valley right underneath you. Highly recommend coming up here!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Georgianna C
Makati, Philippines102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Such a gorgeous view, really there are no words to describe it. You really see everything from here and you know what makes the view even better? Watching the sunrise here.

My fiance and I were jetlagged so we decided to drive here at 6am to watch the sunrise and it did not disappoint. Not only was it gorgeous, we were the only ones there! We ended up staying for almost 3 hours just because we loved the view so much.

Another reason to convince you to visit? Just as we were about to leave, a couple in formal attire arrived with a photographer and an officiator. They were getting married with Glacier Point as their view! If they got up early and the bride, in her gown and heels, walked all the way up just have this view as they exchanged vows, you know this place is worth visiting.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gsgman777
Columbia, IL827 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
I can't believe how amazing it looked up there. The views looked like a painting, just unreal.
They have a lot of parking with restroom buildings but, if you need to go to the restroom, they were horrible smelling, be prepared to hold your breath.

They also had a nice gift shop/convenient store right on top too. Try the huckleberry licorice, my wife loved it.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RG_WorldTravel
Los Angeles, CA550 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Family
We put a twist into our visit to Glacier Point.
We parked our car at the start of the hike to Sentinel Dome, hiked to the base of the dome, then up to the peak of the dome.

From there we hiked down to Glacier Point. Each and every one of these viewpoints is scenic beyond words, and each of the trails has its share of unique terrain and interesting twists and turns.

The views of half dome, as well as El Capitan and the rest of the valley as seen from Sentinel dome are magnificent, and then to see half dome from Glacier point takes your breath away.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cali4niahiker
Arlington, WA2,471 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
Glacier Point at about 7000 ft elevation can be reached by car, shuttle bus (but not during the pandemic) or several strenuous hikes from Yosemite Valley.

Even if you can’t walk well, you still get stellar views. If you can hike several miles there are a lot of options on where to go from here. Most people enjoy the short but steep hike to the geology hut. From there you can see the Yosemite Valley floor below, Yosemite Falls in it’s entirety.
From Washburn Point about 1/4 mile before you reach the Glacier Point Parking Lot, you can see the entire length of the mist trail with Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the upper 1/4 of Illilouette Fall. (Here you can get a good view of some of the Panorama Trail, which starts at Glacier Point, and goes past all 3 of these waterfalls, about 8 miles to The Valley below).

The star of Glacier Point is Half Dome. It’s so large and seemingly so close it feels like you can touch it! Photo opps abound.
The Four Mile Trail starts here, going to Yosemite Valley in 4.4 miles and 3,200 ft elevation loss. The first mile is more of a rim trail, and loses/gains only 250 feet. Walk to the point where the switchbacks start, and turn around to retrace your steps. It’s a mile of stellar views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains - at a fraction of the effort it takes to hike the entire trail.
The road to Glacier Point is not open year round. Check road conditions before going. Wintry conditions or fire can close the road. Generally it’s open end of May through October.
If it’s open during your visit, even if pressed for time, this is a must-do! Bring your lunch and sit on the steps of the amphitheater!
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

johnnnita
Napa, CA2,367 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
This attraction/view will truly take your breath away! And, it's accessible via road before you go through Tunnel View. In fact, you may want to take the right turn at the entrance as you are driving in before proceeding further into Yosemite Valley. Once you make the right turn, you'll drive some distance before arriving at this remarkable vista point.

For us, driving up we didn't see much traffic, even with the limited capacity during the coronavirus period. However, once we "arrived" at the vista point and parked, we came upon quite a group of tourists (much like Tunnel View). One can only imagine what it must be like during "normal" park periods.

We were able to find a parking spot right away. Walking from there to the vista point is only a relatively short distance. You'll see Half Dome standing out first, and some helpful signage along the sidewalk area, including restrooms.

Have your photography equipment ready and loaded because you will want to take many shots of this area. Whether it's phone camera or regular camera, be prepared to take multiple shots to capture it all. Take your time to take in the beauty and majesty of this natural wonder. Even in mid-summer, you will find several of the falls still flowing if you look close enough. We found both Nevada and Vernal Falls with water flowing. That made up for missing Yosemite Falls water flowing.

You may also wish to take the walking/hiking paths that permeate the perimeter of Glacier Point. There's a very famous vantage point that Ansel Adams made famous nearby.

This is a "CAN'T MISS" part of the Yosemite Park experience. So, get up there.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Glacier Point (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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