Glacier Point

From Glacier Point, Half Dome stands almost directly across the valley, and you can trace the high country behind it, including the peaks around Tuolumne. Look down and the valley floor lies dizzyingly far below, with the Merced River threading through the meadows and forests.

In spring and early summer, several of the valley's waterfalls are visible at once, including Nevada and Vernal Falls stepping down the Merced. Few viewpoints anywhere take in so much dramatic scenery from a single spot.

Most visitors reach Glacier Point by driving the Glacier Point Road, which is open only in the warmer months once the snow has cleared. From the parking area, a short paved path leads to the overlook. Ambitious hikers can also climb to Glacier Point from the valley on the strenuous Four Mile Trail or the Panorama Trail.

Because it is high and away from valley lights, Glacier Point is a wonderful place to linger after sunset. On a clear night the stars come out in force over the silhouetted granite, and rangers sometimes hold stargazing programs here.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Glacier Point is a famous overlook in Yosemite National Park, California, sitting on the south rim of Yosemite Valley about 3,200 feet above the valley floor. It offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire national park system, with Half Dome rising almost directly across the valley, the high peaks of the Sierra beyond, and waterfalls and the Merced River far below. Reached by a seasonal scenic road or by strenuous trails from the valley, Glacier Point takes in an enormous sweep of Yosemite's grandest scenery from a single viewpoint, and it is a beloved spot for sunset and stargazing.

Most visitors reach Glacier Point by driving the Glacier Point Road to its end and taking a short, mostly paved path to the overlook. The road is seasonal, generally open from late spring or early summer through fall, and closed by snow in winter, so it is important to check current road status before planning a visit. Ambitious hikers can also reach Glacier Point on foot from Yosemite Valley via the strenuous Four Mile Trail or the Panorama Trail, both long, steep climbs. Because access is seasonal and can change, always confirm the road is open before you go.

Yes, Glacier Point is one of the best and most popular places for stargazing in Yosemite. Its high elevation and distance from the lights of the valley floor mean darker skies, and its wide-open outlook lets you take in a huge sweep of stars over the silhouetted granite of Half Dome and the high country. On clear nights the Milky Way can be strikingly visible, and rangers sometimes offer evening astronomy programs at the point. Because it can be cold and exposed after dark even in summer, bring warm layers, a flashlight or headlamp, and take care near the unfenced drops at night.

Glacier Point is accessible by car only when the Glacier Point Road is open, which is generally from late spring or early summer through fall, once the winter and spring snow has been cleared. The road closes for the winter and does not reopen until conditions allow, and the exact dates vary from year to year. In winter, the point can still be reached by experienced skiers or snowshoers via the snow-covered road, but that is a long and demanding trip. For a standard visit, plan for the warm months and always check the current status of the Glacier Point Road before you go.