Glacier Point
NileGuide Expert Says:
A dramatic view worth the trip.Address:
Phone:
209-372-0200NileGuide Expert tip:
Stay for sunset - glorious!Description:
Glacier Point is the only spot on the rim of Yosemite Valley to which one can drive in a car. It provides a breath-taking view almost 3000' down to the floor of Yosemite Valley, and of the high country stretching miles to the east. Waterfalls, domes, miles of granite, snowfields, Half Dome, meadows and forests comprise the view.The drive is 16 miles from Hwy. 41, with only the last few being slow and winding, down into the big parking lot. There are restrooms and a gift/snack shop. Rangers are on duty to answer questions and point out the landmarks that are visible from here: the Clark Range, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Falls, North Dome, and Curry Village. Plan on being here at least an hour, take the stroll out to the point, proper, for the scary view straight down to the Valley floor.
Tour buses come up from Yosemite Lodge each summer morning and some hikers will walk down the Four-Mile Trail (4.6 miles) or the Panorama Trail (8.5 miles) past two huge waterfalls. If you hike down, there is no shuttle back up.
While it's open all year, the Point can only be reached by cars between late May and mid-November. XC skiers can stay in the hut (for a fee) in winter.
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