Off Glacier Point Road

  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , From Panorama trail , Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , From 4 Mile Trail, Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , From 4 Mile Trail, Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , From 4 Mile Trail, Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , Yosemite Falls from Sentinel Dome, Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , , Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , , Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , From 4 Mile Trail, Walkopedia
  • USA California Yosemite, Off Glacier Point Road , Half Dome from Panorama Trail, Walkopedia

Key information: Off Glacier Point Road

  • A multitude of outstanding walks, many of which can be linked, off this road to the south of main Yosemite Valley.

Walkopedia rating

  • Walkopedia rating89
  • Beauty38
  • Natural interest16
  • Human interest2
  • Charisma35
  • Negative points2
  • Total rating89
  • Note: Negs: Popularity of some trails

Vital Statistics

  • Length: Your choice
  • Maximum Altitude: 8,500ft or so
  • Level of Difficulty: Variable

This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.

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Off Glacier Point Road : Yosemite Falls from Sentinel Dome - © Flickr user Dawn Endico

WALK SUMMARY

Glacier Point Road climbs into the mountains south of Yosemite Valley, dividing to head east to Glacier Point and south to Mariposa Grove. Some of Yosemite’s absolutely finest walks begin off it.

Descend steeply to the beautiful bog of Mono Meadow (be ready for wet conditions), and on to a nearby viewpoint for huge views towards the Clark Range, Mount Starr King and Half Dome. 3 mile round trip, 2.5 hrs.

Sentinel Dome: another of Yosemite's most thrilling walks, to another great granite dome with astonishing views of the Yosemite Valley. You can also walk from the same trailhead to Taft Point for further visual fireworks. And make a longer circuit of both. Both are short (2.2 miles), moderate round trips from Glacier Point Road, so popular, so there may be better walking options here – unless you make a longer day of it by say combining them with the Pohono or Four Mile or Panorama trails.

Pohono Trail: a 13 mile meander along/behind the southern rim of Yosemite Valley between the Glacier Point and Tunnel View, taking in some of Yosemite’s finest views – Sentinel Dome, Inspiration Point, and Taft Point en route. Most walk it in reverse.

From the McGurk Meadow Trailhead, you can walk out to Dewey Point (8 miles/3-4hr) for huge views; or to Bridal Veil Creek (4miles, 2+hrs). Not particularly tough walks.

Descend from Glacier Point back to the Yosemite Valley on the Four Mile Trail (actually nearly 5 miles), for a direct switch, back down, or on the 8.5 mile Panorama Trail for a longer exploration, with amazing views to savour.

Mariposa Grove: visit Yosemite’s largest group of Giant Sequoias on the Mariposa Grove trail out to Wawona Point (3.3 miles one way)

Hike up and out to lovely high Ostrander Lake. 11.4 miles (8hrs+) round trip. Strenuous.

This can be toug.h walking in high, remote mountains with uncertain weather. Beware thunderstorms, get off high ground, domes especially, if one approaches. Beware bears in backcountry. Come fully prepared.

Drive or come by hikers’ bus (good for non-circuit walks). There are excellent shuttle services in the park, including up the Glacier Point Roads, so you can make linear (non-circuit) walks. However, shuttles  make very limited stops, so you will need to plan getting to/from trailheads of linear routes carefully. See https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm for the current situation.

A bigger group with 2 cars works. See our Yosemite page for more.

We want to tell more - please send us your ideas, suggestions, experiences and photos.

See our Yosemite page for more general and practical information and photos.

Other accounts: share your experiences

Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.

Off Glacier Point Road : From 4 Mile Trail - © Flickr user Patrick MILANO

Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.

Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.

Off Glacier Point Road : From 4 Mile Trail - © Flickr user Chris Brooks

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

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Off Glacier Point Road : From 4 Mile Trail - © Flickr user Todd Petrie...
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