Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park, CA
A granite overlook 3,200 feet above Yosemite Valley facing Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada falls. The road from Chinquapin is closed from about November to May; sunset is the busiest time.
Glacier Point sits at 2,199 m (7,214 feet) on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, about 980 m (3,200 feet) above Curry Village. From here you can see the valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest. The "Firefall" was staged here from 1872 to 1968, and the Glacier Point Hotel opened in 1917. A short paved, wheelchair-accessible path leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint.
Glacier Point Road is usually open from late May through October or November; in winter it can be reached only on skis. From Yosemite Valley or Wawona it is about 50 km (30 miles) and roughly an hour's drive, and the turnoff is at Chinquapin on Wawona Road. There is no regular shuttle between the point and the valley, but the Glacier Point Tour runs while the road is open. On the way, Washburn Point offers direct views of Vernal, Nevada and Illilouette Falls. Check road conditions before you go.
- Nearest town
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.7306, -119.5738
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Wawona CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Glacier Point · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Dry Gulch CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Glacier PointTentsDrinking water
- Indian Flat RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Glacier PointTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Hodgdon Meadow CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Glacier Point · 103 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Yosemite Lakes RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Glacier Point · 254 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Ellery CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Glacier Point · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Glacier Point?
Glacier Point is in Yosemite National Park, CA, at GPS 37.7306, -119.5738. It is about 6 mi from Tunnel View.
Can you camp near Glacier Point?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Curry Village, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 58 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Glacier Point?
Glacier Point is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road.
What is there to see near Glacier Point?
Places worth a stop nearby: Upper Pines Campground (1 mi), Tunnel View, Yosemite (6 mi), Olmsted Point (7 mi) and Tenaya Lake (9 mi).
When is the best time to visit Glacier Point?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)