Olmsted Point
Yosemite National Park, CA
A roadside viewpoint on the Tioga Road looking down Tenaya Canyon to the back of Half Dome, with glacial erratic boulders scattered over the granite. Parking is quick and the short walk out is easy.
Olmsted Point lies on Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park at about 2,560 m (8,400 feet). The viewpoint is named for the landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and his son of the same name. It offers views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake. Along the path lie glacial erratics, boulders left behind by retreating glaciers.
From the parking lot, a short, hilly path of about 400 m (a quarter mile) crosses granite to the viewpoint. It is not wheelchair accessible, but the view can also be seen from the parking area and from paved walkways. Accessible parking is at both ends of the lot. The point can be reached only while Tioga Road is open, usually from late May or early June until about November. A stop of 20 to 30 minutes is enough; the National Park Service calls it an excellent place to watch the sunset.
- Nearest town
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.8110, -119.4851
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
- Ellery CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Olmsted Point · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Hodgdon Meadow CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Olmsted Point · 103 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Wawona CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Olmsted Point · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Mono Vista RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Olmsted PointTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Indian Flat RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Olmsted PointTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Oh! Ridge CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Olmsted PointTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Olmsted Point?
Olmsted Point is in Yosemite National Park, CA, at GPS 37.8110, -119.4851. It is about 7 mi from Yosemite Valley.
Can you camp near Olmsted Point?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Porcupine Flat Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 69 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Olmsted Point?
Olmsted Point is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road and Giant trees, granite walls and the highest pass: by camper through Sequoia, Yosemite and over the Tioga Pass.
What is there to see near Olmsted Point?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tenaya Lake (2 mi), Upper Pines Campground (7 mi), Glacier Point (7 mi) and Tuolumne Meadows (8 mi).
When is the best time to visit Olmsted 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)