Length: .1 mi (.16 km)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Glacier Point, in Yosemite National Park, is a fantastic viewpoint above Yosemite Valley offering sweeping views of many Yosemite landmarks, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest. It is very accessible with limited hiking required and offers many different photographic compositions.
This location is closed in the winter and opens late spring/early summer depending on how much snow accumulated during the previous winter. For more information about closure and opening times, check the park website.
Accessing Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Starting Location: Glacier Point Parking Lot, Yosemite Valley, CA
GPS (DD): 37.72723, -119.57536
This location is accessed by taking Glacier Point road, followed by a short hike from the parking lot. This location is very popular with all tourists and gets busy very quickly. The drive from the valley floor is about an hour, but with traffic and waiting for parking spots, it can take two or three times longer. After sunset, the crowds clear out and parking here becomes easier.
This road is closed during the winter; however, there is a hike from the valley floor that can be used to access this location. It is a strenuous hike that rises 3,200 feet (980 m) in 4.6 miles (7.4 km). This hike can be accomplished all times of the year, although during the winter, it may be more difficult with ice and snow depending on conditions.
Best Time of Day to Photograph Glacier Point
Sunrise, sunset, and nighttime are the best times of day to shoot this location. The most prominent photographic element of this location is Half Dome. The sun rises behind Half Dome, which can be used to add a sun star as it is rising. During sunset, the sun casts soft, golden light on the face of Half Dome. At night, there is very little light pollution so photographing the stars is possible.
Astrophotography at Glacier Point
As mentioned above, Glacier Point is a wonderful location for astrophotography. You will find a different kind of photographer and possibly astronomy clubs there after the sun sets. The best time of year to photograph the Milky Way is in August as the Milky Way will be at its peak. That said, the sun sets late during the summer, so be prepared to have a late night. If you can find lodging close by, or better yet a camping spot, this will help you with your travel time and fatigue.
Best Seasons to Photograph Glacier Point
Because the road to Glacier Point is only open from later May or June until October (and occasionally in November), there aren’t many opportunities to photograph in other seasons, unless you’re willing to make the strenuous hike mentioned previously. Besides snow in the winter and location of the sunrise, this location doesn’t significantly change through the seasons.
Photography Tips for Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
This location can be photographed as a wide-angle panoramic, but it can also be photographed with longer telephoto shots to isolate individual landmarks. Using foreground rocks can be tricky because of how far away other photographic elements are from the foreground. There is a small stone hut that can be used as a photographic element when composing a scene. It works nice with Half Dome in the background.
As with other locations in Yosemite, it is best to arrive early, especially if photographing the sunset. Parking can be difficult and take a lot of time, so arriving early will ensure you have plenty of time to sit in traffic and find a parking spot. After parking and walking to Glacier Point, there is lots of room to explore and find the perfect composition. If making the hike when the road is closed, this location won’t be busy.
When driving to Glacier Point, there’s a bend in the road that has a clearing in the trees where Half Dome is visible. This can be a good photography location, but there isn’t any room to pull off the road or park without blocking traffic. If this location can be accessed without blocking traffic, then it can make a good photograph with the road and trees as foreground elements and Half Dome in the background. Another good photography location on the way up to Glacier Point is Washburn Point.
Closing remarks
Glacier Point provides incredible panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, and so much more. It is a beautiful location that offers lots of photographic opportunities from an elevated location above the Yosemite Valley Floor.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Yosemite National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Yosemite National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. Best of luck photographing Glacier Point!
Happy shooting!
Tom, Featured National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Yosemite National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Yosemite National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park (Color Travel Guide)
- Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
- The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park
- Historic Yosemite National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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