Glacier Point, Scenic viewpoint in Yosemite Valley, United States
Perched at an elevation of 7,214 feet on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point presents views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls.
The location gained prominence in 1872 when James McCauley initiated the tradition of pushing burning embers off the point, creating the Yosemite Firefall until 1968.
Native American tribes considered this overlook a sacred observation point for celestial events and used it for navigation through Yosemite's granite formations.
Visitors can reach Glacier Point by driving 32 miles from Yosemite Valley on Glacier Point Road or hiking the Four Mile Trail with 3,200 feet elevation gain.
During winter months, when Glacier Point Road closes, cross-country skiers traverse 10.5 miles of snow-covered terrain to access this panoramic viewpoint.
Location: Mariposa County
Elevation above the sea: 2,220 m
Part of: Yosemite Valley
GPS coordinates: 37.73067,-119.57367
Latest update: October 24, 2025 17:19
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Four Mile Trail
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Curry Village
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Housekeeping Camp
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Sierra Point
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Royal Arches
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Staircase Falls
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Royal Arch Cascade
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Glacier Point Trailside Museum
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Grizzly Peak
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Washburn Point
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Stoneman Bridge
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Ahwahnee Bridge
1.5 km
Clark Bridge
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Happy Isles Bridge
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Tenaya Creek Bridge
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Sentinel Bridge
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Sugar Pine Bridge
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Housekeeping Footbridge
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Vernal Fall Bridge
2 kmReviews
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