Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is a granite platform in Yosemite National Park positioned at about 8,400 feet (2,560 m) elevation. From this location you can see Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Clouds Rest spread across the landscape.

The location is named after Frederick Law Olmsted, whose landscape design ideas shaped Yosemite's development in the 1800s. His son Frederick Jr. later helped extend these principles throughout the park.

Interpretive exhibits at Olmsted Point present information about geological formations and the natural processes that shaped the Yosemite landscape over millions of years.

Tioga Road provides access from late May through November, with dedicated parking spaces right at the viewpoint. A raised relief model helps you identify the mountain formations visible in the distance.

From this spot, Half Dome appears completely different compared to the park's more popular viewpoints. The eastern angle makes the peak look unrecognizable from how it appears in classic photographs.

GPS coordinates: 37.81069,-119.48558

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03