Hiking to Taft Point and Glacier Point Road

Destinations West California Yosemite Valley

Hiking to Taft Point and Glacier Point Road

Hiking to Taft Point along Glacier Point Road offers one of Yosemite National Park's most awe-inspiring and accessible experiences. This short 2.2-mile round-trip hike rewards visitors with dramatic cliffside views, unique geological features, and a sense of serenity away from the more crowded park trails. Taft Point, perched over 7,500 feet above sea level, provides panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley, the Merced River, and El Capitan. For those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and relative solitude, this trail is a standout.

Adventure Guide To Hiking to Taft Point

Trailhead Location: Begin your hike from the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead along Glacier Point Road. This location is well-marked, with parking available nearby. From Yosemite Valley, it’s about a 45-minute drive (16 miles) via Wawona Road to Glacier Point Road.

The Scenic Path: The trail features a relatively easy terrain with gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for families and hikers of various skill levels. Along the route, you'll traverse pine forests and meadows before reaching the cliff’s jagged edge. Highlights include the fissures, large vertical cracks in the granite cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the valley below—a geological wonder unique to this area.

Taft Point Vista: The true reward is the view at Taft Point. The rocky outcrop allows for unobstructed views of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks, including Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. A metal railing provides safety, but take caution near exposed areas, as the sheer cliffs demand respect.

Local Insights

The fissures along the way are a signature feature of this hike. These deep cracks were formed by natural weathering processes over millennia.
Taft Point is named after President William Howard Taft, who admired Yosemite’s beauty during his visit in 1909.
This area sees less foot traffic compared to Glacier Point, making it ideal for photography and quiet reflection.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Late spring to early fall is ideal, as Glacier Point Road is typically closed during winter due to snow. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture magical light for photos.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera for the breathtaking views.
Driving Directions: From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona Road to Glacier Point Road. Follow the signs to the trailhead parking area.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Carrie Rogers5 months ago

This is my absolute favorite spot for sunset in Yosemite! The trail itself is beautiful and takes you through the forest before it opens up to the cliff area. It's pretty easy and takes maybe 20-30 minutes depending on your hiking speed, but I've seen people of all ages do it. The cliff area is wide and open enough for you to enjoy the views without getting too close to the edge (whatever you're comfortable with). There are some really awesome spots for photos here with the valley below and El Capitan in the background. Weekends can be busy and parking gets a little tougher but I've never not been able to find a spot and they recently improved the parking area. I'm a photographer and I visit Taft Point with my clients to take engagement and wedding photos often and everyone always loves the experience!

Michael Soldate7 months ago

Taft Point in Yosemite is a delightful spot that offers stunning views and exceptional accessibility, making it a perfect destination for families and older visitors. Unlike some of the more strenuous hikes in the park, the trail to Taft Point is relatively gentle, covering about a mile and a half round trip. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite without the challenge of steep climbs and high elevations. The views from Taft Point are simply wonderful. As you make your way along the trail, you’re treated to panoramic vistas that showcase the grandeur of Yosemite’s landscape. The sightlines stretch across lush valleys and towering peaks, giving you a true sense of the park’s majesty. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to soak in the beauty of the great outdoors. The trail itself is well-maintained and easily navigable, with gentle inclines that are manageable for most fitness levels. This makes it especially suitable for families with young children or older adults who may find the more rigorous trails in Yosemite too demanding. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop, rest, and take in the scenery, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable hike for everyone.

Helen Marquis3 months ago

Awesome easy trail to spectacular views of Yosemite. If you're scared of heights you might get wobbly knees but there is a railing to hold onto. Worst part of the trail is the rocky descent at the end but it's short and not too challenging. Watch out for the fissures on the right! Amazing views down the valley.

FFKDTP1a month ago

The best short hike I did at Yosemite imo, absolute breathtaking views from atop. Nice easy forest trail that opens up to amazing scenery of the Yosemite Valley below. One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done.

Troy Windhorst2 months ago

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, both the trails and features, are easily combined to make a relatively small loop. TAFT POINT: This spur descends down to the “point” which is essentially a cliff overlooking the valley. The cliff itself is a surreal plateau offering many viewpoints. There is little shade on this spur and because it descends, the real workout is on the return (caught me off-guard after a long day). With that said, it’s a fairly short spur and worth the add-on if already on the trail.

Hiking

Hiking to Taft Point and Glacier Point Road