Glacier Point
Glacier Point is located 30 miles (about one hour's drive) from Yosemite Valley. It can overwhelm you with the vastness of its scenery, especially at sunset or when full-moon nights transform the pastel granite landscape into a magical vista. There is a bird's-eye view of Yosemite Valley from atop this sheer 3200' cliff, and across the Valley you can see Yosemite Falls make its 2,425' plunge. The High Sierra's panoramic expanse to the north and east is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Trails lead from near here to other spectacular Valley overlooks. The Glacier Point Road east of Badger Pass is closed from November to May, during which time Glacier Point is only reachable via skis or snowshoes.

Permit Information
Backcountry permits are available at the Valley Visitor Center, The Wilderness Center (next to the Ansel Adams Gallery), and at wilderness permit stations (7:30 am to 6:00 pm). Phone: (209)372-0200.

Directions
From Yosemite Valley, take the Wawona Road (Hwy 41) 14 miles to Chinquapin Junction, then turn left onto Glacier Point Road. The road ends at Glacier Point.

From Merced, take Hwy 140 east, Hwy 41 south, and then Glacier Point Road 15.5 miles to its end.

Information Center
The nearest visitor centers are in Yosemite Valley and at the Arch Rock entrance on Hwy 140 (El Portal Rd).

Activities