Glacier Point

Glacier Point itself is an incredible overlook of the Yosemite Valley. The most impressive views are of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls which makes the long drive from the Visitor Center worth it. Glacier Point was one of the highlights for my family when we visited Yosemite National Park. This popular overlook is only reachable in the summer months unless you cross-country ski, but plan on it being very busy with personal vehicles and tour buses. When we got to the overlook there were buses unloading hundreds of visitors and thankfully there are multiple restrooms for all these people! You can drive to this overlook but this road is closed in winter! The spring opening date is different every year depending on snowfall that year but they try their best to have it open by memorial day. Some years it's just not possible. Adjust your travel plans as needed. The drive up to Glacier Point is roughly 45 minutes from the valley and offers some nice views along the way. Just before reaching the Glacier Point parking lot there is another stop called Washburn Point. This spot gives better views of Nevada and Vernal waterfalls and you can also see the top of Illilouette Falls that is arguably my favorite in the park. All three are over 300 feet with Nevada being twice that. For scale look closely to see people at the top of Nevada and Vernal. You can get different angles of Yosemite Valley and of Half Dome at many points along the way. Glacier Point is the most impressive spot as you look down nearly 3200 ft to the valley floor! Just be careful. If you are lucky enough to visit in spring when the Falls are high you get some really incredible views! Yosemite Falls is 2,425 feet tall making it the tallest in North America! We loved the area so much we visited more than once. The views of half dome are incredible and seeing Nevada and Vernal Falls were really amazing as well! This is a must do for Yosemite! Half Dome is one of those features that pictures do absolutely no justice! We were blown away by the massive size! This is a must-do for Yosemite! If I were to come back to the park, I would come here again! And if it was my first time to Yosemite, this would be one of the first things I would do. What a fun and easy adventure for the whole family.