Glacier Point Road

A 16-mile climb through Yosemite's high country to the cliff-edge overlook with the most spectacular view of Half Dome and the valley.

Leaving the Wawona Road at Chinquapin, Glacier Point Road winds up through red fir forest and past Sentinel Dome to finish at the Glacier Point overlook, perched 3,200ft directly above Yosemite Valley with Half Dome filling the horizon. The driving is moderate, a steady mix of forest curves and open sweeps rather than anything frantic, and the payoff is entirely the view at the end. It is an out-and-back spur, not a through road, so you return the way you came. The road is seasonal, opening late spring and closing with the first heavy snow. Mind deer and wildlife on the carriageway at dawn and dusk, distracted sightseeing traffic near the overlook, and a snow-gated season with no winter access.