California · United States
Glacier Point Road
Chinquapin to Glacier Point
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 3,200 ft 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.
Where it runs15.6 mi · point to point
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Character
Corners
busiest around mile 15Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,843.8 – 2,382.5 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Washburn PointViewpoint15 mi in
- Ostrander RocksViewpoint12 mi in
- Glacier PointViewpoint16 mi in
Hazards
- Deer and wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk
- Distracted sightseeing traffic near the overlook
- Snow-gated with no winter access
Sources
“Glacier Point Road is the most scenic drive in Yosemite National Park. It's one of the world's most scenic drives.”
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