Taft Point

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

4.9/5

based on 17 reviews

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Distance

2.35 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Joel Bear

Taft Point offers one of the most majestic views in all of Yosemite Valley. If you can time it right, make it to the summit in time for the sunset.

Taft Point is such an amazing and different view of the Yosemite Valley. If you're lucky and you time it right, you'll also experience complete solitude.

While driving Glacier Point Road, just a few minutes before arriving at Glacier Point, you'll see a parking lot for the Taft Point Trailhead. The hike is an intermediate level hike for a little over a mile one way. The hike itself is amazing, showing the diversity of Yosemite with features like ferns, forest, and incredible boulders.

Taft Point is best experienced at sunset, overlooking the beauty of El Capitan. Be sure to start the hike an hour before sunset to experience the sun rays. Remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case you stay a little after dark.

Once the sun sets you'll experience a symphony of stars. Honestly such a gem in Yosemite.

If you're heading there in early spring or late fall, call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1 again) for current road info.

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Taft Point Reviews

Skyler Hardy

Taft Point

12/11/16

I did some trail work on this trail back in 2012 and 2013 with the Youth Conservation Corps. I great hike and amazing view form the point!

5.0

Explorer

Jonathon Reed

Explorer

Taft Point

10/30/16

I think a lot of the iconography of Yosemite faces east in Yosemite Valley towards Half Dome and Cloud's Rest, and for good reason. But any amount of time on the south rim will show you the utter beauty of the western valley. El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Old Inspiration are all worth seeing—especially from Taft Point at sunset. Don't leave until the sun has gone down. Go beyond the photo-op railing to the un-boundaried rock face where you can experience the open air with nothing between you. It's worth it.

5.0

Will Hughes

Taft Point

09/23/16

Seriously, I cannot overstate how incredible the views are here. Wake up early or hang out till dark, it will always be worth it.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sentinel Dome Trail

One of the most popular places in Yosemite for sunset is Glacier Point, but by walking one mile from the trailhead, the crowds quickly dissipate. Sentinel Dome is great for all ages since the trail is short and not too steep. Park at the Sentinel Dome trailhead, about 3 miles from the end of Glacier Point Road. The trail is one mile, one-way. For the best timing, leave the trailhead at least on...

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

SENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an estimated 4-5 hour hike. The nearest and only restroom available is at the parking lot. The parking lot...

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Start from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much water as you can. There will not be any water beyond this point! Once you have got all the water you...

Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

The hike begins at Glacier Point. Find the marker for the Panorama Trail just beyond the viewing steps (to the right, if you’re looking at Half Dome). The first section of the hike will be lined with open views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It will be hard not to stop to listen to the rushing waterfalls and take in the views. To date, this has been the most peaceful spot I ha...

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

Glacier Point gives you a classic view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. You can get a different perspective of Half Dome if you jump on any of the trails heading out of Glacier Point. Illilouette Falls trail gives you a different view of Half Dome. This trail is around 4-5 miles round trip from the Glacier Point parking lot.

Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite's Panorama Trail is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and worthwhile trails in the entire national park. The stretch that reaches from the valley floor to the top of Glacier Point involves 8.5 miles and a monumental amount of elevation gain. If you want to see the entire stretch of trail - but you also want to catch an unbeatable sunrise view beforehand - try out this demanding revers...

Taft Point

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Taft Point Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Sentinel Dome Trail

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

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