Glacier Point
Yosemite NP, CA
GLACIER POINT
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF GLACIER POINT
Yosemite is truly one of the most amazing places you will ever visit and is filled with countless trails, views and photographic opportunities. And Glacier Point provides one of the best places to view the wonder of the Yosemite Valley.
If you have never been to Yosemite, it is hard to image a place this beautiful. Granite valleys cut from glaciers with breathtaking views and formations at every turn. Standing at Glacier Point, you are face to face with Half Dome and able to witness the majesty of the Yosemite in all her glory. From here you can see the Yosemite Village, Vernal & Nevada Falls, Olmsted Point and the granite mountains surrounding the valley.
And at sunset… when the sun paints the mountain tops with an amazing salmon colored glow – the moment is simply unforgettable.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH GLACIER POINT SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike from the parking lot to the end of the Glacier Point viewing area is an easy 1/4 mile walk on a paved walkway. The hike has some minor undulations, but for the most part it is a modest hike.
There are many, many locations and compositions to shoot the view around Glacier Point. You can walk up and down the area around Glacier Point to find the composition you like best. For me, this shot is all about timing and weather. As landscape photographers we usually love clouds, but if the sunset is blocked by clouds the magical pink glow won’t happen. Without any clouds, the shot feels empty.
For me, I would arrive to Glacier Point with several hours to explore and find your preferred composition and wait for the sunset. In the summer months, the sun will set to the left and in the late fall months the sun will set behind you.
Other nuances to consider is whether you want to include Vernal & Nevada Falls (just to the right of Half Dome) in your shot. Also, there are similar views from Sentinel Dome and Washburn Point. Sentinel Dome is about 3/4 miles southwest of Glacier Point with a similar angle …
As mentioned, there are many compositions for Glacier Point ranging from grand vista (to include Half Dome with Vernal & Nevada Falls) to a nice medium to full compression shot focusing on Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley toward Olmsted Point. Bring lenses ranging from 16 – 70mm.
The above shot was taken with at 30mm.
7,214 Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
