Olmsted Point
Yosemite NP
Olmsted Point
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF OLMSTEAD POINT
Olmsted Point is a viewing area off Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. Most Americans are familiar with the classic view of Half Dome from Yosemite Valley; however, at Olmsted Point’s high elevation of 8418 feet, (2566 meters), the breathtaking view is down the Tenaya Canyon toward Yosemite Valley, with fantastic views of Half Dome's northeastern face. The peaks are solid granite at this elevation with just a few trees with tenuous grips against the wind.
If you arrive from Yosemite Valley you have already crossed 40 miles of a National Scenic Byway - one of the most spectacular passages over the Sierra Nevada.
This is the highest automobile pass in California, and you are guaranteed to feel the elevation change of over 1 mile. Along the way discover glacier-carved granite peaks, pristine lakes, wildflower-covered meadows, and lush evergreen forests with giant sequoia groves. Photographic opportunities abound. If you arrive from Lee Vining, don’t miss this drive through Yosemite National Park on the way into the Valley.
Images and location summary by Deb Snelson
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH OLMSTEAD POINT SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 to 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). From the parking area is an opening in the wall that funnels everyone to the start of a short (0.125 mi) hiking trail that passes “glacial erratics” (small tumbled boulders moved and rounded by glaciers) and through a small grove of trees to a granite dome. From here you can walk about on the dome to find multiple perspectives for photos.
By crossing the street and a short hike up 100 ft onto the granite outcropping you’ll find a panoramic view including Tenaya Lake – this second location is very steep and requires more caution.
The “glacial erratics” provide great foreground interest. If you use a wide angle lens you can make the boulders look large in the foreground, or use a longer lens to move the boulders further away. Other foreground options include the small “puddles” formed in the eroding granite surface or leading lines in the linear grooves or pick a grouping of trees that are appealing to you. Try multiple locations and be sure to shoot both vertical and horizontal.
You will want to bring both wide angle and telephoto lenses as there are spectacular opportunities at all ranges.
The image above was taken at 84mm.
4,399 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
