Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point
Yosemite NP
Image by Deb Snelson @ www.debsnelsonphotography.com
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
Trail Difficulty - EASY
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.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
8,300 Ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
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.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Olmsted Point
From Lee Vining - drive south about a mile on US 395 and take a right onto RT 120/Tioga Road west for 29 miles and you will see the Olmstead Point parking lot on the left.
From Yosemite Valley - drive west onto El Porto Road. Take a right exit onto Big Oak Flat Rd which will intersect with Rt 120/Tioga Rd at the Crane Flat Gas Station (about 10 miles). Turn Right on Tioga Road and travel about 30 miles east until you see the Olmsted parking lot on your right (total of 40 miles). But be sure to stop along the way for more photo opportunities.
From the parking lot, the hike is a modest hike of about 100 yards. Take the steps downward and follow a trail veering LEFT. From here the trail splits, again veer LEFT and you will hike up the hill to a wide opening area on the large bolder on the LEFT.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 84 mm
Exposure – 1/13 sec @ f 11.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 10th
Time – 6:12 pm
Other Images From This Location
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Sunrise, Early morning, Late afternoon, Sunset, Other
Sunrise and Sunset are both excellent choices for color in the sky. Storm clouds also lend a bit of “harshness” to the landscape, and overcast skies with detail in the sky is good. Avoid bright sunny middays that have a lot of shadows and reflections.
Best Time of Year
The Tioga Road/Pass is only accessible from after the snow is plowed which happens in May, June or July through October. The road is not plowed during snow season. For this reason, the best time to visit this location is Summer and Fall.
The image above was taken on Oct 10th
Lens(es) Needed
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.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
Olmsted Point is located in Yosemite National Park. As of the writing of the summary (2024) the entry fee was $35 per vehicle. Once in the park there are no other permits required.
Yosemite currently requires a reservation system to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days from April 13 through October 27 (and on the weekends in February). Click here to see the 2024 reservation guidelines.
Direction of the Shot
The shot is facing south by southwest at 210°.
Equipment Needed
A tripod is always recommended, and for this location I suggest shoes with a rubber sole to grip the granite surface.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Depends on time of day, but do expect 20 to 100 people overall with tourists and photographers. Plenty of parking available.
Weather
The weather in Yosemite varies by where you are. Olmsted Point is at 8,300 ft - which means the temperature will most likely be cooler than what is shown in Yosemite valley.
Cell Service
There is no cell service at this location.
Area Guides and Workshops
None