Stargaze at Glacier Point

Mariposa County, California

Description

Count shooting stars and watch the Milky Way rise over the Sierra skyline. Explore Glacier Point at night and enjoy breathtaking views without the crowds.

At 7,214 ft, Glacier Point offers incredible vistas and awe-inspiring stargazing. During Milky Way season (March through October), you can watch the bright galactic center rise over the horizon. The best time to view its brilliant core is during a new moon.

From the Glacier Point parking lot entrance, take the paved trail on the right towards the visitor center and amphitheater. At the end of the path you will come to a spectacular view of Half Dome.

The Glacier Point viewing area offers even more expansive vistas and you can view Yosemite Valley below. From the visitor center, follow the signs and paved trail to the end of the path. There are various rocks you can climb or lounge on for the perfect view. Binoculars enhance the amount of visible stars and can help you spot star clusters and planets. Bring a blanket, your favorite warm beverage and relax while counting shooting stars. While you’re up there, might as well stay up to catch an incredible sunrise!

Grab your camera, lenses, tripod and headlamp for spectacular night shots. During the summer amateur astronomy clubs host events at the Glacier Point Amphitheater.

Stop by Tunnel View on your way for another great view of the stars.

More information: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...

Map: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/glacierhikes.pdf

Astronomy Club Nights: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...

Helpful Apps: PhotoPills, Star Walk and Moon Calendar

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Easy Parking

Scenic

Stargaze at Glacier Point Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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...

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.

Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

The summer months of June, July, and August tend to provide the best views of the stars, and particularly in August during the meteor showers. Amateur astronomers often gather on Saturdays during the summer, and provide first hand knowledge and guidance. Glacier Point can accommodate hundreds of people with plenty of viewing opportunities, and the view of Half Dome is hard to beat. The stars be...

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...

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...

Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail

To thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You will be tested in many ways, some easier than others but everyone gets dealt their own cards on the...