Taft Point

Mariposa County, California

4.9/5

based on 19 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.14 miles

Elevation Gain

276 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

Alex D

Explorer

Taft Point

05/16/25

The Glacier Point road just reopened for the season. The trail still had snow and a lot of puddles. We used hiking poles. We had Taft Point to ourselves early in the morning. Breath taking!

5.0

Clarice Henry

Wayfinder

Taft Point

05/11/25

Taft point is a wonderful, short hike with epic views of Yosemite Valley below. Get there early to get parking as it can fill quickly. Trailhead is only accessible when Glacier Point road is open. Vault toilets at start of hike. Practice caution when at Taft Point with steep falls along edge.

5.0

Sami Smith

Explorer

Taft Point

10/08/20

I hiked the loop from glacier point. And the views all along the way were incredible. Taft point is a must see no matter which trailhead you get there from. I sat and had lunch there and just enjoyed the view.

5.0

Peter Jacob

Wanderer

Taft Point

09/04/17

Got to the trailhead with 30 minutes left of sun. We sprinted the trail to get to Taft Point right when the sun was setting and it was honestly the best sunset I have seen in my life. Short cool hike where you can avoid the crowds. So cool!

5.0

Kim Baker

Trailblazer

Taft Point

08/13/17

We arrived early and hiked out just before sunrise. There was no one around until after the sunlight had flooded the valley floor below. Easily one of our favorite hikes in Yosemite!

5.0

Andrew Upchurch

Seeker

Taft Point

07/03/17

There are few places in Yosemite more beloved by the Instagram community, and a visit here will show you why. Endless incredible sunsets can be found here and it doesn't really get old. Just be sure to visit other gems of Yosemite too!

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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...

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...

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

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Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

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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.

Taft Point

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Taft Point Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

Sentinel Dome Trail

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

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