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Taft Point

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

4.9/5
based on 17 reviews

Details

Distance

2.35 miles

Elevation Gain

200 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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Taft Point Reviews

Team

04/12/15

Possibly the coolest place I've watched the sunset. It's a pretty easy 1 mile hike to the point - there is a small creek crossing. If you're afraid of heights, there is one part of the viewing area that area has a guard rail installed, so rest a little easier.

Explorer

04/09/15

This is one of the lowest effort/highest reward views in Yosemite. A short hike, suitable for all levels brings you to a spectacular photo op at the sheer Taft Point. Definitely recommend hitting up the nearby Sentinel Dome (a short hike in the opposite direction) as well!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Sentinel Dome Trail

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

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