Hike to Taft Point
2.2 Miles
200 Feet
Photography, Hiking
Intermediate
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Out-and-Back
Taft Point offers one of the most majestic views of Yosemite Valley. If you can time it right, make it out there in time for 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.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
One of The Best Places I Have Ever Been To
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!
The solitude at sunrise is the best!
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!
Such an incredible place....
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!
