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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

We did this hike in July in the late afternoon and it was amazing! The trail was nice and there is lots of shade and the boulders everywhere are beautiful. This trail is downhill at the beginning and uphill on the way back. The crevices were dizzying and beautiful to look at, just don't get too close! There are guard rails at one small area of the viewpoint, which I appreciated. The view of the valley and El Capitan are amazing. Overall it was an easy hike for a novice hiker like me. We were going to try to stay until sunset but we didn't want to hike back in the dark so we left a bit early. It was a good idea, too, because it was creepy walking back when it was getting dark. Also the mosquitos were relentless and we had on insect repellant. There is one bathroom at the trailhead, but no water. Also, we had to drive around a bit and wait for someone to leave to get a parking spot. Expect it to be busy at sunset, we saw several people running on our hike back with tripods to try to make it to photograph it before the sun went down.

08/10/16

Not for the faint of heart once you get to Taft Point, it's a sheer wall straight down. But the views are amazing and the hike itself is moderate to say the least. Go for sunrise or sunset. Definitely worth it!

One of our favorite hikes in Yosemite--perfect for a dinner hike and sunset watching!

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

Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point