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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

Explorer

03/06/16

Oh man, this was probably my favorite part of Yosemite. We went in the wintertime, and since this was my first time, it was really tricky to navigate as there is no cell coverage and no clear trail. We followed and old cross country ski marking and a hunch, and set out. The hike itself was absolutely lovely, but nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of Taft. We had the spot all to ourselves and as the rays of light flooded the valley, there was no better time to be alive.

The trail was really nice. We actually saw a few bears on our way back up the trail. I'm rather afraid of heights, which I became increasingly aware of during my trip to Yosemite. I did eventually make it out to the point to look out at the valley. In all honesty, there are so many lookouts from Glacier Point's Road that this trail isn't necessary for a great view- but it is a different view than you will get in any other place in the park. What's cool is that the rock used to be connected to El Capitan, which is now across the valley.

Hiked this last weekend. It was so serene. Decided to head up for sunrise. Since it's a short hike, it is very doable early in the morning. Although the sun rises on the other side of the valley you still get incredible colors in the sky. Even better... solitude. We were the only ones out there. Not a bad spot to enjoy breakfast. More people started to arrive around 9 am but it was still not crowded like Glacier Pt. Definitely recommend this!

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