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Olmsted Point, Yosemite National Park

4.9

#14 of 68 in Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Landmark · Tourist Spot

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Take a short and easy hike to Olmsted Point and absorb the awe-inspiring views of Tenaya Canyon and Tenaya Lake enveloped by granite domes. The parking itself offers striking views of the surrounding hillsides dotted with glacial erratic boulders. If you are lucky enough to run into a ranger, ask to borrow a telescope to take a close view of the adventurous souls scaling Half Dome and Clouds Rest below. Note that the nearest restrooms are at the lake, more than 2 km (1.5 mi) to the east. See Olmsted Point and all Yosemite National Park has to offer by arranging your trip with our Yosemite National Park route planning app.

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Tours to Olmsted Point

FROM $575 BOOK WITH VIATOR Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

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FROM $180 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour

5.0

Duration: 8 hours

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FROM $180 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour

5.0

Duration: 6 hours

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FROM $10 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour

3.0

Duration: 8 to 16 hours

Tours from $10 ›

Olmsted Point reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

393 reviews

Google

4.8

By AndyKansasCity

This is definitely worth a stop when traveling along Tioga Road. The view is wonderful and with binoculars you can see the climbers on Half Dome when the cables are up.

This is definitely worth a stop when traveling along Tioga Road. The view is wonderful and with binoculars you can see the climbers on Half Dome when the cables are up. more »
By TennisStar602

At dusk, it was hard to make out much of the panorama, but I still got to see these magnificent rock formations. This area is on Tioga Road. It got very chilly at night.

At dusk, it was hard to make out much of the panorama, but I still got to see these magnificent rock formations. This area is on Tioga Road. It got very chilly at night. more »
By aswathic2022

pretty nice lookout point on the way, so do a brief stop at least. Looking west, you'll see a closeup view of Clouds Rest, with Half Dome beyond. Looking east, you'll see Tenaya Lake and the granite..... more

pretty nice lookout point on the way, so do a brief stop at least. Looking west, you'll see a closeup view of Clouds Rest, with Half Dome beyond. Looking east, you'll see Tenaya Lake and the granite..... more »

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Google

By Dan Wallace

Absolutely worth the stop. Was hot down low, COLD here! Like the kids didn't get out of the car cold. Super windy. Not too busy but always some folks around. Good views. A little climb but not hard, maybe a 2 outta 10 to get to top and check out best view. Would stop by again if out there.

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By Andy Smith

If you are doing Tioga pass, this is the ONE place you must not miss. The views down the valley are spectacular. Early morning you get the sun on Half Dome, but its in the afternoon, about 4pm when the sun is right down the valley, you get the best pictures. If you have a good magnification on your camera, you can even see the wires going up the side of Half Dome. Definitely not to be missed.

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By Ranadheer Purupati

Expansive views toward Yosemite valley from the 'other side'. Only available part of the year, due to the road being closed in winter. Beware of the much cooler temps and slightly harder time breathing due to the altitude.

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By Misha Smith

What a beautiful place to stop & take pictures & even a little hike down a trail to see more & experience more of Yosemite. Make this stop if you are doing a day drive through that’s what we decided to do & we’re not disappointed.

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By Balaji G.

This is a beautiful vista point along the Tioga pass road inside Yosemite National park. This point offers panoramic views of Half dome on one side and the Tenaya lakes on the other side. There is a big parking lot for parking cars near the vista point. This is a must stop vista point along the drive.

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