Taft Point
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
| Address: | Yosemite National Park, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°42'45.8"N 119°36'15.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 2.20 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Elevation Gain: | 200 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.2 mi |
Rivers Waterfalls Trails Rocks National Park
Hike
The hike to Taft Point is often paired with the hike to Sentinel Dome. There is a 5 mile loop that connects the two and offers breathtaking views of the valley along the south rim.
The trailhead takes you first to Sentinel Dome. You will reach a spur trail that will take you straight to the Sentinel Dome's summit after just under a mile of hiking. After enjoying the summit, go back to the spur trail and take the opposite direction to go to Taft Point. From the junction to Taft Point is about 1.5 miles, all while enjoying looking over the valley at an elevation of about 3,000 feet.
This hike offers particularly good views of El Capitan. It's a similar experience to hiking to Glacier Point. The hike up to Taft Point is a typical Yosemite walk through the woods. It's a relatively easy hike, with the elevation gain being around 200 feet.
Another unusual feature about Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are the fissures that line the outside of the cliff. These are large gashes on the edge of the cliff that go straight down and create some amazing scenery.
Because there are no guard rails, be sure to use caution when testing your fear of heights.
More Information
Yosemite National Park Itinerary
This Yosemite National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yosemite-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinHiking Guide: Taft Point
Overview Taft Point is an overlook at the top of a 3500-foot cliff with breathtaking views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley. At the edge, there is a sturdy steel railing that if anything, gives you a false but welcome sense of security. The photo opportunities are unreal here. Quick Facts Distance: 2.7 miles Hike Time: 2 hours Elevation Gain: 300 feet Fee: $35 for a 7-day pass to Yosemite National Park Dogs: No Difficulty: Easy Hiking to Taft Point We parked at the Sentinel Dome Trailhead (aka Taft Point Trailhead) on a Monday at 4:45 pm. There were maybe 30 spaces in the parking lot
https://backobeyond.blog/hiking-guide-taft-point/Yosemite Hikes: Taft Point
A hiker’s guide to Yosemite’s Taft Point Trail
https://www.yosemitehikes.com/glacier-point-road/taft-point/taft-point.htmBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
- Head southwest on Northside Dr toward Cook's Meadow LoopToll road(2.9 mi)
- Keep right to stay on Northside DrToll road(2.1 mi)
- Turn left onto Southside DrToll road(0.9 mi)
- Slight right onto CA-41 S/Wawona RdContinue to follow Wawona RdToll road(9.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Glacier Point RdToll roadParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(13.2 mi)
There is a trailhead just outside the parking lot
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Four Mile Trail
Yosemite National Park
1.7 miles NEA 4.7-mile one-way hike connecting Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point with views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Royal Arches — best visited in spring when the falls run full.
Hike 15.9 mi
Valley Loop Trail
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
1.7 miles NAn 11.5-mile loop trail through the heart of Yosemite Valley following the Merced River past wildflower meadows, the Three Brothers, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls — with nearly no elevation gain.
Hike
Horsetail Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
1.7 miles NWFor a few weeks in mid-to-late February, Horsetail Falls glows orange with reflected sunset light — a rare 'firefall' phenomenon requiring clear skies and a parking permit.
Hike 0.3 mi
Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park
2.0 miles NEPerched at 7,214 feet above Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point delivers bird's-eye views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and multiple waterfalls — accessible by car or a 4.7-mile hike.
Hike 0.2 mi
Ribbon Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
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Hike 0.2 mi
Bridalveil Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
2.3 miles WA 620-foot waterfall that flows year-round and soaks onlookers with mist — Bridalveil Falls is just a quick half-mile paved walk from the trailhead, wheelchair accessible and pet friendly.
Hike 0.7 mi
Cook's Meadow Loop
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
2.3 miles NA nearly 1-mile, nearly flat loop in Sentinel Meadow with close-up views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock — Yosemite's best easy walk.
Hike 0.4-2.1 mi
Illilouette Falls
Yosemite West, Yosemite National Park
2.4 miles EA 4-mile hike starting downhill from Glacier Point to a footbridge view of Illilouette Falls — with a side trip on the quieter Panorama Trail adding Half Dome and Nevada Falls views.
Hike 0.8 mi
Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
2.4 miles NA short, flat walk to the base of a 3,967-foot waterfall — twice the height of the Empire State Building and one of North America's tallest, best visited in spring or early summer before it dries.
Hike 1.9-2.9 mi
Mist Trail
Yosemite National Park
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Backpack, Hike 1.7 mi
Mono Meadow
Yosemite West, Yosemite National Park
3.1 miles SA short, lightly trafficked 3-mile round-trip hike through a wildflower meadow recovering from wildfire, offering simultaneous views of Mt. Starr King, Clarke Range, and Half Dome.
Hike 2.9 mi
Upper Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
3.2 miles NThe tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet — a 7.2-mile, 2,600-ft-gain hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls with stunning valley views along the way.
Hike 0.5 mi
McGurk Meadow
Yosemite National Park
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Hike
Mirror Lake
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Backpack, Hike, Swim 4.1 mi
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Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
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Backpack, Hike 2.1 mi
Snow Creek Falls
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Backpack, Hike 1.9 mi
Half Dome
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
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Hike 5.5 mi
Ostrander Lake
Wawona, California
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Hike, Swim 0.7 mi
Lukens Lake
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Hike, Swim
Crane Flat
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Backpack, Camp, Hike, Snowshoe 5.7 mi
Ten Lakes
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Backpack, Camp, Hike 6.1 mi
Glen Aulin
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