Exploring Glacier Point & Upper Yosemite Falls

Yosemite National Park is the epitome of epic landscapes to explore in California. This is also the hardest park to get into especially during peak season when everyone is trying to go climbing, hiking, and enjoy the valley. For the last year it has been reservation only due to the pandemic so when they opened the gates to enter without reservation I packed up and headed there for a few days with my brother.

There are a ton of hikes I have been wanting to do in the park, but the one at the top of my list was Upper Yosemite Falls. This hike is just under 8 miles, and is an incline the entire way. The view is not the only thing that will leave you breathless. The steep incline, especially near the top, will require tons of water and some breaks to catch your breath.

The beginning of Upper Yosemite Falls is shaded and protected by the trees. There are plenty of stopping points to see views of the valley the higher up we hiked. There will be a turning point when there was a descent to get around a large portion of the mountain that will curve into the base of the top waterfall. We didn't stop here, but there were a few groups enjoying the misty breeze from the falls while taking a break in the shade.

The hardest part of the hike is the end which felt quite defeating because there are about a dozen switchbacks with no shade. Even in late morning the sun felt hot and the incline made the progress slower. When we were near the falls we actually got a free cool down from the wind blowing the mist in our direction when rounding corners teasing us with how closer we were getting to the end.

Tip: We hiked with hydration packs and some small snacks. They were definitely helpful and very much needed. I would even take it one step further and bring some electrolytes, whether it is the Nuun tablets or Gatorade chews, because the hike up left us sweaty and exhausted. We had hydration packs that held 2L which was perfect.

Whenever I hit a harder trail I aim to start by 7am if possible, sometimes earlier depending on the length. This guarantees I will hit the peak/end point before it is insanely hot. Walking down in the heat is way less torture than trekking up the side of a mountain at noon in direct sunlight.

At the top we were able to get right next to the falls and climb around on the rocks surrounding the area. At the top of the mountain once you have reached the end we had the freedom to roam around and check out the overlook and explore by the water. There is a continuation point that will guide you towards Yosemite Point about a half mile farther but this didn't seem necessary to us. The point extends up higher over the waterfall and is a slightly higher view point rather than a better look at the falls.

There is a wooden bridge at the top that lets you cross over the river than turns into the falls. My brother and I climbed over and set our stuff on some rocks before walking into the freezing glacial water. Our feet were pretty sore and tired from the hike up so we relaxed at the top enjoying oranges and numbing our feet in the water.

This hike in my opinion is a must do regardless of how hard it can be at points. The view from the top is beautiful and is one of my favorites that I have hit in this park.

On this trip we were also lucky because we got there the day after Glacier Point Road opened. I have done the hike to the top which is quite beautiful and exhausting. There are several hikes you can take to get to the top of the point, but after hiking over 3,000 feet of elevation the previous day we decided to drive to the top for the views and tackle a much smaller hike to Sentinel Dome.

The road to Glacier Point is closer for about half the year due to the snow and ice. The hike is obviously more rewarding, but the views from the top leave you speechless. We were able to see Nevada Falls and the Yosemite Falls with a turn of the head with Glacier Point rested between the two.

Tip: If you want to be able to drive up to Glacier Point, plan your trip around late spring or summer. Anytime before May and after Mid-October you may find the road already closed in preparation for the weather. It will be busy so the earlier you can start your day the better.

Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trail is at the top of Glacier Point road. This trail can be treated as a loop or out and back depending on how much you want to see. My brother and I did the loop to get all the views in.

Sentinel Dome is a large, mostly smooth dome rock that can be climbed up to see Yosemite Falls and the valley. The trail loop is only about 5 miles with 800-1000 feet of elevation change. It is fairly easy and allows you to stop and look in awe at the panoramic views.

The loop will cross over Roosevelt Falls which will be a halfway mark point from either direction you started the trail. Our trip was in May and there were still piles of leftover snow on the trail.

Tip: Waterproof hiking boots or shoes are great for weather that can change quickly or in areas like Yosemite where snow can still exist into May. Bring light layers and good shoes so it doesn't ruin your hike.

The views on the loop hike are incredible. We got lucky with the timing of our trip because the water was flowing extra heavy this season. I have been there at different times of the year when there is barely anything coming over the edge.

May is a great time to hit the park because it is right before the peak season of people going on vacation with their family. We still came across a lot of people, but had the trail to ourselves when we started early enough in the day. Finding lunch spots to enjoy the weather and views in the valley can be tricky. While the shuttle is not running yet just prepared to be patient and plan ahead for parking issues.

This park is extraordinary and is a must see while in California. I have many other hikes to hit in this park, but knocking off some top rated hikes and sights was amazing. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the views!