Perched along Glacier Point Road, Washburn Point offers a commanding view of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall in one epic panorama.
15 Minutes
Summer
$35 per Vehicle
Park Entry Fee
Overview
Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park, is one of those overlooks that makes you stop in your tracks and just stare. Located just before the end of Glacier Point Road, this scenic vantage point delivers a sweeping view of Yosemite’s High Sierra, the Merced River canyon, and some of the park’s most iconic spots—including the famous “giant staircase” of Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Little Yosemite Valley. Whether you’re on a day trip from the valley floor or making a scenic detour on your way to Glacier Point, Washburn Point is an unforgettable stop that offers a different angle on the park’s legendary landscapes.
The overlook is named after the Washburn brothers, who were instrumental in early tourism development in Yosemite. Their vision for better access led to the building of the original road into this part of the park, which eventually evolved into today’s continuation of Highway 41—also known as Wawona Road—that connects the south entrance to the valley floor. Washburn Point, situated along the first road to Glacier Point, has been a favored vantage point for generations, offering similar views to Glacier Point but with fewer crowds.
Washburn Point Overlook Plan
On our way back from Glacier Point, we made a quick but worthwhile stop at Washburn Point after hearing about it on the GuideAlong audio tour. The overlook was just a short drive down the same road, and it offered a fresh perspective on Half Dome and the High Sierra peaks that felt different from Glacier Point’s iconic view. We pulled into the small parking area, hopped out for a few photos, and took a few minutes to soak in the sweeping panorama. It was the perfect unplanned stop—less crowded, easy to access, and a beautiful way to end our drive back through Yosemite.
Looking at the mountain views between the trees
Steps down to the lower viewing area
Getting There
Location
Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, United States, spans over 750,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness. Famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and ancient giant sequoias, the park stretches from the valley floor along the Merced River to Yosemite’s High Country, offering year-round beauty and adventure. Visitors can access the park through several entrances, including the south entrance via Wawona Road, making it a gateway to some of the most iconic spots in the world.
Best Time to Go
The road to Washburn Point is typically open from approximately late May to early June, with winter months closure, depending on snow. The best time to visit is late spring to early summer when waterfalls are roaring from snowmelt. Early June offers peak flow for Vernal and Nevada Falls, while fall brings clear skies and fewer visitors. In winter, Glacier Point Road is closed beyond Badger Pass Ski Area, but cross-country skiers and snowshoers can still reach the area. Always check the National Park Service .gov website for current road conditions.
Large rocks at the upper viewing area
Washburn Point has better views of Vernal and Nevada Falls than at Glacier Point
Washburn Point Overlook in Yosemite National Park
Who Can Go?
This overlook is just a short, mostly flat walk from the parking lot, making it accessible to almost everyone—families with children, casual sightseers, and those who prefer to skip Yosemite’s more demanding hikes like the Mist Trail or the Four Mile Trail. The paved path leads you right to the first viewing area, where you’re greeted with a sweeping panorama of Half Dome, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall all in one frame.
What You'll See
From Washburn Point, you’ll get a view of Half Dome from a different angle than from Glacier Point, as well as views of Vernal and Nevada Falls cascading down the grand staircase. You can see the Merced River snaking through Little Yosemite Valley, the rugged Clark Range, North Dome, Sentinel Dome, Mount Starr-King, and even a distant peek at Illilouette Falls. On clear days, the High Sierra stretches endlessly before you.
Washburn Point has two distinct sections: an upper viewing platform and a lower level reached by a short set of steps. The upper level offers a broad, commanding view that stretches from the giant staircase of waterfalls to the distant peaks of the High Sierra. Take a few steps down to the lower platform, and you’ll find a slightly different angle—one that reveals more of the Merced River canyon and the rugged beauty of Little Yosemite Valley. These layered perspectives let you appreciate the landscape from multiple viewpoints without the effort of a long hike.
Close up view of Half Dome from Washburn Point
The viewing area is a large dirt area
What to Bring & Wear
Bring water, a camera, and layers—temperatures at this elevation can be much cooler than on the valley floor. Comfortable shoes are best for the short walk from the parking area to the overlook. In the early season, you may want a windbreaker. In the winter months, if skiing or snowshoeing in from Badger Pass Ski Area, you’ll need proper winter gear.
Where to Go
Washburn Point is located near the end of Glacier Point Road, just before you reach Glacier Point itself. It’s about 30 miles from Yosemite Valley via Wawona Road and Southside Drive, passing through the Chinquapin intersection. Along the way, you’ll pass Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan Meadow before winding up into the high country. The overlook sits high above Tenaya Canyon, with stunning views toward Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick, and the Clark Range.
How Long Does it Take?
If you’re driving from the valley floor, it’s about an hour one-way, plus time for photo stops like Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall. Most visitors spend 15–30 minutes at the overlook before continuing on.
Cost
Entrance to Washburn Point is included in your Yosemite National Park entry fee, which covers seven consecutive days. One-way tickets for the Glacier Point Tour bus also stop nearby in summer.
Tips for Washburn Point Overlook in Yosemite National Park
- Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Pair this stop with Glacier Point for two unforgettable perspectives.
- In the early season, bring binoculars to see the mist rising off Vernal and Nevada Falls.
- In winter, consider skiing from Badger Pass to Glacier Point Ski Hut for a snowy take on the view.
- Always check the .gov website for road openings and conditions before heading up.