Yosemite: An Introduction
Glacier Point, Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, and Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point
Half Dome from near Glacier Point
Glacier Point is an overlook on the south rim of Yosemite Valley, directly above Curry VillageHalf Dome Village, at the end of Glacier Point Road. At an elevation (altitude) of 7,274 feet (2220m) above sea level, Glacier Point has a soaring view of the Valley, 3,200 feet (975m) below, and of Half Dome to the northeast. The view is especially magnificent at sunset and on full-moon nights. In summer you can drive your car to Glacier Point, 32 miles (51km) from Yosemite Valley, in about one hour. It can also be reached via bus tour and via strenuous trails from below.
In winter, Glacier Point Road closes at the Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. When the road is closed, Glacier Point can be reached by visitors only on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There are two ski huts in this vicinity for use by cross-country (nordic) skiers: Glacier Point Lodge, available to visitors on tours operated by Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, and Ostrander Hut, in the backcountry on a trail beginning along Glacier Point Road.
The Yosemite Conservancy has a Webcam operating in the vicinity of Glacier Point, below nearby Sentinel Dome at 8,122 feet (2475m) above sea level, looking in the direction of Half Dome. It is currently Tuesday at 9:00 am in Yosemite National Park. The Webcam does not produce images at night.
Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area
Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, on Glacier Point Road at an elevation (altitude) of 7,200 feet (2200m) above sea level, offers downhill (alpine) skiing, snowboarding, cross-country (nordic) skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing and other snow play on its slopes. A free shuttle provides ski-season transportation between Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and Yosemite Valley, making lodging and camping in Yosemite Valley a convenient choice for winter visitors to Badger Pass Ski AreaYosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (see Lodging within Yosemite Valley and Camping in Yosemite Valley).
Lodging and camping near Glacier Point Road
No lodging is available within Yosemite National Park along Glacier Point Road (except for ski hut lodging for cross-country skiers during the winter and early spring). Nearby accommodations are available outside Yosemite National Park's borders. From July to early September, camping is available at Bridalveil Creek, off the Glacier Point Road (no reservations; tents and RVs). See Yosemite camping outside the Valley for details and reservations.
General
The visitor activities, facilities, and services available along Glacier Point Road are described in the Yosemite Guide and Yosemite: Your Complete Guide to the Park. The National Park Service has a map of Yosemite National Park on its Web site.
Continue your introduction to Yosemite National Park:
