Everybody's heard of Glacier point. What could we possibly tell you that you don't already know? Despite being the most crowded locations in the park, maybe aside from Mist Trail, no one thinks to explore around the main viewing balcony. There are a bunch of famous views just 50ft off the beaten path. In the morning, you'll get these spots all to yourself. If you show up late, theres not a whole lot we can do for ya.
There are insane views all over the place, most within 50ft of the primary viewing balcony. The first, is probably the most famous, and the closest to the viewing balcony. If you want this one to yourself, definitely get there early. This overhanging rock, shown in the main image above, is located here. There is also another really great viewpoint just down the hill with an epic view of Upper Fosemite Falls located here. If you're wondering where all the road shots are taken, the location is here. This windy road is also super famous and the subject of several big production commercials. If you do sleep through the alarm and can't stand crowds, there is also a really secluded over look just below this section of windy road that requires you to go a bit off trail to find, but guaranteed you will have this spot all to your self, regardless of when you show up.
As previously mentioned, Glacier point is POPULAR. So if you're allergic to crowds like we are, your only option is in the early morning. Good news is, this is the best lighting throughout the day for this particular stretch of cliffs. Glacier point road is closed throughout the winter and usually doesn't open back up until around May depending on the amount of snowfall over the winter. We've been to Yosemite probably over 10 times and the trips where Glacier Point Road is open are always the best. So if you only have one shot at it, we highly recommend going in late May or early June, right after Glacier Point Road opens back up, but the waterfalls are still pumping.
The other best time to go to Glacier Point is in early winter, when Glacier Point Road is actually closed, but you can still hike up via Four Mile Trail. This trail starts from the valley and goes all the way up to Glacier Point so buckle up for some elevation gain. Also, we will warn you, this trail is definitely not 4 miles 😅. No idea who named this trail, but it must have been before there were ways to measure accurately. However, if you're willing to endure some pain, the reward is extremely sweet. Glacier Point, literally all to yourself. Often times, there will be a bunch of untouched snow up at elevation, making the views even more epic.
Glacier Point is super popular, and for good reason. However, if you know where (or when) to look, its easy to get all the best spots up here all to yourself. There are hidden viewpoints EVERYWHERE. If you want to know where exactly they are, just scroll up. If you're in Yosemite during the winter or early spring and the road up to Glacier Point is closed, you can still get up there. The hike up is not super easy, but 4 Mile Trail will get you up to Glacier Point where you'll have the most popular view in the park all to yourself.