If one incredible view isn’t enough of an enticement to go to Yosemite National Park’s Washburn Point, prepare for views of three waterfalls and the iconic Half Dome from this location. Unlike other attractions in the park that require trekking to reach a perfect spot, the effort here involves descending only a few stairs from the parking lot to the observation point. Enjoy panoramic views of this landscape that perfectly displays the park’s beauty .
The most prominent feature of the view is Half Dome, a rounded peak that appears to have been cleaved in two. Its uniqueness makes it a popular, as well as treacherous, hike with an elevation change of nearly 4,800 feet (1,400 meters) from the valley to the top of the dome. Notice how the top of the rock is smooth compared to other formations because its pinnacle was above the glaciers during the Ice Age. Bring your binoculars to look for hikers and climbers attempting to scale its heights.
Look for two waterfalls across the canyon, Vernal and Nevada falls, plunging 317 feet (97 meters) and 594 feet (181 meters) respectively. Scan your binoculars to the far right and find Illilouette Fall.
The view constantly changes from this vantage point depending on the time of day and degree of cloud cover. Continue about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north on the road from Washburn Point and you’ll arrive at Glacier Point overlook. This area also has spectacular views, but does require an easy and accessible round-trip walk of about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). View Yosemite Falls from this vantage point. Alternatively, hike up the challenging trail leading to Glacier Point from the valley floor.
Find Washburn Point along Glacier Point Road and park in the lot, which accommodates about 30 cars. Access to this road by car is seasonal. It is normally open from May to late October. Washburn Point does not have facilities, but nearby Glacier Point has picnic spots and restrooms.
