Taft Point is one of the most iconic vantage points down into the Yosemite Valley and puts you almost directly across from El Cap. Along with the overlook, the other iconic thing to see here are the fissures along the cliff’s edge. I love that this takes you to a point so high that you’re actually looking down on El Capitan. It’s the perfect spot to hike along Glacier Point Road. It shares a trailhead with Sentinel Dome and I highly recommend doing both of them while you’re here.
Quick Info About the Taft Point Trail
TRAIL LENGTH: About 2.3 miles total, out and back
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This is an easy trail. There’s only an elevation change of about 200 feet.
WATCH THE WEATHER: Definitely watch for rain, especially if there’s lightning in the area. I would still be leery of rain and snow, though, because the overlook is on top of a granite cliff, so it could be super slick. So, I would personally stay clear of the edges because they drop the whole way down from the top.
ENTRY FEE TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: To do the Sentinel Dome trail, you’ll have to pay the Yosemite entry fee which is $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle and $20 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Or, if you plan to visit multiple national Parks in a year, I highly recommend picking up an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, which is $80. You can also purchase a Yosemite-specific annual pass for only $70 if you live near Yosemite National Park.
PERMIT TO ENTER YOSEMITE? For the 2024 season, reservations will be required to enter the park mid-April through October. 4/13 to 6/30 and 8/18 to 10/27 reservations are needed for weekends and holidays. 7/1 to 8/17 requires daily reservations from 5 am to 4 pm.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: There are two main highlights on this trail: the glacial fissures that form cracks all the way down to the Valley floor and a stunning overlook of the Valley.
IS THE TRAIL KID-FRIENDLY? As far as difficulty, I think kids could do this trail for sure. However, I would use your personal judgement as to how your kids are near edges as there are some sheer drop-offs here! We took our kids on this hike, but we carried them in our Deuter Kid Comforts. (They were 11 months and 2 at the time.)
Read more about why we love our Deuter Kid Comforts in this post.
IS IT DOG FRIENDLY? pet dogs aren’t allowed on any of the trails of Yosemite National Park.
Our Experience on the Taft Point Trail
The Taft Point Trail starts through a forested area. There’s even a super small stream crossing. The forest floor is blanketed with ferns. We hiked on a beautiful, bright, sunny day, so we could see the blue skies peeking through the gaps in the trees. There are some large, chunky rocks along the trial, so be sure to watch your step through these portions.
When we almost reached the end of the trail it opened up. There are still some evergreens scattered across the top, but it’s mostly chunks of bolder and low brush, but suddenly everything opens up and the Valley was just laid out in front of us like this massive granite chasm. We continued to the edge of the Valley where we saw the fissures. These fissures are just so impressive! I loved the little rounded rocks stuck in them. It made me think of a micro version of Kjeragbolten in Norway.
At the “end of the trail” there’s a section of chainlink fence blocking off Taft Point Overlook which you can see in the photo above. The actual Taft Point is a crag that juts out over Yosemite Valley. From Taft Point Overlook, Taft Point looks like a super sketchy thing to stand on. My dad was convinced he was going to go stand on it. I am always fearful of my dad’s sweeping statements of how he’s going to do these risky moves because he moves like an old bull in a very full china store (sorry, Randal, but it’s true). So I said, would you let me do it with Liam on my back. He flippantly said, “Of course!” So, I decided to call his bluff and continue down the trail to go to Taft Point itself. Turns out, it’s super safe!
The rock that looks like a tiny hawk looking out over the Valley is actually really wide and I felt very safe stepping out onto it. Matt, our personal safety police in the very best way, also came out on it. It not only offers up a different perspective, but it makes for a super cool photo from the overlook vantage point too. It’s such a special trail and I think it’s a must on any itinerary for Yosemite National Park.
Gear We Used On this Hike
These are products we genuinely love and personally use while hiking and exploring the great outdoors!
FOOTWEAR: Matt and I are both huge fans of Merrell hiking boots. (mens option, women’s option). I also am a huge fan of these hiking socks, which are also Merrell. In the summer, I almost always am hiking in my Teva Hurricane sandals. These are especially great for transitioning from land to water or on hikes without a bunch of brush across the trails. They’re also great for slipping on to walk to restaurants, shops, etc. or to wear around camp.
WHAT’S IN MY DAYPACK: I have an Osprey Daylite Daypack, it’s the perfect size to throw all my necessities. I always have my Nalgene, a simple first aid kit, my sunglasses – I wear Raybans in town and on the trail, snacks, headlamp and some sort of clothing layer (jacket, fleece or rain jacket). If we’re hiking with our kiddos, I throw these things in the back zip compartment of our Deuter Kid Comforts since we hike carrying them at this point.
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