Olmsted Point: Yosemite's Panoramic Vista
Experience Yosemite's iconic views of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake from Olmsted Point, a roadside vista named for famed landscape architects.
Olmsted Point, along Yosemite's Tioga Road, offers stunning panoramic views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Tenaya Lake. Named after landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and Jr., it's a must-stop for iconic Yosemite scenery with minimal effort.
A brief summary to Olmsted Point
- Parking lot, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, California, 95389, US
- +1209-372-0200
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during summer, as the parking lot fills quickly.
- Take the short trail to the granite dome for less obstructed views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest.
- Check Tioga Road's status, as it's typically open from late May/early June to sometime in November.
- Explore the glacial erratics scattered around the granite slopes near the parking lot.
Getting There
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Driving
Olmsted Point is located along Tioga Road (Highway 120), approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of Tuolumne Meadows and 30 miles (48 km) east of Crane Flat. From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 120 to the Crane Flat turnoff, then follow Tioga Road east. From Yosemite's east entrance at Tioga Pass, drive west on Tioga Road. Look for the large, paved parking lot on the south side of the road. Tioga Road is typically open from late May/early June to sometime in November; check conditions before heading out. Parking is free.
Discover more about Olmsted Point
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Ahwahnee
10.6 km
Experience Yosemite's grandeur at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a historic landmark offering luxury, stunning views, and a connection to the park's natural beauty.
Vernal Falls Footbridge
11.1 km
Hike the iconic Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge for breathtaking views of Yosemite's powerful waterfall and stunning granite landscape.
Curry Village
11.1 km
Experience Yosemite Valley's charm at Curry Village: lodging, dining, activities, and stunning views beneath Glacier Point.
Yosemite Wilderness Center
11.3 km
Your first stop for Yosemite wilderness adventures: permits, maps, and expert advice in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows.
Housekeeping Camp
11.4 km
Experience Yosemite's beauty with a touch of comfort at Housekeeping Camp, offering rustic lodging and stunning views in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Cemetery
11.4 km
Discover the stories of Yosemite's pioneers in this peaceful and historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
12.4 km
Experience Yosemite Valley from this ideally located lodge, offering comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and easy access to park attractions.
Parsons Memorial Lodge
12.8 km
Discover Yosemite's past at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows, a historic stone landmark offering exhibits, events, and access to stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails.
Yosemite Falls Trailhead
12.8 km
Hike to the top of Yosemite Falls for unmatched views of Yosemite Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
13.0 km
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Tuolumne Meadows
13.1 km
Discover Yosemite's high-country paradise: breathtaking meadows, granite domes, and endless outdoor adventures await in Tuolumne Meadows.
Sentinel Dome
13.1 km
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Four Mile Trailhead
13.3 km
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Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
13.6 km
Hike the historic Yosemite Valley Loop Trail for iconic views, serene meadows, and a peaceful escape on the valley floor.
El Capitan Picnic Area
15.1 km
Picnic beneath a giant: Enjoy stunning views of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park at this accessible and scenic picnic spot.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tenaya Lake
3.1 km
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Clouds Rest
4.8 km
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Yosemite National Park
7.6 km
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Half Dome Trailhead
7.7 km
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Sub dome
8.0 km
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Half Dome
8.4 km
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Mirror Lake
9.0 km
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Little Yosemite Valley
10.1 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Little Yosemite Valley, a serene natural ravine in California that offers adventure, beauty, and tranquility.
Mirror Lake Trail
10.1 km
Explore the stunning Mirror Lake Trail in California, where serene waters meet majestic mountain views for an unforgettable hiking experience.
Nevada Fall
10.5 km
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Mist Trail
10.5 km
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Vernal Falls
10.6 km
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Vernal Fall
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Happy Isles Bridge
10.8 km
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Nature Center at Happy Isles
11.1 km
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Essential places to dine
The Ahwahnee Bar
10.6 km
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The Ahwahnee Dining Room
10.6 km
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Taqueria @ Meadow Grill
11.1 km
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Curry Village Pizza Deck
11.1 km
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Seven Tents Pavilion
11.1 km
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Curry Village Dining Pavilion
11.2 km
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The Loft at Degnan's
11.2 km
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Village Grill
11.3 km
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The Mountain Room
12.5 km
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Yosemite Lodge Food Court
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White Wolf Lodge Dining Room
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The Skiers Grill
22.8 km
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The River Restaurant & Lounge
28.7 km
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Wawona Hotel Dining Room
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The Restaurant at Rush Creek Lodge
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Ahwahnee Gift Shop
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The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop
10.6 km
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Mountain Shop at Curry Village
11.1 km
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Curry Village Gift and Grocery
11.1 km
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Curry Village Coffee Corner
11.1 km
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Degnan's Deli
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Village Store
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Yosemite Visitor Center
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Housekeeping Camp Store
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Yosemite Village Parking
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Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop
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Starbucks Yosemite
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Base Camp Eatery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar 1899
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The Mountain Room Lounge
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Dry Creek Bar
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Tusks Bar
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Steeps Bar
44.1 km
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Basin Bar
45.2 km
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Grizzly Bar
46.3 km
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Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
47.4 km
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Clocktower Cellar
47.6 km
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Mammoth Brewing Company
47.7 km
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Salsa's
48.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Salsa's in Mammoth Lakes, offering a fantastic drink selection and lively atmosphere amidst breathtaking mountain views.
Liberty Sports Bar and Grill
48.5 km
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Black Velvet Coffee Roaster | Espresso & Wine Bar
48.6 km
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The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie
48.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite wines and artisanal charcuterie at The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Distant Brewing
49.5 km
Discover the best of craft brews and delicious American cuisine at Distant Brewing in Mammoth Lakes, the perfect spot for beer lovers.
