Artist Point Trail, Yosemite Travel Guide

4.8 (92)

Hike to Yosemite's Artist Point for panoramic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, away from the crowds.

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Artist Point Trail

Escape the Tunnel View crowds and discover Artist Point, a moderate 2-mile hike offering panoramic Yosemite Valley views. See El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from a more secluded, elevated perspective, reminiscent of a historic stagecoach route.

A brief summary to Artist Point Trail

Yosemite National Park, Wawona Rd, California, 95389, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Artist Point Trail.

Arrive early at the Tunnel View parking lot, especially near sunset, to secure a parking spot.
Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes due to rocky sections and moderate inclines.
Download a trail map as the trail can be slightly difficult to follow in some sections.

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Tunnel view

Wawona Tunnel

Yosemite Valley View

Hanging Valley Viewpoint

Cathedral Rocks

Explore Artist Point Trail on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Artist Point Trail, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 41 south towards Wawona. Follow signs for Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View. The Tunnel View is approximately 2 miles (3 km) uphill from Bridalveil Fall. Park in the Tunnel View parking area on the left immediately after emerging from the Wawona Tunnel.
Walking

From the Tunnel View parking area, the Artist Point trailhead is located on the uphill side of the road. The trail starts along the Pohono Trail. Follow the Pohono Trail for about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) before turning left onto the Old Wawona Road. Continue for approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) on the Old Wawona Road to reach Artist Point.
Public Transport

YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) provides bus service to Yosemite Valley from various locations, including Fresno. Take the YARTS Highway 41 bus to Yosemite Valley, with a stop in Wawona. From Yosemite Valley, take the free valley-wide shuttle to the Tunnel View, then follow the walking directions to the Artist Point trailhead.

Discover more about Artist Point Trail

Artist Point Trail offers a rewarding escape into Yosemite National Park's grandeur, presenting iconic views without the bustling crowds of Tunnel View. This moderate 2-mile round trip hike leads to a vantage point showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, framed by Yosemite's towering granite cliffs and lush forests.The trail begins near the Tunnel View parking area, ascending along a portion of the historic Pohono Trail before branching onto the Old Wawona Road, a former stagecoach route. As you hike, imagine stagecoach drivers skillfully navigating the path. The vista from Artist Point is slightly different from Tunnel View; it's higher and a bit further southeast, offering more expansive views of Clouds Rest, Bridalveil Meadow, and the Merced River.Artist Point's name is believed to originate from artist Thomas Ayres, who sketched Yosemite Valley from a similar location in 1855, introducing its beauty to the world. While the exact spot of Ayres' drawing is debated, the name 'Artist Point' stuck, representing a place of inspiration and stunning scenery. The trail is open year-round, but winter may bring icy conditions.