Dewey Point Yosemite
A less-trafficked Yosemite viewpoint offering breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer people, golden hour light
Dewey Point Yosemite
Best Time
Fewer people, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A less-trafficked Yosemite viewpoint offering breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
"The view at Dewey Point is mesmerizing. Bring a snack or a sandwich as you will want to sit for a few and simply take in the view."
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring snacks or a sandwich to savor the mesmerizing views at the point.
Check Trail Conditions 📈
Snow can linger; check for ice and consider microspikes or snowshoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Yosemite Valley Views
Dewey Point
Unobstructed vistas of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. A truly breathtaking sight.
+1Tranquil Hiking Experience
McGurk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy a less crowded trail, offering a peaceful escape into nature with rewarding views.
Winter Snowshoeing Paradise
Dewey Point Trail
Experience the magic of Yosemite blanketed in snow, with a scenic snowshoe trek to the viewpoint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Dewey Point
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring snacks or a sandwich to savor the mesmerizing views at the point.
Check Trail Conditions 📈
Snow can linger; check for ice and consider microspikes or snowshoes.
Consider McGurk Meadow 🌿
This trailhead offers a less crowded, scenic route to Dewey Point.
Sunrise Magic 🌄
Witness an unforgettable sunrise over Yosemite Valley from Dewey Point.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring snacks or a sandwich to savor the mesmerizing views at the point.
Check Trail Conditions 📈
Snow can linger; check for ice and consider microspikes or snowshoes.
Consider McGurk Meadow 🌿
This trailhead offers a less crowded, scenic route to Dewey Point.
Sunrise Magic 🌄
Witness an unforgettable sunrise over Yosemite Valley from Dewey Point.
Camping at Dewey Point? 🏕
Camping is permitted, but check specific regulations for tent staking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dewey Point for its stunning, unobstructed views of Yosemite Valley's iconic landmarks, often describing it as a more peaceful alternative to crowded viewpoints. The hike is considered manageable and rewarding, with many appreciating the opportunity for camping amidst such beauty. Some note the need for proper gear in snowy conditions and the importance of checking road access.
"This is Stanford point. Another lookout on the Phono Trail. I liked this one better. Great place to camp. Stunning views. Do this hike instead of other popular ones."
Arda Ünlü
"One of the better hikes in Yosemite. We took 4 children (youngest 7, oldest 15), and they did just fine. Entered via Glacier Rd, almost 10mi round trip. After lengthy conversations with the Ranger, decided to add this awesome hike because it was less traveled (we saw maybe 10 people over a holiday weekend). Views were 100% worth it as well. Elevation was negligible also."
Brent Brown
"The view at Dewey Point is mesmerizing. Bring a snack or a sandwich as you will want to sit for a few and simply take in the view. On March 25,2021, the snow on the trail was hard packed and I went all the way to Dewey and back in hiking boots without ever putting on my snow shoes. I did put on my crampons taking pictures around Dewey Point as it was a bit icy and I did not want to slip and fall. I took the 14 trail out and back, which is the ridge trail and supposed to be “difficult,” but the trail is straightforward and it really did not feel like much incline. 14 trail is mostly through the woods and opens up to stunning views as you approach Dewey Point. From Badger Pass ski lot it was 7.5 miles round trip and took me 5 hours, though I spent a lot of time at the Point taking pictures and simply taking in the view. Started at 7:30 am and was all alone at the Point for about half an hour before other hikers arrived. Note there were no restrooms available at Badger Pass facilities/lot since the ski slopes were closed for the 20/21 season due to covid."
C Bland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dewey Point is typically accessed via hiking trails. The most popular trailheads are from Glacier Point Road (e.g., McGurk Meadow Trailhead) or Badger Pass Ski Area. The hike is approximately 7.5 miles round trip. +1
Glacier Point Road is usually open seasonally, typically from late May or June through October or November, depending on snow conditions. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for current road status. +1
No, Dewey Point is a viewpoint reached by hiking. You can drive to trailheads on Glacier Point Road or near Badger Pass, but the final approach is on foot. +1
Many recommend the McGurk Meadow Trailhead for a less crowded and scenic experience. The trail from Badger Pass is also a common route.
The hike is about 7.5 miles round trip and can take 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations for Yosemite National Park entry can be required during peak seasons or specific times. It's crucial to check the NPS website for the most up-to-date reservation requirements before your visit. +1
Yes, Yosemite National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. You can purchase passes online or at park entrances.
For a day hike to Dewey Point, no special permit is typically required beyond the park entrance fee. However, if you plan to backpack or camp overnight, a wilderness permit is necessary.
Dewey Point itself is an outdoor viewpoint and is accessible whenever the park and its trails are open. However, access roads like Glacier Point Road have seasonal closures. +1
Yes, camping is permitted at Dewey Point, offering incredible views. However, you'll need a wilderness permit, and there are specific guidelines for tent staking.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Dewey Point is generally considered easy to moderate. It's about 7.5 miles round trip with some elevation gain, but it's manageable for most hikers.
Dewey Point offers spectacular, unobstructed panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. +1
Compared to other Yosemite viewpoints like Glacier Point or Tunnel View, Dewey Point is significantly less crowded, especially if you hike from McGurk Meadow.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Layers are recommended as weather can change. In winter or spring, bring waterproof gear and consider microspikes or snowshoes.
There are no restrooms directly at Dewey Point. You'll find facilities at trailheads like Badger Pass or Glacier Point, but these may be closed seasonally.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos, with the granite cliffs glowing. Mid-day can be harsh, but still offers stunning vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, Yosemite Falls is visible from Dewey Point, offering a unique perspective of the falls within the grand valley panorama.
The sheer drop-offs and the vastness of the valley provide dramatic photo opportunities. Be mindful of safety when composing shots near the edge.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including at Dewey Point, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the hike even more enjoyable for younger ones, consider starting early to avoid the midday sun and potential heat. The McGurk Meadow trailhead is often recommended for its less crowded nature, which can be a big plus when hiking with children.
Ensure everyone has comfortable footwear, and be mindful of the drop-offs at the viewpoint; keep a close eye on little ones. ⛰️ Adventure Seekers & Backpackers
Consider combining the hike to Dewey Point with other trails in the area for a multi-day adventure. The Panorama Trail, for instance, offers a more strenuous but incredibly scenic route that can connect to Dewey Point.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panorama, and a tripod will be invaluable for low-light photography. While the main viewpoints are spectacular, explore the surrounding areas for unique compositions. The journey to Dewey Point itself offers opportunities for forest photography and capturing the changing light through the trees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Dewey Point: Trails and Terrain
In winter and early spring, the trail can be covered in snow. While some visitors have successfully hiked it in sturdy boots, others recommend snowshoes or microspikes for better traction and a more comfortable experience, especially if breaking trail.
For those seeking a truly unique perspective, consider the Panorama Trail, which can also lead to Dewey Point. This longer, more challenging route offers a different kind of immersion into the park's diverse landscapes.
Dewey Point: A Photographer's Dream
Beyond the main landmarks, the sheer cliffs and the vastness of the valley offer endless compositional possibilities. Wide-angle lenses are highly recommended to encompass the full scope of the landscape.
For those interested in capturing the subtle details or the grandeur of the falls, a tripod can be invaluable for long exposures, especially during the softer light of dawn or dusk. While drone photography is prohibited within Yosemite National Park, the natural beauty at Dewey Point provides ample opportunities for stunning ground-level photography.
Camping and Overnight Stays
When camping, proper tent staking is crucial, especially in areas with rocky terrain or potential for wind. While specific regulations can vary, it's always best to use appropriate stakes and techniques to secure your shelter.
For those who prefer more conventional accommodations, lodges near Yosemite's South Entrance, like Tenaya Lodge, offer comfort and luxury while still providing convenient access to the park's wonders.
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