olmsted point

Our first introduction to Yosemite was down Tioga Pass from 395, so Olmstead Point was our first view of Half Dome and the valley.You must go down the step and follow the trail (it's not really marked so be careful) to the flat rock overlook for the best view of the valley. I particularly liked the sign at the bottom of the steps warning hikers to just go the .2 miles and not further due to idots thinking they could hike all the way to the valley from this vantage point.

This place gives you a view of the Valley from the top down, or east to west. You are treated to a distant view of Half Dome on the south side of the valley and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada range in the other direction, as well as a pretty lake in the foreground. There are short hikes form the parking lot that make it easy to explore the glacier-scarred rock formation and get a better understanding of how the valley was formed. This is a much less crowded area than the valley floor, but by no means secluded.

Everywhere you look on this road through the park you are seeing some amazing sights but take the time to stop at Olmstead point! You can walk out onto the flat rock surfaces and down a trail for an even better vantage point Yosemite Valley.

If you're on the Tioga Road, this is a must stop. The views are fantastic and the rock formations are cool. It's fun to walk around the rock and explore. To see where the glaciers "cut" the rocks is really cool.

This is a must stop along Tioga Road that provides vistas in almost every direction. Take some time. Eat a picnic lunch. Check out the relief map and see if you can name some of the mountain peaks you'll see from there. Great place to take a break!

As part of are trek from West to East via the Tioga Pass we stopped at Olmsted Point. It was over cast and the sun was pretty obscured almost a fog or mist, there were no other visitors at the Point. This created a surreal environment no shadows and just dull rock with trees. There is a pretty good view to Half Dome from the Point but due to the atmosphere it was not a crisp image.The point was certainly different from our previous visits with full sun and lots of visitors.

We have been to many stunning places; this ties for first place. First of all, route 120 to the high country is a don't miss in the park. This stop affords views of half dome, clouds rest, and lake tenaya. Be sure to leave the car and lot and walk to the viewpoint. A great photo stop at sunset to catch the Orange glow on the domes and peaks.

Olmstead Point is a must stop point along Tioga Road. Beautiful views, good exploring and a nice break point from driving.

This vista is so spectacular it will take you breath away. Many nearby hikes and lakes in the area. You can also scramble up one of the many rock formations while there. Beautiful!

good thing we now have digital cameras. you would shoot a whole roll and more of film here. the vistas are amazing.

What can I say... it is one of the most stunning views of Yosemite Valley. Go at dusk to catch the setting suns reflection of the glacial polish of Half Dome. Hike the trails for even more stunning views without the crowds. Drive to Mono Lake and experience the eastern slope of the Sierras.

Interesting perspective on Half Dome--bring binoculars to see the tiny ant hikers climbing up the cables. The pull off is easy, but take a short hike up the slopes to get an even better, quiet view of the Valley.

The Tioga Road is not nearly as crowded as Yosemite Valley and this lookout isn't as crowded as Glacier Point--and it's easily one of the highlights of the park. Good area to pull out, get a great view, and hike around.

We drove up to this Point to see Half Dome from the back and you will not be dissapointed at all. The drive is amazing and the lakes you can see before and after are beautiful. Take pictures and enjoy the view!

Coming from the Tioga Pass entrance, this was our first view of Half Dome and it is amazing! If you are able, take the short hike from the parking lot to a lower viewing area with unobstructed views. The trail is steep for a ways and uneven further on so be aware of that. We did it twice in three days and saw a completely different scene due to clouds. Awesome view!