When visiting Yosemite National Park, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all that there is to see and do. With so much beauty waiting to be explored, it’s hard to know where to start! If you’d like to ease in with a short and easy adventure, look no further than the Taft Point and The Fissures Trail. This short trail showcases some of the park’s most magnificent beauty, all for just a little bit of effort. Here’s what you need to know about this breathtaking trail.
Start your Yosemite adventure off with a fairly short hike that leads to a simply breathtaking view. The Taft Point and the Fissures Trail showcases some of the park's most mesmerizing scenery for a small amount of effort!
The hike to Taft Point is just over two miles round trip with very little elevation change (200 feet.) For this reason, the trail is very popular among Yosemite visitors. However, it's worth braving the crowds for the incredible view from the top!
The short trail typically takes hikers about 1-2 hours to finish, although you may want to plan to spend extra time soaking in the views. The trailhead can be found along Glacier Point Road in the same lot as Sentinel Dome trailhead. Keep in mind that Glacier Point Road is subject to seasonal closures during the winter months.
Following the trail from the parking lot, you'll be led through a gorgeous forest dense with towering trees. It isn't long, however, until the views open up - just wait!
As you get closer to Taft Point, you'll traverse the Fissures, which are these giant vertical gashes in the granite cliffs. From here, it's just a short walk to Taft Point where the most awe-inspiring view awaits...
Simply put, Taft Point does not disappoint. Hikers can walk right up to the cliff's edge where you can see straight down to the bottom of the valley! In the distance, you'll enjoy a sweeping panorama that includes El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.
There is no guardrail near Taft Point, so use extreme caution when walking around and enjoying the view, especially with children or during slippery conditions. For more information, visit the National Park's website.
Have you completed the trek to Taft Point in Yosemite? Show off your pics with us in the comments below! And feel free to shout out your personal favorite short but beautiful hikes in Northern California.
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