Taft Point Trail - The Most Rewarding Easy Hike in Yosemite National Park

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Taft Point is one of the easiest yet most spectacular hikes in Yosemite. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the trail – from hike details, map, and what to expect, to an optional detour to Sentinel Dome, and practical tips for your visit.

If you’re looking for a short and easy hike in Yosemite that delivers huge rewards, Taft Point is hard to beat. The trail is manageable for most visitors, it’s much less crowded than Yosemite’s big viewpoints, and the panoramas from the cliffs are unforgettable.

We hiked it in the late afternoon in July, right in the middle of peak season, and to our surprise, we had the trail almost to ourselves. Watching the Yosemite Valley from Taft Point is one of my favorite memories from all our visits to Yosemite. So if you do just one hike in Yosemite, make it this one – you won’t be disappointed!

Taft Point, Yosemite National Park — Taft Point.

Taft Point Hike Overview + Map

Trail length: ~2.2 miles (3.5 km) round trip.
Hiking time: 1–1.5 hours.
Elevation gain: About 200 ft (60 m).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Family-friendly: Yes, but keep kids close – the cliffs are unfenced.
Trailhead: Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead on Glacier Point Road (location on the map).
Trail type: Out-and-back, unless you also hike to Sentinel Dome – in which case, you can make a loop.
Optional detour: Sentinel Dome.
Alternative starting point: Glacier Point.

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome trail map. Hiking in Yosemite National Park — Taft Point Hike is indicated in orange. Sentinel Dome – green. The loop – orange/green.

Optional Detour: Sentinel Dome

From the same parking lot on Glacier Point Road, you can also hike to Sentinel Dome (about 2.2 miles / 3.5 km round trip). The trail to Taft Point heads left, while Sentinel Dome is to the right.

If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can easily combine both into a 4.9-mile (7.9 km) loop. Sentinel Dome rewards you with a full 360° panorama of Yosemite, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. The climb is steeper than the Taft Point trail, but still very manageable.

Good to know: You can also start the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome loop from Glacier Point. Parking there is much larger and often easier to find, since many visitors come only for the viewpoint and don’t stay long. Starting here adds 1.6 miles to the loop.

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome trail signs at Glacier Point Road — Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are the same distance from the parking on Glacier Point Road.

What to Expect

The Taft Point trail is short, straightforward, and mostly flat, with hardly any elevation gain. It’s suitable for anyone in reasonable shape, including families with kids. Just keep the kids close to you as you get closer to Taft Point, as there are no fences anywhere except at the viewpoint itself.

The trail begins at the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead on Glacier Point Road. There are two small parking areas here – either is fine, but starting from the southern lot will shave a few minutes off your walk. The path is clearly marked and easy to follow.

The first half of the hike winds through shady forest, a pleasant start even on hot summer days. As you leave the trees behind, the trail opens up onto exposed granite with no shade. From here, it’s just a short walk to Taft Point, where Yosemite Valley suddenly comes into view.

The panorama is spectacular: El Capitan rises on one side, and the valley stretches out beneath your feet. The massive rock fissures near the cliffs are worth a look too; just keep a safe distance. We found the late afternoon light especially beautiful, and sunset here would be amazing if you don’t mind hiking/driving back in the twilight.

Taft Point hike through the forest — The trail is mostly flat and straightforward.

Hiking trail to Taft Point, Yosemite National Park — This is the most ‘challenging’ part of the hike to Taft Point – it’s really easy!

Rock fissures at Taft Point in Yosemite National Park — Rock fissures at Taft Point.

Taft Point viewpoint Yosemite National Park — Taft Point.

Our Experience

We visited Yosemite in July and hiked the Taft Point trail in the late afternoon. To our surprise, it was almost empty. We arrived at 4 pm and saw fewer than 20 people during the entire hike. At Taft Point itself, we had the viewpoint completely to ourselves.

It took us almost 30 minutes to reach Taft Point from the main parking area. We spent a few minutes soaking in the views and taking photos, and then another 25 minutes walking back. All in all, we spent less than 1.5 hours for the entire Taft Point hike.

We did the trail with our teens and could hardly keep up with their pace. Without us slowing them down, they would have finished the whole hike in under an hour.

Hiking trail to Taft Point in Yosemite — Hiking to Taft Point.

Practical Tips & Info

Here are some practical things to know before you go:

Road access: Glacier Point Road is usually open from late May until October or November, depending on snow. Check the park website before you go.

Parking: Spaces at the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead are limited. Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot, or come later in the afternoon/early evening as we did. Alternatively, park at Glacier Point.

Footwear: The trail is short, but the granite near the cliffs is uneven. Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes.

Cliffs: There are no railings at Taft Point, and the drop-offs are sheer. Stay well back from the edge and keep kids close.

Water & sun protection: The first half of the trail is shaded, but the second half is completely exposed. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.

Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Yosemite National Park.

Wildlife: You’ll likely spot squirrels along the trail, but don’t feed them. If you come across larger animals like deer or even a bear, keep your distance and give them plenty of space.

TIP: For more tips and information for visiting Yosemite, check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Yosemite Travel Guide

Squirrel in Yosemite National Park — You’ll likely see many squirrels in Yosemite National Park!

So, this is our guide to the Taft Point trail. This hike is proof that you don’t need to take on a long or strenuous trail to enjoy some of the best views in Yosemite. It’s short, manageable, and incredibly rewarding. If you only have time for one easy hike in Yosemite, make it this one!

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How to hike to Taft Point in Yosemite National Park

Jurga Rubinovaite

Jurga is the founder of Full Suitcase, one of the world’s leading family travel blogs with millions of readers. Her travel advice has been featured on CNN, BBC, and Lonely Planet. Since 2015, she has shared experience-based tips, destination guides, and trip advice to help travelers plan unforgettable trips with family and friends.
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