Washburn Point: A Stunning Yosemite Viewpoint
When driving Glacier Road, most people have Glacier Point in mind as their ultimate destination and for good reason. Glacier Point is one of the most stunning viewpoints Yosemite has to offer. However, just a mile shy of Glacier Point is a similar vista in Washburn Point.
Washburn Point was named for the three Washburn brothers, who built the original road connecting Wawona to Yosemite Valley in the late 1800’s. This vista is easy to get to and is an excellent alternative to Glacier Point should you find yourself unable to find a parking lot (or don’t mind a bonus stop).
In this post, we’re going to cover multiple topics such as the parking situation, what you’re able to see from here, what to expect, best time to visit, and more. Let’s get into it.
How to Get to Washburn Point and Parking
Getting to Washburn Point is fairly straightforward. From the valley, the easiest thing to do is to follow the signs to Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View. If you’re already on Northside Drive, you’ll keep left to loop back to Southside Drive and veer right onto Wawona road. If you’re on Southside Drive, though, you’ll need to loop back onto Northside first, as the main road in Yosemite Valley is one-way.
Once on Wawona road, you’ll pass Bridalveil Fall on your left and Tunnel View on your right before entering Wawona Tunnel. From the tunnel, you’ll travel for about eight miles before coming to Glacier Point Road where you’ll turn left onto. If you’re coming from the southern entrance of Yosemite, continue for about seventeen miles before turning right onto Glacier Point Road.
From this juncture, you’re roughly fifteen or so miles from Washburn Point. Keep in mind that if you’re driving an RV (or towing one) you cannot take it to either Washburn or Glacier Points as those vehicles are prohibited past the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point parking lots due to the (very) narrow road and tight bends.
Washburn Point’s parking lot will be on your right. It’s paved and can comfortably hold around three dozen or so vehicles. During peak times it can be difficult to snag a spot here. If this happens during your visit, your only option will be to circle around and try again as there’s no parking on the road allowed.
There are no bathrooms at Washburn Point. For that, you’ll need to go further down the road to Glacier Point or circle back to the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point parking lots. Additionally, there are no bear lockers for your food. Though they’re not entirely necessary as you’re never out of eyeshot of your vehicle.
Also, there are no free park shuttles to Glacier Road. Additionally, the paid tour shuttle only stops at Glacier Point. It does not make stops at any other trailheads. Your only option for Washburn is to drive your own vehicle, or hike to Glacier Point from the valley and then walk the 3/4 of a mile road to Washburn. Though I’ll caution against this option as the road has no sidewalks and can be dangerous for pedestrians.
Washburn Point in Yosemite
To call Washburn Point a ‘hike” would be quite the stretch as the only thing between you and the incredible scenery is about twenty concrete steps. The viewing deck below is large enough to contain a decent crowd with additional space on either side.
If you or someone you’ll be traveling with have mobility issues or you’ll be pushing a stroller, simply head to the north end of the parking lot and use the ramp to access the viewing deck.
As stated above, the view at Washburn Point is similar to that at Glacier Point, but at more of a side profile. The details of the “Grand Staircase” leading to famed Vernal and Nevada Falls are more clearly visible than they are down the road.
Directly in front of you, you’ll have a commanding view of Half Dome (the back side), Liberty Cap (the granite mountain that looms over Nevada Fall), Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Mount Broderick, North Dome and a peak of Cloud’s Rest. To the right, you’ll have a vast view of the Clark Range, with Mount Starr-King and Illilouette Falls in the foreground.
Washburn Point is also one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Yosemite. Keep in mind that because of that, it usually results in higher crowds and tougher parking conditions. Sunset, in particular, can be a tough time to go, but is well worth the effort.
It’s eons easier at sunrise as most Yosemite visitors have yet to wake up. Once the sun has risen above the mountains, though, Washburn Point can be a tough spot to get good photos as the sun tends to produce harsh light here (as you can see in the photos in this post).
Best Time of Year to Visit Washburn Point
Washburn Point is located along the famed Glacier Road. Due to the heavy snowfall this area of the park sees, the road closes to vehicles in the winter. It’ll typically close in late October or November, and doesn’t reopen until spring (usually in late March or April).
In the winter, it’s possible to use skis to access Glacier Road from the Badger Pass Ski Area. Most people do this to access Glacier Point but since Washburn is on the way it makes for an easy (and excellent) bonus stop.
If you’re like most people, though, you’ll likely visit when the road opens to vehicle traffic for the spring, summer and fall seasons. Spring, in particular, is a great time to visit Washburn Point as you’ll be able to see (and hear) Nevada and Vernal Falls at their fullest flow.
While fall brings about the beautiful golden foliage the Sierras is known for, the flow of the waterfalls will be all but depleted by this point. You’ll still see some flow, but nothing like spring and early summer. Keep this fact in mind when planning your visit.
Planning a trip to Yosemite? If so, be sure to read 10 Awesome Things to Do in Yosemite Valley on Your First Visit. In addition, don’t forget to visit Yosemite’s famed east side. Finally, if you’re planning to hike Half Dome, read my How to Hike Half Dome for First Timers Guide.
