Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park, California
Road
31 miles | 3,280 ft elevation
Glacier Point, located in Yosemite National Park, is an iconic overlook with incredible views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. In the spring, there is an opportunity to ride Glacier Point Road without cars! Every year there is a short window (usually around 3 to 7 days) when snow plowing has been completed but the roads are still closed to vehicles and only bikes are allowed (see details in the Notes below). This route to Glacier Point is about 16 miles one-way and is a pleasant climb with a spectacular payoff.
Starting from the parking lot at the Wawona Road and Glacier Point Road junction, head northeast on Glacier Point Road toward Badger Pass Ski Area. At mile 6, enjoy a brief reprieve from climbing for a few miles as you pass by a couple meadows. At mile 9 you will resume climbing, and then around mile 14, you will swoop down the switchbacks until Half Dome appears in front of you. Stop at Washburn Point to take a few photos and then continue down the road until it dead-ends at the parking lot. Walk to the Glacier Point overlook and marvel at the valley down below (if you do this during “Bikes Only” days, enjoy your time at the top because it is truly a unique experience to be there without any crowds!) When you are ready, head back the same way you came, climbing and descending in reverse.
For another challenging ride that also has “Bikes Only” days, see the Tioga Pass route page.
For a leisurely route through the park, see the Yosemite Valley route page.
Hotel Recommendation
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst-Yosemite Park Area – this hotel is located in the town of Oakhurst, about 16 miles from the Yosemite South Gate entrance (about 40 miles from Yosemite Valley). It is clean and comfortable and offers a free breakfast. You can find grocery stores and restaurant options just down the street.
There are lodging options within the park; however, it can be difficult to secure a reservation so be sure to plan months in advance if you want to stay within the park.
Notes
"Bikes Only" dates and number of days are different every year, as it depends on the snowfall that season and the park’s plowing schedule. If you’re able to make last minute plans, I highly recommend taking advantage of these days! Visit the park’s official Winter Road Closures page for information on road closures and plowing progress. And keep an eye on Strava leaderboards to see if people have recently gone to the top.
If you ride Glacier Point Road during “Bikes Only” days, there are no services available, so plan food and hydration accordingly.
You will need to pay a park entrance fee to enter the park (whether by car, bike or foot).
Reservations to enter the park may be required, so be sure to review the official website for the latest information.
Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks, so expect crowds and aim to enter the park early in the morning to avoid long lines at the entrance gate.
There are several dining options in Yosemite Valley. Be sure to check hours of operation on the park’s website.
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