Hike the Taft Point Overlook and Fissures

2.5 miles - Easy Effort
1 Hour (Total)
250 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 7,730 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The 2.5-mile hike to Taft Point Overlook and the Fissures offers a lot of incredible scenery away from the crowds, all for a small effort. After hiking through lush forest, you arrive at the fissures; massive gashes cut into the granite cliffs. And from there, it's a short walk to Taft Point, which offers sweeping views into the Yosemite Valley. The hike is downhill to Taft Point, and then has a mild uphill back to the start on Glacier Point Road. Do yourself a favor, get away from the crowds along the road and enjoy the pristine wilderness on this hike. You won't be disappointed.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn by Turn Directions to Taft Point Overlook
How to Get to the Trailhead
Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Snag Permits - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

If you bring children on this hike, please make sure they are supervised when you reach Taft Point and the fissures area; there is no guardrail.

Where is Taft Point Overlook?

The trailhead for Taft Point is on Glacier Point Road, which is closed in the winter. Check the park website for the status of any road closures.

Use this trailhead address:
Taft Point Trailhead, Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

The trailhead is about 6 miles after you turn-off onto Glacier Point Road, and the parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road. There is also parking along Glacier Point Road if the lot is full. The trailhead is about 2 miles before the end of the road at Glacier Point.

Sentinel Dome Hike Directions 2 — Here's the lot on the left as you drive toward Glacier Point.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 2 — The parking lot is small but you can park down along Glacier Point Road if it's full.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 3 — There is a primitive bathroom at the trailhead.

Gear for the Hike

There can be muddy portions of the trail, so wear hiking boots or trail runners if you have them. Sneakers will be okay in a pinch but you might have to hop around the muddy spots.
I use light hiking gear, but you can also get away with fitness clothes or even casual wear.
Bring 0.5L of water and of course, a camera.
If you want snacks or supplies, head up Glacier Point Road for a few minutes to Glacier Point which has gift shops, snacks, etc.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Taft Point Overlook Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

3d Map

Taft Point Overlook and Fissures Hike Directions

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 5 — Walk down from the bathrooms and you'll see this sign. Make the left toward Taft Point.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 4 — The trail is easy to follow as you head down and away from the parking area.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 6 — Keep heading straight, avoiding any of the small side trails to the left which lead back to the parking area.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 7 — Soon the trail makes its way into the forest.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 1 — Cross over Sentinel Creek. The creek is small and you don't have to get your feet wet.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 8 — You'll come to a trail off to your right, go straight to head to Taft Point.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 9 — The trail continues through the lush forest.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 10 — There's one section that can get really muddy. There are logs and stones that you can balance your way over. Or if you have hiking boots, you can just go right through it.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 11 — Soon you'll emerge out of the trees and you'll see the cliff in the distance. This section has the biggest downhill, which you'll have to walk back up on the way out.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 12 — Follow the trail toward the cliff.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 13 — Keep your eyes open to your right for the fissures. There are several of them.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 14 — This is the fissure that you often see in photos. Be careful around them, there is no guardrail and it's a straight drop.

Granite is formed underground, under tremendous pressure. When the granite gets pushed to the surface and the pressure is relieved, the rocks expand and crack apart, forming these fissures.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 15 — Right after the fissures you'll reach the first overlook with the fence.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 17 — You'll get great views into the Yosemite Valley from Taft Point.

Taft Point is named after the 27th president, William Taft, who had lunch here with John Muir in 1909. They were supposed to ride on horseback down to the valley, but Taft, at 300lbs, was too heavy, and had to walk instead. After finishing the (downhill) hike drenched in sweat, Taft said "while I am tired from the open-air exercise, I feel greatly the better for it."

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 16 — From the overlook with the fence you'll notice another overlook to the left. That's our next stop.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 18 — Follow the smaller trail that heads towards the point.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 19 — Keep heading toward the big boulders.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 20 — When you get to the boulders, you're a the point.

Traf Point Overlook Hike Directions 21 — This overlook offers nice views to the west down Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan.

There are no guardrails here and the drop is 3,000 feet. People have fallen to their death here. Please be safe and keep your distance.

From here, just head back the way you came and that's the hike!

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.