Hike To Artist Point In Yosemite National Park

Artist Point Yosemite Hike

2.2 miles - Moderate Effort
1:30-2 Hours (Total)
750 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 4,910 feet
No Dogs Allowed

Just a mile away from the popular Tunnel View overlook, this hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park feels like it's a world away. Simply a short hike away from the parking area and you leave the crowds behind, get a sample of Yosemite's famous trails, and then arrive at Artist Point, with incredible views of the Yosemite Valley. And most likely, unlike Tunnel View, you'll have the spot all to yourself. It's a great hike for all levels and a great leg stretcher if you're arriving in the Yosemite Valley.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Directions to Artist Point
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

This is one spot that no one should ignore. The view was breathtaking - Google Reviewer

How to Get To Artist Point in Yosemite

The trail to Artist Point is a little tricky because it's not one of the more popular trails in the park; the park service does not actively promote it. But the trail is there and is easy enough to hike.

But first, you'll be parking at the famous Tunnel View Overlook. Use this trailhead address:
Tunnel View, Wawona Road, California 95389

There are no bathrooms on the hike. The closest ones are about 2 miles down the road at Bridalveil Falls.

Artist Point Parking — There are two parking areas at Tunnel View. The hike starts at the parking area on the southeast side of the overlooks area. You can park in either lot; everything is close enough to walk.

Parking can be tough at Tunnel View because it's a popular spot, but people are always coming and going. If there's not a spot open, wait a few minutes, and something should open up.

Gear for the Hike

I do this hike in light hiking gear, but you can get away with fitness or casual clothes as well. I recommend good hiking boots; these are "trail trails." If you have trekking poles, bring them along to help on the climb and descent.

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.

Artist Point Trail Maps

As I mentioned earlier, the park service doesn't actively promote this hike. The first half of the hike is on the maintained but rugged Pohono Trail, then it makes a left turn onto Old Wawona Road, one of the toll roads that led into the valley before the tunnel was built. Old Wawona road is wide and easy to follow, but there can be downed trees. I've done this hike many times and there's always been a way to climb over or around any obstacle on the trail. But you might have to scoot over a fallen tree with your butt or duck under a branch or two.

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

Elevation Profile

Artist Point Elevation — There's a climb up to the junction at Old Wawona Road, then a gentle downhill to Artist Point. To get back, you do the route in reverse.

3D Map

Why Is It Called Artist Point?

Thomas Ayres Drawing Of Yosemite Valley — Artist Thomas Ayres's famous drawing of Yosemite Valley, reported to be drawn at Artist Point, but not.

Thomas Ayres came to California looking to hit it big during the gold rush, but had no luck.
He started drawing landscapes and in 1855 was hired by Hutchings' Illustrated California Magazine to sketch the valley. The magazine wanted to attract visitors to the area in order to capitalize on tourism. The sketch appeared in the magazine and was a great hit.
The drawing isn't the exact view that you see at Artist Point. It's closer to the view from Inspiration Point, further up the Pohono Trail. So why is Artist Point called that if Ayres didn't create the drawing there? It's believed that it's simply an error made by the early mapmakers who wanted to document the spot for visitors wishing to experience the famous view from the magazine.
Ayres tragically died while traveling back to the East Coast with more drawings. His boat sunk in a storm off of Malibu, CA.

Artist Point Hike Directions

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 2 — The hike starts in the smaller parking lot away from the edge.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 3 — Look for the staircase up the hill.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 4 — There's an old trail sign here. From the looks of the sign, you can tell that this isn't a main trail anymore. The Pohono Trail goes all the way to Glacier Point, 13 miles away.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 17 — As you climb you'll leave the parking lot at Tunnel View and its crowds behind.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 5 — Continue up the steep Pohono Trail. Having good footwear helps here.

Pohono comes from the Native Americans who lived south of this area, the Pohonochee. The early name for Bridalveil Falls was "Pohono."

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 6 — The trail gets less steep and more shaded as it climbs through pines.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 7 — Look for logs like these in front of you, which block side trails and keep you on the main Pohono Trail. The trail zigzags up switchbacks as it climbs.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 8 — Some parts of the trail go over slabs of granite.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 9 — And again, more switchbacks and logs blocking the side trails to point you in the right direction.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 10 — There are sections that are fairly rocky and steep.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 11 — And then at points it switches to more of a regular dirt trail.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 12 — At the junction with the Old Wawona Road, make the left.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 13 — Once you make the left you'll see this sign for Bridalveil Falls. We're not going that far, just about a half mile down the trail to Artist Point.

The trail that you are on now used to be one of the original toll roads into Yosemite from Wawona. It was first used by stagecoaches, and is sometimes knows as the Old Wawona Stagecoach Road. Early automobiles had a tough time on the steep grades, so the tunnel was built. This road was closed when the tunnel opened in 1933 and has fallen into disrepair since then. You can still see some sections of broken pavement as you hike.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 14 — This trail isn't actively maintained by the park service and has the occasional downed tree. Get ready to climb over, under, and around some. It's not so bad though, and I've seen all kinds of folks navigate the trail here.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 15 — As you descend you'll start getting glimpses through the trees into Yosemite Valley.

Artist Point Trail Yosemite 16 — And when you reach the first unobstructed viewpoint you've reached Artist Point. There's no sign or marker, but you'll know it when you see it. If you reached a creek (Artist Creek), you've gone too far. You can also load the GPX file I have in this guide, there's a waypoint for Artist Point.

From here, just turn around and go back the way you came to complete the hike!

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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.