Is Glacier Point Road in Yosemite Finally Open? What to Know This Season

If you’ve ever searched “best view in Yosemite,” Glacier Point probably popped up first. And for good reason—this cliffside lookout gives you an unreal view of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and waterfalls galore.

But if you’ve tried to visit over the last couple years, you probably hit a wall… literally. Glacier Point Road’s been under construction since 2022, and it’s been a headache for travelers ever since.

So what’s the deal this season? Can you finally drive up there again? Let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

Yes, It’s Open Again in 2025—But With a Catch
Why Glacier Point Road Was Closed (and Why It Mattered)
What to See and Do at Glacier Point
When to Go and How to Avoid the Chaos
What Else To Do In Yosemite?
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Yes, It’s Open Again in 2025—But With a Catch

Good news first: Glacier Point Road is open again for the 2025 season! After two summers of full closures, the major repair and repaving project is finally done. That means you can drive straight to the overlook again without needing to hike 10+ miles uphill like a wilderness champ.

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BUT, the road still opens seasonally, usually sometime in late May or early June, depending on snowpack. So if you’re visiting in April or early May, it might still be closed due to snow—even though the construction is over.

Why Glacier Point Road Was Closed (and Why It Mattered)

The road was in rough shape—crumbling pavement, safety issues, drainage problems—you name it. The NPS shut it down to do a full overhaul, and for two seasons (2022–2023), the only way to access Glacier Point was by trail. This basically meant casual tourists were out of luck unless they were down for a long day hike.

Yosemite even limited vehicle access before the construction due to congestion, so reopening the road is a big win for travelers who don’t want to break a sweat just for the views.

What to See and Do at Glacier Point

If you’ve never been, Glacier Point is one of the most jaw-dropping views in the park. From the parking lot, it’s a short paved path to a sweeping overlook where you can see Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the whole valley floor below. It’s basically Yosemite’s greatest hits all in one panorama.

Other nearby sights worth checking out once the road opens:

Sentinel Dome – Easy hike with 360-degree views
Taft Point – Known for its dramatic cliff edges and daredevil photo ops
Washburn Point – A quieter, slightly different view of the valley and waterfalls

When to Go and How to Avoid the Chaos

If Glacier Point Road opens on time this year (likely late May or early June), the best time to visit is early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid summer crowds. Parking can get competitive fast, especially in July and August.

Keep in mind: There are no shuttle buses on Glacier Point Road, and no gas stations along the way. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen—and definitely double-check road conditions before you go via the NPS Yosemite Conditions page.