Yosemite’s showstopping scenery is world-famous, with good reason. You could spend hours gazing at sunbathed cliffs and domes, watching water flow over falls and through rivers, and marveling at sky-scraping peaks.

At Glacier Point, Olmsted Point, Tunnel View and Half Dome View, you’ll find sweeping vistas, ample opportunities to observe and be inspired by the power of nature — and evidence of our supporters’ gifts at work! Thanks to donor-funded restoration projects, people stopping at the park’s classic overlooks get to take in jaw-dropping scenery from beautiful, welcoming, environmentally sustainable viewing areas.

Glacier Point (1997)

The popular Glacier Point overlook offers spectacular views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Sierra peaks from the south rim of Yosemite Valley.

In the late 1990s, with support from our donors, park crews restored natural habitat throughout the overlook area, and added a 150-seat stone amphitheater, accessible trails, educational exhibits, and a concession building that also provides basic winter accommodation for cross-country skiers.

Olmsted Point (2006)

Located along Yosemite’s Tioga Road, Olmsted Point provides picturesque views of Tenaya Lake, Clouds Rest and Half Dome.

By the early 2000s, this popular overlook was starting to degrade, due in part to harsh weather and burrowing marmots. A donor-funded project added sturdy retaining walls and seating; installed interpretive panels; improved the parking area and water filtration system; and restored an adjacent stone trail.

Tunnel View (2008)

Millions of people pause at Tunnel View to take in the mesmerizing sight of Yosemite Valley unfolding toward Half Dome, flanked by El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall.

By the 21st century, traffic conditions had grown dangerous at the 1930s-era overlook, and plants around the narrow viewing area were trampled. A donor-supported restoration effort yielded a pedestrian-friendly design that minimizes congestion, offers access to visitors of all abilities, protects habitat, and reflects Tunnel View’s original architectural character.

Half Dome View (2009)

As the name implies, this overlook along Big Oak Flat Road features a stunning view of Half Dome and its towering granite neighbors.

Before Half Dome View was restored, traffic jams, uneven surfaces and informal “social trails” distracted from the iconic vista. Today, you’ll find a viewing platform designed to welcome visitors and protect surrounding vegetation, with improved parking and pedestrian access.

Stop by one of Yosemite’s classic overlooks on your next park visit to enjoy the results of these restoration projects — and to soak up the views, of course!

Ken Burns

Documentary Filmmaker

Project Notes

As you enter the park, you run through a few switchbacks, past some unremarkable forest, and then, without warning, the Valley just opens up. I remember standing beside my car with the afternoon sun at my back, tears in my eyes.