Dewey Point Meadow Trailhead

This trailhead on Glacier Point Road is where the hike to Dewey Point begins — one of the best viewpoints in Yosemite that most visitors never reach. The pullout sits about 7.5 miles east of the Wawona Road junction, marked by a small McGurk Meadow sign on the north side of the road, with a parking area built to hold roughly 40 cars.

The Route

From the trailhead, the path drops gently for 0.8 miles to McGurk Meadow, passing the site of an old cabin, then continues about a mile farther to a junction with the Pohono Trail. Turn west and it's 4.1 miles to Dewey Point, making for a 7.9-mile round trip with roughly 1,361 feet of elevation gain — a moderate day hike most people finish in about 4 to 4.5 hours.

Why Go

Dewey Point puts you at eye level with the face of El Capitan across the valley, with Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, and Yosemite's high country all visible from the same overlook. Because the approach is longer than the popular valley-floor trails, it stays noticeably quieter even at the height of summer.

Good to Know

• Glacier Point Road is typically open June through October; snow closes it the rest of the year.
• Meadow sections are exposed, so pack a layer even on warm valley days.
• This is a day hike — no permit is required for a round trip to Dewey Point.