Olmsted Point Reviews

If you're looking for a reasonably tame "off-trail" hike, definitely consider the Olmsted Point "bonus hike" . . . across the road from the parking lot, up the dome, continue north along the ridge (through the tree growing across the ridge) to the next mountain, work your way around to the left (west) side of the mountain and keep going around until you're on the north side where you can more easily hike up to the top. AWESOME view of Lake Tenaya from up there.

Looking for another, even more reasonable, hike from Olmsted Point? Try this one. Head west from the parking lot across the low glacier-scraped area, turn SSW and head up the ridge. Nice "off-trail" hike with very few other hikers. You'll stay within view of the parking lot almost the whole way, so no chance of getting lost even without any trail.

Olmsted Point features spectacular views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest – both from the parking lot itself AND from the nearby observation point. You may be tempted to think that the short walk (hardly a “hike”) to the observation point won’t provide a view that’s any better than the one from the parking lot, but it does. And there are LOTS of glacial erratics on the dome at the observation point (if you’re into that kind of thing).

Half Dome is truly impressive from any and every angle. And from this particular angle with a good pair of binoculars, you can see the endless line of folks making their way up Half Dome. And while you’re gawking at Half Dome and Clouds Rest, don’t miss the view of Tenaya Lake over your shoulder.

The hike to Olmstead Point is fine. Very short, very worthwhile. But, on our trip last month (June 2012) my wife and I got a very pleasant surprise. There is a dome directly across the road from the Olmstead Point parking lot. We saw a few people walking up and down this dome. It's less than half mile from parking lot to the top.

Take this hike!

The view from the top is amazing. Not only can you see Cloud's Rest and Half Dome. You can also see Mt. Hoffman, several other peaks, one of Yosemite's two glaciers, and a glorious view of Lake Tenaya. Elevation is around 9000 feet. The hike is easy (similar to Sentinel Dome). Extremely windy when we were there. Lembert Dome windy. Hang on to your hat, bonnet, scarf, and parasol.

I was shocked to learn this dome has no name, hence it is not a hike listed anywhere I could find. As good as the view is from Olmstead Point, it is far better from here.

I've labeled it Olmstead Dome. (Very creative, huh?) I expect it to be added as an "official hike" on this website within a month. :)