Have you ever stumbled upon a place without knowing what it is supposed to look like and are left completely dumbfounded by its beauty? Well, when I decided to make the hike out to Crocker Point for the first time, that was exactly what happened to me. I didn’t even know this vista point had a name, but I was taken back by its beauty, its grandeur, and the alignment of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. All together, my first experience seeing Crocker Point made me realize this underrated vista point might actually be the most incredible view in all of Yosemite Valley.
Crocker Point is the most incredible view point in Yosemite National Park because the alignment of Bridalview Fall and El Capitan can only be seen from here, this point is often secluded, and the sunsets breathtaking. When you visit Crocker Point you often have the entire area to yourself, as most people stop their hike at Dewey Point. Additionally, on clear days you can see well into the Yosemite High Country from Crocker Point.
Read on to discover how to get to Crocker Point, what makes Crocker Point special, what you can see from Crocker Point, and so much more!
Orange-red sunset light glowing on El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall from Crock Point. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Hiking to Crocker Point
There are several ways to hike to Crocker Point, but the two main routes are from Tunnel View and along the Ponoho Trail. Below
Hiking to Crocker Point from Tunnel View
Distance: 4.5 miles one way, 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet of gain
Average Time: 4-6 hours round trip
Hiking to Crocker Point along the Ponoho Trail from Glacier Point Road
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 190 feet of gain
Average Time: 2-3 hours round trip
Discovering Crocker Point by Chance
In a naiveté and somewhat overconfident state of mind, I decided to hike from Tunnel View to Taft Point during the winter in hopes of taking some beautiful photographs along the way. At the time, my mindset was simple. I looked up from the floor of Yosemite Valley towards Tunnel View then turned my head tracing the ridge to Taft Point, “That shouldn’t take more than two day. Tops three.” So, I went to the ranger station and talked to them about winter camping permits. They are free and self-assigned.
Within a few hours my 100L pack was overflowing, my snowshoes were under my feet, and I was working my way up the Ponoho Trail towards Taft Point from Tunnel View. I honestly didn’t even know that there were other named points along the journey, but I was excited to be outside and continue developing my winter camping skills for the mountains. So, I walked, and walked, and walked. “Gosh, this hill is no joke!”
The climb from Tunnel View to the valley rim is roughly 1000 vertical feet. I didn’t know this. I honestly didn’t know much. Following a gut feeling and knowing that I could rely on the winter camping skills I had developed over the last 12 years of backpacking, I just pushed onward and upward. Ducking under fallen trees branches, dodging post holes other people had fallen into without snow shoes, and singing to myself as I walked. The snow was dampened most of the sounds, but the crunch of my snowshoes was deafening.
After a couple of miles, I noticed the trail was going to be covered with snow. I accepted the challenge. In the back of my mind, I could hear my Mom, “You have gotten lost in snow before, don’t make the same mistakes.” But, have no worries, this winter hiking trip has a happy ending.
A few more hours passed, but I made it to the rim and saw a really cool vista off in the distance.
I want to make a note here, I was moving quite slow as I attempted to slog up this hill with roughly 70lbs on my back all while taking several stops to photograph everything that was new, and pretty, to me along the journey. There was no rush on my end.
That vista looked really awesome, especially because there was a point that jutted out into the skyline and looked like it would be an amazing place for a photograph, but my pack was heavy and I would have to retrace my steps just to stand there, so I opted to just admire from afar. Actually, I remember telling myself, “When the summertime comes, you need to come back with a few friends and check that place out.”
As that point faded over my shoulder and behind some trees, my phone BINGED. I guess I have service up here, which was a surprise. My heart told me not to look, as it would ruin my immersion into this beautiful place, but my brain got the best of me. It was my girlfriend checking in on me. That was nice.
While I was on my phone, a thought popped into my head, “I wonder if anyone has ever gone to that point?” Naiveté, yes, but also remember I have not had a trail for several miles nor have I seen a single foot print for at least two hours. So, I googled it. To my surprise, this spot was Stanford Point. “Hmmm. I will keep that in the back of my head for this coming summer.”
As I carried on between the trees my belly grumbled. Eager to set my pack down and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I looked for another view point, but nothing. “I want to eat and enjoy this view,” I told myself. Okay, let’s go find a view. So, I did the only logical thing to make my way to a view as fast as possible. I ran downhill towards the cliff.
Bobbing and weaving between the trees, getting smacked in the face every so often from a low hanging evergreen, I did everything I could not to face plant into the snow. One minute, five minutes, gosh I am out of breath. “Okay, it is time to walk.” So, I walked for another 10 minutes only to find a sliver opening that contained both El Capitan and Bridalview Fall.
“What is this view?!” I shouted with excitement. “This is crazy sauce, how have I never seen a photograph from here?” Honestly, this was incredible. The alignment of these two is gorgeous and I can’t believe I am here to enjoy this view without a soul around. Dropping my pack, I walked around for a short while to find a better opening, this view was worth at least 5 minutes of searching.
“Found it!”
Grabbing my pack and moving towards an opening, I sat and enjoyed my sandwich. Feeling like an explorer who just discovered the most incredible view of Yosemite ever, I was proud of myself as I chomped down on my sandwich. Crunching the frozen bits between my teeth, sitting on my pack, I enjoyed this view more than any other view in a long time.
“I wonder if this spot has a name?”
Pulling out my phone, I looked on google maps. Where I was didn’t have a name, but if I climb the hill and walked another .25 miles I would be at Crocker Point. Looks like I wasn’t the first person to discover this view, but that is okay.
Grabbing my things, I headed up the hill to stand on the true Crocker Point, which was just as good, if not a better view.
What can you see at crocker point
Crocker Point has one of the most breathtaking with an alignment of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. While these two massive granite walls stand out anywhere in Yosemite Valley, there is no other vista where these two are aligned. This alignment is due to the way the glacier carved Yosemite Valley. Another awesome sight to see while standing at Crocker Point is a look deep into the Yosemite High Country. There are several more prominent Yosemite feature you can spot like:
Mount Hoffman
Leaning Tower
Yosemite High Country
Ribbon Falls
Best time of year to visit Crocker Point in Yosemite
Crocker Point is a unique vista as every season has a different look and feel. The most popular time to visit Crocker Point is in the late spring just after Glacier Point Road opens. My personal favorite is the winter because the seclusion and solitude at this time of year is at an all time high. So, what are the seasons like Crocker Point?
What is Crocker Point like in the Winter?
In the winter, Crocker Point is very snowy. Sitting at 7,128 feet above sea level, Crocker Point fills up with snow and holds onto the white blanket for several months because it is shaded for most of the year.
What is Crocker Point like in the Spring?
In the spring, Crocker Point is a magical place, but wet. As the snow melts, this area holds onto its moisture and can have several small pools of water that become a breeding ground for bugs. However, when you visit in the spring season, the waterfall on Bridalveil Fall is at its highest flow, so the view is incredible.
What is Crocker Point like in the Summer?
In the summer, Crocker Point is a dry and cool place to relax. Most of the water has dried by the summer months and the evergreens are holding onto all of their needles, creating a substantial amount of shade during midday. So, if you have hiked here from Tunnel View, or Glacier Point Road, you can relax in the shade and enjoy a few snacks.
What is Crocker Point like in the Fall?
In the fall, Crocker Point is beginning to cool down. As the warm summer days are giving way to fall, the landscape becomes brown as the ground plants drop all of their leaves for the coming winter months. But, this time of year is a great time to visit Crocker Point because this is the season with the least amount of visitors visiting Yosemite Valley.
Other Beautiful Vistas Close to Crocker point
Stanford Point, about 1.2 miles away
Taft Point (you will need to work for this one!), about 10 miles away
Now that you have discovered how to get to Crocker Point, what makes Crocker Point special, and what you can see from Crocker Point, it is your turn to get outside and enjoy this incredible view in Yosemite National Park. Please, leave a comment if you have any additional information that could/would be helpful for other Yosemite Valley visitors.
