47 min
Overview
This trail provides a quiet hike through Yosemite with excellent view of lower Tuolumne River canyon and views of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Wapama Falls can be seen from here as well as a 360-degree view of the surrounding hillsides. Due to its location away from the valley, its likely that you'll be the only person on this trail.<br><br>The trailhead is accessed by taking the Mather Ranger Station Trail for about .2 miles from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance station. This trail weaves into the National Forest before coming to an intersection with trails that lead to Camp Mather to the right. If you continue straight, the trail leads to Mather Ranger Station; if you go to the left, you find the Lookout Point Trail. As the trail leaves the intersection, it begins to work its way back toward Hetch Hetchy Road and approaches the Yosemite NP boundary. The road is never far from the trail.<br><br>The trail passes through a narrow gate and you re-enter Yosemite. The trail is very narrow and rocky through this section and can be overgrown in sections as it is not heavily traveled. It requires you to watch your footing as there are loose rocks along the trail. Approaching the road around .3 miles, the trail cuts back to the right before it begins to climb up the gully. Most of this area was burned in a fire in 1996, but the trees are starting to recover. In the spring, water may be flowing in a small creek that descends through the gully, but is dry later in the summer and fall. At the top of the gully, the trail begins to level out as it makes its way toward a fork. If you continue to the right, the trail leads toward Hetch Hetchy Reservoir while the Lookout Trail breaks off to the left at the fork.<br><br>The trail follows a narrow path along a seasonal pond before climbing up the rocky hillside to the summit. Swinging around the hill, the trail disappears but you can easily hike up the rocks to the summit. Jeffrey pines can be seen as you approach the summit, where a 360-degree view of the area awaits you. In the dista
Trail Stats
2.1 km
151 m
1612 m
1462 m
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Photos
As the trail climbs the hills away from the road, it is rocky and overgrown in areas, especially later in the year.
As the trail climbs the hills away from the road, it is rocky and overgrown in areas, especially later in the year.
The trail that climbs the gully is rocky and overgrown.
The trail that climbs the gully is rocky and overgrown.
The trail climbs up the hill and is littered with wood and rocks. It is an easy climb to the top of the point.
The trail climbs up the hill and is littered with wood and rocks. It is an easy climb to the top of the point.
The trail forks at this point. To the right, the trail continues toward Hetch Hetchy Reservoir while the trail to the left leads to Lookout Point.
The trail forks at this point. To the right, the trail continues toward Hetch Hetchy Reservoir while the trail to the left leads to Lookout Point.
The trail to Lookout Point breaks off to the right before climbing up to the point.
The trail to Lookout Point breaks off to the right before climbing up to the point.
Young deciduous trees are growing in the area, and their leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall.
Young deciduous trees are growing in the area, and their leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall.
The trail passes through a flat, grassy area before the final climb to the top.
The trail passes through a flat, grassy area before the final climb to the top.
The trail becomes rockier the closer it gets to the top.
The trail becomes rockier the closer it gets to the top.
The trail climbs through a gully between two hills.
The trail climbs through a gully between two hills.
Looking down the gully that you have to climb. You can see the Hetch Hetchy Road from most points along the trail.
Looking down the gully that you have to climb. You can see the Hetch Hetchy Road from most points along the trail.
The trail narrows further and can be overgrown in the fall. Evidence of the Rim Fire can be seen throughout the area.
The trail narrows further and can be overgrown in the fall. Evidence of the Rim Fire can be seen throughout the area.
The trail moves through National Forest land and National Park land.
The trail moves through National Forest land and National Park land.
In the fall, you can see the leaves changing color, as well as evidence of the Rim Fire.
In the fall, you can see the leaves changing color, as well as evidence of the Rim Fire.
The surrounding hills above Lookout Point.
The surrounding hills above Lookout Point.
As the trail crests the hill, the trail changes to dirt and winds its way through burnt forest.
As the trail crests the hill, the trail changes to dirt and winds its way through burnt forest.
Looking at the surrounding landscape, the damage of the Rim Fire of 2013 is still evident as thousands of scorched trees stand on the hills.
Looking at the surrounding landscape, the damage of the Rim Fire of 2013 is still evident as thousands of scorched trees stand on the hills.
Panorama from Lookout Point looking in the direction of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
Panorama from Lookout Point looking in the direction of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
The view from Lookout Point toward the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
The view from Lookout Point toward the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.