Artist Point Trail

Artist Point Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back from Tunnel View, about 1–2 hours with roughly 500 feet of climbing. It follows rocky switchbacks up the Pohono Trail, then turns onto the old road and descends to a rocky overlook. The work is concentrated near the start; the reward is a wider view across Yosemite Valley than the one from Tunnel View. Choose it if you want that extra, quieter viewpoint hike; the roadside overlook is already a good stop if you would rather skip the climb.

From Tunnel View, stay on the Pohono Trail for about 0.6 mile to the signed junction, then turn left and downhill onto Old Wawona Road toward Bridalveil Fall parking. Keep going to Artist Point: an earlier opening is partly obstructed, and the main rocky clearing is around the bend before Artist Creek. Do not continue on the Pohono Trail toward Inspiration Point; that is a different destination. Follow the same route back. The historic road has rough footing, and its current upkeep is not well documented, so check Yosemite's current trail conditions before setting out.

From the point, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, the Royal Arches and forested valley floor share the view. For a photo, keep some foreground rock or trees in the frame with the falls and cliffs to show the valley's scale. Old Wawona Road follows part of Yosemite's stagecoach approach into the valley. The point's name is sometimes tied to Thomas Ayres's 1855 Yosemite sketch, but the landmarks may fit nearby Inspiration Point instead; that attribution is disputed.

Start from the Tunnel View parking area; lots are on both sides of Wawona Road. Bring water, since there is no water or food service on the route. Pets are prohibited on Yosemite trails, including this unpaved walk.