Dewey PointAbout Dewey Point
Dewey Point is a granite promontory and vista point on the south rim of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is known for panoramic views across the valley and surrounding granite features.
From the point visitors can see broad views of Yosemite Valley and adjacent granite cliffs and ridges. The location is used by hikers and photographers seeking wide valley panoramas rather than developed services.
Dewey Point is a natural granite outcrop formed as part of the Sierra Nevada batholith; it has long been used as a viewpoint by park visitors. Trails and informal routes connect it to other rim viewpoints in the Glacier Point corridor.
The point sits on the south rim of Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park in the central Sierra Nevada. It is accessed from park trails and overlooks the main valley corridor.
- Viewing: The viewpoint is reached by short hikes on trails branching from the Glacier Point area and is popular with photographers for sunrise and sweeping valley vistas.
Nearby Attractions to Dewey Point
Best Time to Visit Dewey Point
Best visited late spring through early fall for road access; spring delivers waterfalls and fall eases the crowds.
Weather & Climate near Dewey Point
Dewey Point's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (859 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 8° | -2° | 157 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -6° - 7° | -3° | 142 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -5° - 8° | -2° | 122 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 11° | 0° | 65 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 28 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 20° | 12° | 15 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 25° | 16° | 9 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 9° - 25° | 17° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 22° | 14° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 17° | 7° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 11° | 1° | 116 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 8° | -2° | 128 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Dewey Point
By car: enter Yosemite National Park (pay park entrance fee) and drive Glacier Point Road when it is open (seasonal). By trail: reachable via rim trails that connect from Glacier Point, Taft Point and other overlooks; these are long hikes requiring planning and water.
Tips for Visiting Dewey Point
- Access via Glacier Point Road when it is open-Glacier Point Road is typically closed in winter (check NPS road status).
- For a quieter visit, aim for early morning-Dewey Point gets afternoon haze from the valley.
- Combine Dewey Point with nearby Taft Point or Sentinel Dome for a longer rim walk with varied views.