Sierra Point (Yosemite) facts for kids
Sierra Point is a special viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. It sits high up on a rocky cliff at the eastern end of the valley. From this spot, you can see amazing views. It is located below a mountain called Grizzly Peak. There used to be a trail to Sierra Point, but it is now closed.
A Look Back at Sierra Point
Sierra Point was once a very popular place to visit. People loved it because it was the only spot in the entire Yosemite Valley where you could see four big waterfalls at the same time! These waterfalls are Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Illilouette Fall.
Why the Trail Closed
The trail to Sierra Point was closed in the 1970s. This happened after a rock slide made part of the path unsafe. Even though the trail is only about 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) long, and about 305 meters (1,000 feet) above the valley floor, it is now very difficult to hike.
Safety First: The Trail Today
Because of the missing parts of the trail, the National Park Service does not recommend that anyone try to hike to Sierra Point. It can be dangerous, even for experienced hikers. Some people still try to reach the point each year. They often start from the Vernal Fall trail near Happy Isles. Even though the trail is not officially open, the original safety railing is still at the top of Sierra Point.
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
