Taft Point facts for kids
Taft Point is an amazing spot in Yosemite National Park, California. It gives you incredible views of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. What makes Taft Point special are the huge cracks, called fissures, in the granite rock. These cracks drop straight down to the valley floor!
How Taft Point Got Its Name
Taft Point is named after William Howard Taft. He was the 27th President of the United States. In October 1909, President Taft visited Yosemite for three days. He was hosted by a famous nature lover, John Muir.
They hiked together from Glacier Point down to the valley. President Taft was a big man, weighing over 300 pounds. The horses brought for him were too small! So, he had to hike on foot instead.
His team even set up a special lunch for him during the hike. It included fried chicken! People think this lunch spot might have been near the flat ledge we now call Taft Point.
President Taft wrote about his hike, saying he felt much better from the outdoor exercise, even though he was tired.
Hiking to Taft Point
The path to Taft Point starts near Glacier Point Road. The hike itself is about one mile (1.6 km) long. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
The first part of the trail is open to the sun. But then, it changes into a shady, flat path through a green meadow. The very end of the hike goes slightly downhill on a rocky surface. Taft Point is a quiet and less crowded place to visit.
