Mel and I drive the twisting Wawona Road (Hwy 41) from Oakhurst, California through the south entrance of Yosemite National Park and past Wawona Hotel to turn right at Chinquapin onto the winding and narrow road, first east then north, leading to Glacier Point about midway along the south wall above Yosemite Valley.
The route into Glacier Point on Glacier Point Road takes us past the Badger Pass Ski Area, trailheads to McGurk Meadows and Westfall Meadows, Bridalveil Creek Campground, the trailhead into Mono Meadows and the trailhead to Taft Point before we arrive at the parking area for Glacier Point at 7,214 ft (2,199 m).
It is early morning and the valley is hazy from a combination of the smoke from recent managed burns and condensation in the chilly air. We are noticeably Canadian in T-shirts, where others are in winter parkas and gloves. Views begin to unfold immediately as we approach the precipice.
Glacier Point, perched above the south side of Yosemite Valley was once the location of historic Glacier Point Hotel until it burned down in 1969.
A brass, interpretive plaque at the first viewpoint is worthy of attention. The bronze sculpture provides a good representation of the Yosemite Vally topography and its relationship to the High Sierra. The ‘vein-like’, wiggly line on photo left is the high altitude Tioga Pass Road connecting East and West Yosemite National Park. The vein-like, wiggly line at photo right is Glacier Point Road which has delivered us, this morning, to the X which is Glacier Point, suspended 3,214 ft (979.6 m) above the Yosemite Valley floor.
The bronze interpretive plaque shows the darker 'Yosemite Valley' surrounded by High Sierra
Viewpoints at the edge provide sweeping views of the rock domes on the north side of Yosemite Valley. Highlights include Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, El Capitan and Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls. These landmarks allow identification of other features and their relationship to one another. Four Mile Trail is a wide, paved trail which delivers people to and from Yosemite Valley. It is a vigorous ascent or descent which we will not do this day as we pass the trailhead and walk along the wheelchair accessible trail past the Geology Hut towards 7,214 ft (2,199 m) Glacier Point.
Four Mile Trail delivers people between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Floor
The Geology Hut
Half Dome from Glacier Point
7,076 ft (2,157 m) Liberty Cap rises above Nevada Fall with Vernal Fall below. 8,836 ft (2,693 m) Half Dome at photo left.
Morning light creeps into the north side of Yosemite Valley.
We hike the short distance past Geology Hut to Glacier Point.
Interpretive placards along the outer edge of the Glacier Point viewing platform make it easy to identify major features on the north side of Yosemite Valley. This knowledge will provide better perspective of hikes Mel and I will be doing in Yosemite Valley over the next few days.
We hike back to the car from Glacier Point, past the concessions then make the twisting, turning, rollercoaster return drive to Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
One of the famous overhanging platforms at Glacier Point.
The breathtaking views at Glacier Point have provided a brisk, cool start to another day of exploration in Yosemite National Park. Next stop is Yosemite Valley.
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Great Post Barry. I wish I was there with that morning light and weather to take some pictures. I really enjoyed your pictures
Charlie recently posted..Re-Process #4
Thank you, Charlie. Undoubtedly you would have enjoyed the moody combination of smoke and fog which gave depth to the High Sierra mountains towering over Yosemite Valley. I would be very interested in the work your professionalism would create behind the lens. Yosemite National Park offers a broad variety of photographic opportunities. As you will see in future posts, as we spend more time in the valley, the greatest challenge is to create the illusion the park is not cluttered with people. Timing and patience are often very important.
What dramatic views! I was going to add, ‘a shame about the smokey haze’ but perhaps I shouldn’t after Charlie’s comment.
Great drama can be created in a photo by light streaming through smoke and fog. Our adventure in Yosemite National Park is during the shoulder season between the very busy summer and impending snow. Prescibed burns are intensely underway to reduce the risk of lightning induced forest fires. It is a constant theme throughout the park and the smell of smoke is nearly always present. What is lost in detail is gained in the sense of a mystical, magical place of intrigue and incredible beauty. The views from Glacier Point are expensive, very unique and breathtaking. Thank you for your comment, Helen.
Including the movie was great. This is one hike I’d like to do one day.
There are a number of viewpoints along the edge of the south rim high above Yosemite Valley. I woulld estimate the distance from the amphitheatre at one end to Glacier Point at the other to be less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) but the range of view to Yosemite Valley below and the landscape to the north and east is phenomenal. When combined with the dramatic sunrise through haze the experience was impressive in cool, brisk air. It was painful to leave so much trail unhiked. I would take in Taft Point and Four Mile Trail for sure if there is another opportunity. Perhaps we could get those done together. Time will tell. I wish there was more time left but no regrets.
Brings back great memories of that early morning at Glacier Point above Yosemite Valley… Yes, it was smoky but the view across Yosemite Valley and beyond was something else… Very short and easy hike from the parking area up to the Glacier Point viewpoint and when you look out over Yosemite Valley, we were hiking just about in nearly every corner… Great work and keep it up…
Thanks, Mel. No argument, and it was a grand view, possibly enhanced by the smoke and mist which gave Yosemite Valley a magical, mystical appearance that provided a slate for the sunrise to paint upon. Soon, I will document the hikes to Mirror Lake in Tenaya Valley, Vernal Fall and beyond, up to Nevada Fall below the ever prominent and world famous Half Dome. All are clearly visible from Glacier Point. It is spectacular scenery and the cool morning gave us the privilege to enjoy the features without the presence of throngs of people. Thanks for your comment, Mel. Great memories, indeed!
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