Hike: Yosemite
Date: 10/24/99
With whom: Aaron
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Day 1: Arrival
Day 1: Yosemite Falls
Day 2: Glacier Point
Day 2: Sentinel Dome
Day 2: Panorama Trail, Illilouette Falls, Nevada
Falls
Distance: 4.5 miles one way
Elevation: 4000' to 7000'
In my opinion, Glacier Point has one of the best views in Yosemite - better than from Half Dome or
Clouds Rest. This complete dayhike (Four Mile trail to Glacier Point, to Sentinel Dome back down
to Glacier Point, Panorama trail to Illilouette Falls, to Nevada Falls and return to the valley via John Muir trail)
is what I would consider to be one of the best in Yosemite. A slightly better variation on the hike
we did would be to take the return hike back down into the valley via Vernal Falls and the Mist trail
instead of the John Muir trail, which we didn't take because we didn't want to deal with the steep stone
stairs and to possibly get wet.
It was a chilly night and I typically sleep chilly. I was cold even though I wore
my Patagonia thermals and fleece clothing. I eventually put on my pullover jacket
before I felt warm enough to sleep well. All in all, it was a restless night of
sleep.
We had intended to hit the trail by 9am, but we ran late. We finally hit the trail at about 10:15am
or so. Are hike was on the south side of the valley and we wouldn't see much sun until noon or so. It started
out quite chilly and I wore both my vest as well as a Gore Windstopper fleece jacket until I warmed up.
Aaron and I had tried this trail in the spring,
but were thwarted by snow blocking the trail. We were determined to make the most
of it this time.
The beautiful fall colors along the trail.
There are so many great views on this hike. Early rewards along this trail include
the view of El Capitan and the Cathederal Rocks and Cathederal Spires (left) and
Yosemite Falls (right).
As we continued to hike, we came around a bend and were treated to a sudden and dramatic view of Half Dome and Glacier Point.
The view of Half Dome from Glacier Point.
The view of Glacier Point itself.
Left: Ignoring the "Danger: Do Not Enter" signs (3000' drop...), I sit on Glacier Point
Center: Aaron climbing up a steep cliff
Right: Aaron at the top of the rock face.
Eight shots of Half Dome from Glacier Point
Yes, there are actually other views aside from Half Dome in Yosemite, and here (above) is a view of
Mt. Starr King and the Clark Range in the background.
Here's a picture (right) of Half Dome and a half-wit.
Aaron and I grabbed a quick lunch up here at Glacier Point. This was actually the last day that
the snack bar was going to be open this season. Aaron tempted fate (and later lost) by ordering
chili cheese nachos with jalapenos and I had a wilted salad and a sorry excuse for a pretzel with a liberal
amount of salt.
Aaron and I had originally intended to hike up to Sentinel Dome and then return the way we came.
After checking out the trail signs, we decided to hike up to Sentinel Dome and then return via
the Panorama trail and descend back into the valley by passing Nevada Falls and down the
John Muir trail.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 1: Yosemite Falls
Day 2: Glacier Point
Day 2: Sentinel Dome
Day 2: Panorama Trail, Illilouette Falls, Nevada
Falls
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