As I approached Glacier Point, I could see the throngs that visit this “must see” vantage. This level section cruises through towering trees on the north aspects of this ridge. I still had another 1,000ft/300m to climb and welcomed the leveling off of the trail as it wrapped around towards Glacier Point. You have a clear view of the angular Sentinel Rock over to the towering El Capitan and across to the entirety of Yosemite Falls.Īround this point I was able to start having some glances up the Tenaya Canyon with occasional views of Half Dome. I went out to the spur trail at Union Point which is one of the better vantages after gaining over 2,300ft/690m. With a high water flow and it brightly lit, I was in awe as I stopped too many times to catch my breath and admire. You can see Yosemite Creek crest the rim and dramatically drop to the Middle Cascades where it froths and tumbles its way down to the last drop that is Lower Yosemite Fall. The Four Mile Trail is one of the few places that allow you to see all three sections of this wonderful waterfall in one look. This gives you a wonderful view of icons like El Capitan and especially Yosemite Falls. Along the way I passed a multitude of flowers, a variety of birds singing, and the views, the stunning views.Īn early morning start has the great advantage of front lighting the valley across the way. The trail initially climbs below Sentinel Rock before traversing northeast and continuing the steep climb up to Union Point. Views of the sunlit walls across the valley were intermittent, but quickly grew as I climbed. Steller’s Jays and Fox Sparrows scoured leaves looking for insects among them. The trail begins with shrub oak and a dark understory. The grade is a fairly steep one despite the multitude of switchbacks. The switchbacks arrived soon thereafter and I was on my way. My first one of the day was the tall, slender Sentinel Fall with tall stretches broken by ledges all the way down. An unusually high snowpack the previous winter (2016/2017) made for fantastic waterfalls. Luckily there was still a spot for me to park and I set off on my epic adventure.Ī few mule deer grazed on the grasses as I approached the steep hillside I was about to ascend, passing oaks along the level floor. Not only is it a long day full of switchbacks and elevation, but the trailhead (like many in Yosemite Valley) quickly fills up.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |