ROAD TRIP III
YOSEMITE TO GLACIER POINT via CHINQUAPIN ROAD
(28 miles—4 to 5 hours by auto)
A trip to Glacier Point should be part of everyone's Yosemite itinerary. Many motorists prefer to make the excursion by road instead of by trail. The round trip from Yosemite can be made by machine in one day, but it is better to reserve accommodations in advance at the Glacier Point Hotel and remain there over night to view the sunrise over the High Sierra. Another excellent plan is to send one's machine around by road while one walks or rides to Glacier Point via the Vernal and Nevada Falls Trail (Trail Trip 1), returning to the valley via Chinquapin Road. The description of the first 14.5 miles of this trip, which follows the Wawona Road as far as Chinquapin, will be of interest to those leaving Yosemite by that route.
From Yosemite Village we follow the Bridalveil Road (Road Trip VI-A) down the valley four and a half miles to the Bridalveil Checking Station, where the Wawona Road turns to the left. Here all motorists must register. For safety the park regulations permit the ascent on even hours only, and at a speed of not more than twelve miles per hour.
We now climb steadily beneath a dense forest of pines, fir, incense cedar, oak and laurel, and at one and a half miles halt at Artist Point (Alt. 4701, 750 feet above the valley floor). The view of the Gates of the Valley to the east is claimed to be one of the most perfect of all Yosemite landscapes.
Gradually climbing another 690 feet we finally halt at Inspiration Point (Alt. 5391). The view of Yosemite is similar to that from Artist Point, but with the depths and distances more impressively accentuated. Across the canyon is Fireplace Bluff. A view-finder beside the road indicates each point of interest. All machines should be registered at the Government Checking Station. Telephone communication and water are here available.
About half a mile beyond Inspiration Point is Fort Monroe (Alt. 5540), an old-time stage relay station. This is a fair campsite for auto parties. A good spring will be found near the Pohono Trail junction. The visit to the wild-flower gardens and many fine lookout points of the Pohono Trail (Trail Trip 18) is an especially fine one-day walking trip from this point.
Our road now leads thru most magnificent pine forests, which open now and then to give us short glimpses of the canyon of the Merced, thousands of feet below. About two miles from Fort Monroe the Hennessy Trail (Trail Trip 25) branches to the right and descends to El Portal, ten miles distant. Grouse Creek Crossing, a half mile further, is a good auto camp. Fishing is fair downstream.