TRAIL TRIP 2
YOSEMITE TO GLACIER POINT via THE SHORT TRAIL AND RETURN via VERNAL AND NEVADA FALLS
Reverse of Trail Trip 1
(16 miles—8 hours)
The Glacier Point excursion is a most scenic one-day trip and this is the most widely used of Yosemite trails. Parties are advised to take the reverse of this trip (Trail Trip 1) thereby obtaining views of the falls which are unnoticed on the down trip. The ascent is also more gradual and therefore less tiring.
The Short Trail to Glacier Point starts from the Bridalveil Road 1.3 miles west of Yosemite at the site of old Camp Awahnee and of the more ancient Indian village of Loi'-ah. Turning southward we ascend abruptly thru a dense forest of oak, mountain laurel, scattered pines, cedar and Douglas fir. As the trail climbs rapidly by switchbacks, broad-leaved trees disappear, their places being taken by sugar pines and true firs from above. Frequently the trail emerges at vantage points from which are obtained especially fine views of Half Dome and the north end of the valley. A climb of 2350 feet takes us past a balancing shaft of granite, Agassiz Column, to Union Point (Alt. 6314). At this fine view-point are a government shelter cabin and telephone (Central 1 ring.)
The remaining 900-foot climb to Glacier Point is thru a dense forest with some vast views to the northeast. A short level stretch near the end leads to Glacier Point (Alt. 7214). The view from the vicinity of the overhanging rock is without doubt the vastest and most awe-inspiring sight readily accessible to tourists. The Yosemite Tribe called this lookout point Patill'ima. Yosemite is 3250 feet below. An inclined shaft elevator thru solid granite from the foot of the cliff is being planned. For trips from Glacier Point see Trail Trips 16 to 23.
The Glacier Point Hotel and cottages are but 200 yards distant. The panorama of the High Sierra from the hotel balcony is especially fine. Accommodations are excellent and it is recommended that the tourist remain over night if possible to see the sunrise.
Passing the hotel the trail descends gradually along granite ledges revealing a most impressive profile of Half Dome across the canyon. During the descent into the canyon of the Illilouette several patches of fallen trees and prostrate brush are passed. These are caused by the frequent snow slides from the Illilouette Ridge above (Alt. 8250. Fine view). At a trail forks, the Buena Vista Trail (Trail Trip 22) branches south up the Illilouette Canyon. An abrupt descent by zigzags takes us to a point from which is obtained a good view of the lace-like Illilouette Fall. The name is a corruption of the old Indian name Too-tool-a-we-ack. A few feet below we stop at the lip of the fall (Alt. 5850). The canyon above abounds in glacial phenomena and will well repay a side trip for those interested in geology. Fishing is good up the canyon.