![]() ![]() John Muir once described it as “a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite (Valley).” Its steep granite walls, immense waterfalls, crystal river, and the lush meadows of its valley floor were considered to be a smaller, but just as spectacular, version of Yosemite Valley. ![]() The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and its surrounding areas are probably the least visited section of Yosemite. Most of the Glacier Point road is closed for the winter – usually between November and May, although winter access is provided up to the Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area.įor those who have the patience, getting up early for sunrise or staying out long enough for sunset are among the most rewarding ways to experience Glacier and Washburn Points. Glacier and Washburn Points overlook much of the east end of Yosemite Valley, but the 32-mile drive from the valley floor generally takes an hour or more. There are numerous trail heads along the Glacier Point Road, with trails leading to spectacular overlooks along the south rim, including Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Roosevelt Point, and McGurk Meadow. Spectacular views of Half Dome and the Grand Staircase of waterfalls can be found from both Glacier Point and Washburn Point at the end of the Glacier Point Road.įor a unique experience in Yosemite, consider attending one of the Stars Over Yosemite programs offered (free telescope viewing) at the Glacier Point Amphitheater most summer weekend nights. Plowing operations usually begin in April. Two backcountry rangers remain in the high country along the road over the winter, and die-hard cross country skiers take advantage of the snow-covered road for extended winter adventures. Tioga Road is closed – usually from the end of October through the end of May – due to heavy snow and avalanche conditions. Highlights of the road include numerous high country trailheads, numerous spectacular views, the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Cathedral Peak, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tioga Pass – the highest mountain highway pass (at 9,943’ elev.) in California and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It connects Yosemite to the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mono Basin. This area is far less crowded than Yosemite Valley, and many visitors plan their Yosemite travels with a focus on Tioga Road destinations in an effort to enjoy the relative peace and solitude unavailable in Yosemite Valley from June through September. Tioga Road is a 39-mile section of Highway 120, passing through beautiful parts of Yosemite’s high country. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle Buses run regularly throughout the year, and stop at each of these trailheads. The lake itself can be reached by both foot and bicycle (most of the way), and is only about a two-mile round trip. The third trail is the Mirror Lake Loop – a relatively flat 5-mile loop below the face of Half Dome. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S. They include the Mist Trail, leading hikers from Happy Isles up along side both Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the start of the 211-mile long John Muir Trail, which ends at the summit of Mt. ![]() Three of the most popular trails in Yosemite are found around the base of Half Dome. Permits are required to climb to the summit during much of the year (when the cables are in place), as well as for backcountry camping. This hike culminates at Half Dome’s summit with a 400-foot steep ascent on the rock between two steel cables. The area around Half Dome is popular with hikers and climbers, and the hike to its summit is a 16-1/2 mile round trip endurance test – particularly for those attempting to do it in a single day. Located at the east end of Yosemite Valley, it is a massive granite dome that appears to have had one side cut away, leaving an exposed 4,700-foot vertical rock face. Half Dome is perhaps the most iconic formation in Yosemite.
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