Glacier Point

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Glacier Point, as seen from Yosemite Valley. In springtime, this cliff face is covered with dozens of freshets and tiny waterfalls from the snowmelt, the largest being Staircase Falls.

Glacier Point is a viewpoint above Yosemite Valley, in California, USA. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft (2199 m), 3200 ft (975 m) above Curry Village. The point offers a superb view of Yosemite National Park, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest.

Glacier Point can be reached from the Valley via Glacier Point Road. Shuttle buses require approximately 1 hour to make the trip. During the summer, Glacier Point is mobbed with tourists. The road is usually open from June through October. Access from the Badger Pass Ski Area is only by ski or snowshoe when the road is closed.

Looking south from Glacier Point

Glacier Point can also be reached via the Four Mile Trail, which ascends the 3200 feet (975 m) in 4.5 miles (7.2 km). This extremely steep and strenuous trail assists in solitude when the road is closed. Note, however, that the trail can be very hazardous when covered with snow or ice, so is usually closed by the Park Service from December through May. Another trail runs from Glacier Point down to the Valley, via the John Muir Trail, past Nevada and Vernal Falls. This is a 14.5 mile (23.3 km) trail.