Glacier Point
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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.
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.
*
Photos from Glacier Point*
QTVR of Yosemite Valley, including good view of Glacier Point
