Yosemite from Glacier Point

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Classic Overhanging Rock at Glacier Point.

Overhanging Rock at Glacier PointView All Sizes

Years ago on a previous exploration of Yosemite Valley a friend and I woke up at a chilly hour of the morning and hiked up Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. As we ascended from the valley floor the most amazing views opened up at each turn of the trail.

This time around I zoomed up Glacier Point Road on a crotch rocket and scenic vistas opened up at each turn of the road.

Each ascent had its merits and if I had to choose a route to Glacier Point I would pick both.

Mt. Starr King is a huge granite dome clearly visible from Glacier Point.

Mt. Starr KingView All Sizes

On Glacier Point Road

Upper Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point. On the right is Half Dome, and behind is Clouds Rest. On the left is Basket Dome, with Mt. Watkins in the middle and the Tenaya Creek trickling through the valley floor.

Upper Yosemite Valley from Glacier PointView All Sizes

Little Yosemite Valley, as seen from Glacier Point, is a small valley which snakes off to the southeast of the main valley. The Merced River flows through it and over Nevada Fall.

Little Yosemite ValleyView All Sizes

Mt. Starr King

A couple of points of interest are worth noting besides the grand finale. On the way up a break in the trees reveals a wide panoramic view of Mt. Starr King and the surrounding countryside (pictured at top). Another mile is a big curve in the road with a parking lot and excellent views of Little Yosemite Valley and Nevada Falls. Glacier Point offers an incredible 270° view of Yosemite Valley. It's truly breathtaking.

Jennifer at Glacier Point

Curry Village and the Valley Floor from Glacier Point.

Curry Village and the Valley FloorView All Sizes

Bike Packed Up

Packin' Up

Having moseyed down from Hodgdon Meadow Campground and spent another day in Yosemite Valley this was the terminus of our excursion. In the parking lot at Glacier Point we unpacked the van and I secured the motorcycle snugly inside.

On the way down to the 41 we chatted it up with a couple of hitchhikers before heading our separate ways.

Glacier Point

Half Dome from Glacier PointView All Sizes

Half Dome

Seen here in profile, iconic Half Dome doesn't have the same impact as seen from the valley floor. Granted, it's still a grand chunk of granite, but looks strangely narrow.

Yosemite Valley

From here, ascending the dome looks very steep, but the approach is on the other side. And yes, on one of these visits to Yosemite we will have to do that hike!