![]() ![]() I continued on, crossing over the creek and began climbing up above Panorama Cliff. Once again, the high snowpack made this waterfall a roaring wonder. One of the last switchbacks is at the edge of a cliff and gives you a dramatic look at Illilouette Falls as it drops, then makes a hard right hand turn and continues down Illilouette Gorge. ![]() The trail begins to switchback down toward Illilouette Creek. Once again, flowers and birds accompanied the ever changing vistas. This trail pleasantly descends through tall ponderosas and a sea of shrubbery. The views from this location are not oversold.įrom there I left the crowds and began heading south along Illilouette Ridge on the Panorama Trail. ![]() You also get your first look further up the Merced River drainage that has Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall as well as Panorama Cliff and Illilouette Fall. Because you can drive up to the point, you’ll be sharing views with others. The point itself sits at the precipice of the cliff (with railing of course) and offers the view of Tenaya Canyon with Half Dome that we’ve all seen before in photos. As I approached Glacier Point, I could see the throngs that visit this “must see” vantage. This level section cruises through towering trees on the north aspects of this ridge. I still had another 1,000ft/300m to climb and welcomed the leveling off of the trail as it wrapped around towards Glacier Point. You have a clear view of the angular Sentinel Rock over to the towering El Capitan and across to the entirety of Yosemite Falls.Īround this point I was able to start having some glances up the Tenaya Canyon with occasional views of Half Dome. I went out to the spur trail at Union Point which is one of the better vantages after gaining over 2,300ft/690m. With a high water flow and it brightly lit, I was in awe as I stopped too many times to catch my breath and admire. You can see Yosemite Creek crest the rim and dramatically drop to the Middle Cascades where it froths and tumbles its way down to the last drop that is Lower Yosemite Fall. The Four Mile Trail is one of the few places that allow you to see all three sections of this wonderful waterfall in one look. This gives you a wonderful view of icons like El Capitan and especially Yosemite Falls. Along the way I passed a multitude of flowers, a variety of birds singing, and the views, the stunning views.Īn early morning start has the great advantage of front lighting the valley across the way. The trail initially climbs below Sentinel Rock before traversing northeast and continuing the steep climb up to Union Point. Views of the sunlit walls across the valley were intermittent, but quickly grew as I climbed. Steller’s Jays and Fox Sparrows scoured leaves looking for insects among them. The trail begins with shrub oak and a dark understory. The grade is a fairly steep one despite the multitude of switchbacks. The switchbacks arrived soon thereafter and I was on my way. My first one of the day was the tall, slender Sentinel Fall with tall stretches broken by ledges all the way down. An unusually high snowpack the previous winter (2016/2017) made for fantastic waterfalls. Luckily there was still a spot for me to park and I set off on my epic adventure.Ī few mule deer grazed on the grasses as I approached the steep hillside I was about to ascend, passing oaks along the level floor. #Panorama trail fullNot only is it a long day full of switchbacks and elevation, but the trailhead (like many in Yosemite Valley) quickly fills up. An early start is warranted when you want to link the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |