Glacier Point

Glacier Point is always my first stop when I visit Yosemite National Park. I perceive it as the gate to the park, and a way to get into the atmosphere of the Sierra Nevada. You can feel it in the air which is so clean and fresh. Superb vista points complete the picture and make you feel like you in a different world. A detailed map awaits you right as you walk in and direct you to all the interesting points you should visit while there. 

Half Dome always catches the eyes with its distinctive shape as soon as you start walking the trail, it stands out and you can’t miss it. Just a little bit to the right are Vernal and Nevada falls, which made me yearn to hike to the top of them, and enjoy the beautiful sight of the Mist Trail and the Merced River.

By some miracle at Glacier Point, we found a parking space as soon as we arrived. This year we visited Glacier Point at the beginning of June, which is peak season.

 We thought it would be crowded especially this time of the year when so many visitors from all over the world were coming, but we were surprised to find parking right where the action was taking place. It was so nice when we didn’t have to struggle for a parking space or have a problem with finding a perfect place to view everything–LUCKILY!

                                            

            

The reason for the name “Glacier Point” is it was formed by the wearing away of Yosemite’s glaciers slowly over time. The distinctive glacier formation of the slope is characterized by rounded boulders, cobblers, and angular fragments, all of which are deeply weathered. The slope has a smooth gray color that comes from the granite found in the slope’s surface. I experienced that breathtaking view of the valley below and the Yosemite Falls right across. Even if I sat there the whole day it would not be enough to appreciate the scene.

Back in the old days the tip of the rock use to be open to the public. People used to stand at the tip, but a few years ago it was fenced off due to safety issues and now it is a federal violation to be close to it, which is understandable. 

We walked the trail around Glacier Point which was nice, easy, and enjoyable. Of course we couldn’t miss the log cabin that serves as a snack stand and gift shop. Its architecture, which consists of cedar wood strips and stones, had tall green trees in the background that matched the theme of Yosemite and makes it eye catching. Inside you can find everything portraying Yosemite National Park.

 One of the most interesting stops there was the historic stone-built Geology Hut that stands guard to Half Dome.  

We were amazed by the structure that is built out of stones and wood, and has large windows on three sides.

One side point toward the amphitheater...

 

... and another side point toward Half Dome and the third side point toward the Point itself. It is breathtaking.

 

The outdoors amphitheater which sits at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Yosemite National Park has provided us with an astounding panoramic bird’s eye view of Half Dome, the Mist Trail leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and many other important landmarks of Yosemite.

This granite amphitheater was built on the site of the old Glacier Point Hotel which was burned down in 1969 due to an electric fire. We sat there for a long time enjoying the breathtaking view and thinking what it was like back then when the hotel stood and what guests must have felt when they stayed there.    

The only issue we had was the restrooms which were too busy and full. The smell was horrible and one woman best described it when she said: “my armpits on the worst day smells better!”  Of course, you don’t go to Yosemite for the bathroom, you go for the scenery, so we let it go and kept thinking positive. There is a lot to enjoy beside the restrooms.