Climbing out of the ~Illilouette Canyon~, the trail runs north thru open forest. The fallen trees and prostrate bushes are caused by snow-slides from ~Illilouette Ridge~ above (Alt. 8250. Fine view from summit). As the trail climbs, the view of ~Mt. Starr King~, ~Mt. Clark~ and the ~High Sierra~ gradually unfolds. The trail joining from the south leads to ~Buena Vista Lake~ and ~Royal Arch Lake~ (Trail Trip 22). From one point in the ascent is an especially good profile of ~Half Dome~ across the canyon. Following along granite ledges the trail passes ~Glacier Point Hotel~ (Alt. 7200), from which is a most comprehensive panorama of the High Sierra. Accommodations are excellent and one should remain here over night if possible to see the sunrise. ~Glacier Point~ and the overhanging rock are about 200 yards beyond the hotel. This lookout point was called Patill'ima by the Yosemite Tribe. From here we obtain what is without doubt the vastest and most awe-inspiring view readily accessible to tourists. The valley floor is 3250 feet below. An inclined shaft elevator thru solid granite from the foot of the cliff is being planned. For trips from Glacier Point see Trail Trips 16 to 23. The descent from Glacier Point to Yosemite is generally made by the ~Short Trail~ (5 miles, 1-1/2 hour walk). From the hotel the trail follows westward along the canyon wall. Rounding a point we get an excellent profile view of the ~Gates of the Valley~ with ~Sentinel Rock at~ the left and ~El Capitan~ at the right. Descending 900 feet by switchbacks thru a forest of fir, sugar pine, yellow pine, Douglas fir and incense cedar, we reach ~Union Point~ (Alt. 6314--2350 feet above the valley floor). There is here a refreshment stand where cooling drinks and light lunches may be obtained. A short distance from the point is a shelter cabin and a government telephone (Central 1 ring). Descending past ~Agassiz Column~, a huge balancing shaft of granite, the trail zigzags down the mountain side, emerging at several vantage points from which are obtained especially fine views of ~Half Dome~ and the north end of the valley. The character of the forest now changes, oaks and laurel entering to replace the diminishing fir. The trail terminates at the foot of ~Sentinel Rock~ at the site of the old Camp Awahnee and the more ancient Indian village of Loi'-ah. Yosemite is 1.3 miles distant by road to the right. During the season a regular auto-bus service is maintained between this and other valley points. TRAIL TRIP 2 YOSEMITE TO GLACIER POINT _via_ THE SHORT TRAIL AND RETURN _via_ VERNAL AND NEVADA FALLS Reverse of Trail Trip 1 (16 miles--8 hours) The Glacier Point excursion is a most scenic one-day trip and this is the most widely used of Yosemite trails. Parties are advised to take the reverse of this trip (Trail Trip 1) thereby obtaining views of the falls which are unnoticed on the down trip. The ascent is also more gradual and therefore less tiring.