Next to Half Dome, the ~Ledge Trail~ is the most thrilling of Yosemite climbs. The ascent was formerly quite dangerous, but in 1918 a safe foot-trail was constructed. The record ascent is fifty-three minutes, but this is a steep, hard, 3200-foot climb and will take the average individual three to five hours. The trail starts from the Happy Isles Road, turning southward just east of the new ~Le Conte Lodge~. It climbs the talus slope above ~Camp Curry~ and turns westward up a steep ledge. As the trail mounts to view-commanding heights there are many unusual and impressive glimpses into the depths below. Reaching a steep canyon, the trail turns sharply to the left and climbs beside a small creek. ~The water is polluted~ and to drink it is dangerous. Near the top, the trail gradually becomes less and less steep and finally crosses the canyon rim only a few feet distant from ~Glacier Point~ and the ~Overhanging Rock~. Glacier Point Hotel is about 200 yards southward. TRAIL TRIP 16 GLACIER POINT TO SENTINEL DOME (Round trip, 2 miles in 2 hours) The short excursion from ~Glacier Point~ to the summit of ~Sentinel Dome~ is well worth while. The round trip can easily be made afoot in two hours and many hikers include it in their "Glacier Point" day. From the hotel we follow the ~Chinquapin Road~ about a quarter of a mile. Just beyond a spring at the left of the road, the trail turns to the right and climbs abruptly beneath the firs and pines. Gradually the forest becomes more open and park-like, and the firs are replaced by hardy Jeffrey pines. During the last quarter mile of the ascent we pass over weathered granite which has exfoliated in slabs near the top. At the rounded summit is a gnarled and wind-blown Jeffrey pine--probably the most photographed tree in the park. To the east is an exceptionally fine panorama of the High Sierra. In returning to Glacier Point we follow the trail to the south, intersecting the road about 300 yards away. Here we turn left, noting the soft decomposing granite which seems particularly susceptible to weather conditions. The distance beyond to the hotel is one and a half miles. TRAIL TRIP 17 GLACIER POINT TO FORT MONROE _via_ POHONO TRAIL Reverse of Trail Trip 18 (11.7 miles--5 hours. Round trip from Yosemite, 24 miles--13 hours) This is one of the most beautiful Yosemite trails. With very little climbing the trail parallels the south rim thru delightfully attractive forests and wild-flower gardens, emerging from time to time to reveal vast views across and into the valley. The round trip from Yosemite to Glacier Point and thence to Fort Monroe via the Pohono Trail, returning to the valley via the Wawona Road is too long a trip to be attempted by the average walker in one day. It is best to stay over night at the Glacier Point Hotel, starting early the next morning.