The Mentor: The Yosemite Valley, Vol 4, Num. 16, Serial No. 116, October 2, 1916Elmendorf, Dwight L. (Dwight Lathrop)
History
The Mentor: The Yosemite Valley, Vol 4, Num. 16, Serial No. 116, October 2, 1916
Elmendorf, Dwight L. (Dwight Lathrop)
Yosemite Valley (Calif.)
After reaching Glacier Point most visitors return by the short trail.
This zig zags down abruptly, making its descent in four and a half
miles. It is full of thrills. For those who are nervous there is just
one rule to remember: “Fix your faith on your mule--and hold tight.”
The trail passes Agassiz’s Column, a giant obelisk that rises 85 feet
in the air from the top of the cliff, leads by Sentinel Falls, and
emerges on the plain below at the foot of Sentinel Rock.
The ledge trail is the most difficult. It goes almost straight up from
Camp Curry at the base of Glacier Point. This ascent has been made in
a little over an hour. It is a trail that only strong climbers should
attempt.
Another wonderful climb is that to Eagle Peak and Yosemite Point. A
steep but well-made bridle path crosses the bridge over the creek
descending from Yosemite Falls. The trail goes to the right shortly
after, and, ascending some distance, finally reaches a spot near the
foot of the Upper Yosemite Fall. Then the trail leads to the top of the
Yosemite Fall and from there a path goes to Lake Tenaya. The view from
Eagle Peak extends further to the west than that of Glacier Point.
The trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls leads past Happy Isles and is full
of beauty and interest. It winds along the side of the rushing Merced
River. The trail leads over a bridge commanding one of the best views
of Vernal Falls, and shortly after passing Register Rock, it leads to
Vernal Falls. Behind this fall rises the picturesque Cap of Liberty.
This may be ascended by experts, but it is a difficult climb. The top
of Vernal Falls may be reached by an easy path protected by an iron
chain.
From Register Rock the trail, which now becomes narrower and steeper,
makes a wide sweep to the right before reaching the top of Vernal
Falls, where the flat rock permits an approach to the edge of the
water. Just above is the beautiful Emerald Pool. The trail recrosses
the river about half-way between the top of Vernal Falls and the bottom
of Nevada Falls. Above the bridge is the Diamond Cascade, and below
it is the Silver Apron, both beautiful waterfalls. From here may be
obtained a fine view of the superb Nevada Falls. A steep and zig-zag
trail leads to its top.
To reach Cloud’s Rest visitors follow the Vernal Falls Trail, diverging
from it before reaching the bridge above the falls. The trip to Cloud’s
Rest takes one day, and is a favorite among energetic tourists. From
the Cloud’s Rest trail climbers can turn east and ascend the round
summit of Half Dome. The extraordinary formation of this mountain
attracts climbers, who are curious to see what the top of it is like.
They find it to be just what they expect--a curved, smooth surface.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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