Re: Yosemite Advice?
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 3:37 pm
Marcsoltan wrote:Hey Bob, as you said in your comment "lots of great suggestions" but I found the last two suggestions by Noondueler a definite must. They are located inside the valley itself, were as a lot of suggestions, though inside the park, are a bit remote or in the Yosemite high country. The Half Dome trail is beautiful, but the last few miles of it are boring until you get to the shoulder where you can look down into the valley. And, if you are not sure you will be able to get to the top, just do the first half.
I agree with Marc. Half Dome is a great hike, but in some ways, getting to the top is more of a rite of passage or achievement than a hike of pure pleasure. Like he said, there is a long boring stretch. If you want to do an epic Yosemite hike, I would reiterate the 4 Mile Trail / Panorama Trail combination. The views of the Valley and Yosemite Falls as you climb are awesome and you get to see both from numerous perspectives. Then the views from Glacier Point are unbeatable (just ignore the crowd and enjoy!) Then the ever-changing views of Half Dome as you descend keep one constantly occupied...to say nothing of the only good opportunity to see Illilouette Falls and the up close and personal exposure to Vernal and Nevada and the justifiably famous Mist Trail all add up to a superlative hiking experience. Plus, nearly all the up hill is done in the first four miles and then one has a leisurely hike back to the Valley (the only significant up hill being the brief climb out of Illilouette Valley).
Just my 0.02...