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Glacier Point Road (Wawona Road at Chinquapin to Glacier Point)

Posted on October 17, 2008 by: Traveler

Best Time To Visit: Memorial Day to October 31st- Wi
Closest City: Fish Camp
State: 7
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: The 16 mile (one-way) Glacier Point road begins just north of Yosemite West at the Chinquapin junction of the Wawona Road. It is a good side trip for first-time visitors to Yosemite National Park who wish to get a birds-eye view of majestic Yosemite Valley. If you are a first time visitor who has just entered the park from the south entrance (Wawona Road) prior to heading up this winding road (one lane each direction), you may only be thinking of checking Glacier Point off the list of things to see and do. In reality, numerous side trips, short hikes including backcountry access, a campground and California's first ski resort can be found along this road. This write-up is not coverage for the entire road (all the adventure would be removed) but it cover's some of the highlights passed while traveling to Glacier Point proper at the road's end.

DESCRIPTION: BADGER PASS- At first, the switchbacks of Glacier Point Road pass through heavily forested areas that don't offer much in the way of panoramic views. Be patient! Badger Pass (with it's first lift constructed in 1933) soon approaches at the five mile mark. Badger Pass Ski area has 90 skiable acres accessed via 5 chair lifts and 10 ski runs. The elevation ranges from 7,200 ft. (base area) up to 8,000 ft. for 800 feet of vertical rise. The Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School provides beginner lessons and offers overnight ski excursions to the Glacier Point Ski Hut (at road's end). Reservations are required at (209)372-8444. There are 90 miles of marked winter trails branching out from the Badger Pass area with 25 miles of machine groomed track.

BRIDALVEIL CREEK CAMPGROUND- This campground is located at the eight mile mark of the Glacier Point Road. Only its two group sites and three horse sites require a reservation (see link below) with the remaining 110 sites being available on a first-come, first-served basis. RV's (up to 35 ft.) and trailers (up to 24 ft.) are welcome... just not in the group sites. Dump stations are at Wawona and the Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Creek camp is situated at 7,200 ft above sea level and offers a fire ring, picnic table and bear box for the smell good stuff at each campsite. Bathrooms and potable water are a short walk away and conveniently situated among the sites.

TAFT POINT HIKE- A short 2.5 mile (round-trip) walk to the south rim of Yosemite Valley. Begins at the same area on the left side of the Glacier Point Road as the Sentinel Dome hike.

SENTINEL DOME HIKE- A short 2.5 mile (round-trip) walk up a small dome (250 ft. elevation gain/ loss) overlooking the south rim of Yosemite Valley. Begins at the same area on the left side of the Glacier Point Road as the Taft Point hike.

More to Come!

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