Dale Matson
Click To Enlarge Photographs
I have been to Glacier Point on skis more times than in a
car. This is mainly because Glacier Point is one of the busiest places in
Yosemite during the summer tourist season. In the winter the road is groomed as
a ski trail from the Badger Pass downhill ski area to Glacier Point. I have
used this as a great 21 mile round trip workout on most occasions but have
stayed overnight at Glacier Point on three occasions to take advantage of the
setting sun for photographs.
For round trips during the day, I use track skis and can
move along quite fast out and back. I like it best after a freshly groomed snowfall.
For overnights, I use backcountry skis that offer more support for my overnight
gear for snow camping. There can be a few folks on the trail but by the time you get to the Clark Overlook which is about half way, there a few folks who go further.
There are guided tours in the winter out to the point. There
are bunks set in the commercial building at the point. The three times I've
stayed the night there was no one else there. It is a long way from civilization
when the sun sets. While the bears are generally hibernating, the coyotes are
around and I use a bear canister to protect my food.
I use a single wall four-season tent by Mountain Hardwear
called the EV2. While it is an expedition grade tent, it is only about 5 pounds
and sets up fast. Winter camping can be more of a risk than the summer since snowstorms
can blow in at any time in the mountains. At over 7,000’ Glacier Point can get
near zero degrees at night. I sleep in a zero degree bag on an insulated pad
inside the tent. I also have on a down sweater, balaclava light gloves and down
pants on inside the bag. Zero degrees at altitude is harder on the body than
zero degrees at sea level. Staying warm is imperative. If you become cold you
are quickly at risk of hypothermia. I keep my water in a Nalgene bottle inside
my bag to keep it from freezing and make sure the cap is on tight!
I have a small gas stove for melting snow for coffee in the
morning. It’s interesting to me that I have met as many folks from other
countries at Glacier Point as I have from the U.S. They seem to know that it is
a world-class ski experience. There is no trail fee either. In early spring the
water in the falls is so loud it sounds like an overhead jet airplane. Anyone
who says that Yosemite Park is too crowded has never been to Glacier Point in
the winter. I recommend it as an overnight as your first trip. Overnight
wilderness permits are available from the ranger A frame near the ski lodge.
It’s also a good thing for them to know your plans in case of problems. I carry
a satellite phone and call my house when I arrive at Glacier Point and when I
am back to my vehicle the next day. There is a special place allocated for
parking for those staying overnight or longer. You can rent skis or snowshoes at the Nordic Trailer near the Lodge.
The photographs I have included have been taken over the
years and are not from a single trip to the point.
Summit Meadow
Bridalveil Creek
Clark Range Overlook
Half Dome From Washburn Point
Sentinel Dome
Toilet Near Sentinel Dome
Half Dome
Half Dome At Dusk
From The Geological Display
Clouds Rest Far Left
This is what it is like in the Spring on Glacier Point Road:
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