Tag: Glacier Point

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is an overlook with wonderful views over Yosemite Valley and the high country. Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Half Dome, Basket Dome, Clouds Rest, Liberty Cap, the valley floor, and many other spectacular sights can be seen from here. It stands at the south wall of the valley, being some 3,200 feet (980 m) above the valley floor.

It offers a great vantage point for photography. The best time is, undoubtedly, late afternoon to sunset when it has the best lighting conditions. Cloud formations add drama as the sun goes down, so plan using local weather forecasts to improve the chance of taking better photos. Storms generally come from an easterly direction in the summer. Classic “clearing storm” photographs and, sometimes, rainbows can be caught at this time. The sky behind Half Dome turns shades of pink or orange as the valley slowly sinks into deep shade. Also, the Four Mile and Panorama Trails offer many other viewpoints.

Origin of Its Name

The origin of the name is not known. The overhanging rock is thought to be a lookout point used by the Ahwahneechees, the original inhabitants of Yosemite Valley. It was from such a vantage point that they communicated with their friends and neighbors by using fire and smoke. A large fire was covered with a wet hide. It was lifted at intervals to reveal flashes of fire and clumpy clouds of smoke. The number and depth speaking a message.

However, their name for this point is given as Patillima (Patill-ima), whose meaning is not known. Another Indian name given for Glacier Point is Oowooyoowah (Oo-woo-yoo-wah), translated as “Great Rock of the Elk”. But elks were not found in this region!

The lives of the Ahwahneechees and their Chief, Tenaya, are told in the historical novel, Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya.