October 18, 2023 - Taft Pt and Sentinel Dome

 

Title: October 18, 2023 - Taft Pt and Sentinel Dome
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's 

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Sentinel Dome Parking Area-West

Trail: Taft Point, Pohono, Sentinel Dome

Destination: Taft Pt

Actual Destination: Taft Pt and Sentinel Dome 

Distance:  5.65 miles

Start Time: 9:41

End Time:   4:21

Travel Time: 6:39  (0.85 mph)

Moving Time: 4:07   (1.37 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,592'

Descent: 1,437‘

Maximum Elevation: 8,153'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Rose and Sherri at start

A couple of weeks ago Sherri and I walked up Four Mile Trail for a short way. Enough of the way up that we decided to try walking it the full way to Glacier Point. Both Rose and Betty are interested in doing this-Betty has other obligations, but Rose is available. Unfortunately the day before Yosemite Fire decided to ignite a prescribed burn in the Valley. We are thinking that the fires will bring smoke. So do we really want to be struggling up this trail, breathing in smoke? The answer is no!

We still want to go for a hike in Yosemite, maybe on the Glacier Point Road. David-my brother, Sherri and I pile into the car a little after 7, drive up to Madera and pick up Rose. We drove on through Oakhurst and got to the Sentinel Dome Parking Area. One thing which we did not realize which would come into play later on is that there are now two parking areas for this trail-east and west.

 

 

By 9:40, we are off and walking towards Taft Point. If we feel up to it, we will continue on a triangle to Sentinel Dome. The trail does not seem familiar, but after a while, I recognize some landmarks and feel better. It is only a bit more than a mile to Taft Point. The trail dips down before ascending to the point. We pass by the Fissures. I know this is in my mind, but I remember the fissures a bit more dynamic looking. Could they have changed? Or is it just my memory being warped?

Ferns being passed by

AFissure

 

The view from the point is always amazing-at least my memory and reality jive on this. When you are looking down 4,000' into one of the most beautiful places on earth, there is no surprise that it elicits awe. Looking west where the burns were to take place, there is only a haze right now. We get our pictures taken and just wander around the area taking it in.

Approaching Taft Pt

Then we start back up the Pohono Trail

Taft Point

. It is about half a mile to the junction. I am up ahead, but David catches up with me. A little later Rose and Sherri come along, sounding like they are having a good conversation. At the junction, we have a decision to be made. Do we continue the Pohono Trail or go back to the car and then go up Sentinel Dome? It is actually shorter and easier to go back to the car. But our group decided to make it a triangle hike, even with an 800' drop to Sentinel Creek and a climb back up and further to get to the top of the dome. We decided to do the triangle.

Sentinel Dome from Pohono Trail

We decide when we get to Sentinel Creek to have lunch. We start our descent. We meet various people coming up the trail and stop and talk with a few. Sentinel Dome starts to loom in front of us. It is not as intimidating as some of the other domes we have seen. At the Creek, there is a side trail going out to a point which we have eaten at before. It did not disappoint. We eat and rest here for about 20-30 minutes.

During this time, I get to play tour guide to two different sets of people wondering how to get to Sentinel Dome. We start walking again. We quickly get passed by both groups. One is wondering if this is as steep as it gets-nope, it gets steeper. Apparently one of their group probably will not be able to make it. So I give them instructions about how to go and where the friend can stop.

David and I keep a slow steady pace and get to another overlook where we stop and gawk at the view of the Valley.While we wait, David lays down and rests. I suspect that I lack energy more than David. Once we are all together, we take off again. There have been changes since the last time I have been up here. There is a node on the Park’s communications has moved. Plus the trail seems to have changed a bit. Such as the trail seems to loop around where it did not go before.

David resting

On the way up Sentinel Dome, we meet both groups which we talked to before. They both are grateful for the advice I gave. All of us decide that we have enough energy to go up the Dome. One step at a time brings us all to the top. The view from the top is 360 and there are very few sights which compare with this view of Yosemite. Half Dome, the Sierra Crest, and the Clark Range to the east; Ostrander Rocks to the south; El Capitan and the Valley to the west; and Yosemite Falls to the north. When looking down the Valley, we are seeing the prescribed burns we were concerned about. They do not look too bad, at least a lot of smoke.

Now it is time to go back down the dome. I have been down the Dome several times before. Today for some reason I am apprehensive about coming down it. Maybe it is because last time I slipped and fell and broke my pinkie finger. I think Sherri is more concerned about coming down it than I am right now. For some strange reason, I feel more confident coming down now with Sherri matching my footsteps. The bottom line-maybe the wrong choice in words-we make it down without incident.

 

Prescribed burn close to El Capitan

It is a mile back to the car. David and I walk at an easy pace, but still faster than Sherri and Rose. We get to the east parking area. This is the trail I remember. The light clicks on and I realize what a sign is trying to tell me. The west parking area, where we are parked, is a new lot. David and I discuss things. He will stay at the east area and direct Sherri and Rose there. I will walk the 100 yards to the west one and collect the car. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sherri and Gary and Sentinel Dome

After picking everybody up, we head on down the road. The next question is, do we want to eat before we get home? The answer is a resounding yes! Now where. We decide that if El Cid looks reasonable to get into, we will go there. Else we will try a new place in Oakhurst: Los dos Carnales. El Cid looked like we would get in quickly, so we stopped. After reading the reviews on the other restaurant, we will try there as well. After eating it is back down to the Valley. We let off Rose at her place and then stagger into our house, tired, but feeling good.

 

 Extra Photo's

Panorama view from the top of Sentinel Dome

View looking west from Sentinel Point

Looking east from Sentinel Dome

Across the Valley from Sentinel Point

Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

West end of the Valley from Taft Point

Gary at Taft Point

David at Taft Point

Tree on Taft Point

Smoke from prescribed burns

Prescribed burns

Half Dome from Sentinel Dome

Half Dome from Sentinel Dome

A tree on edge of Sentinel Dome: left from Pohono Trail; right on the Dome

October 26, 2020 - Glacier Point

 

Title: October 26, 2020 - Glacier Point
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's :

Hike Info:

Type: Car 

Destination: Taft Pt and Sentinel Dome

Actual Destination:  Glacier Point

Description:

We got a Yosemite Park pass so that we could go up on October 31st. So we need to make a trip up to Yosemite. Besides, it is good after my birthday trip for a now much older man. Such hardships we endure, woe is us. We are planning to hike over to Taft Pt and up Sentinel Dome. A loop we have done several items. While well within our capability, it will stretch us a bit in our current condition.

View from Washburn Pt

We don’t get an early start, but a start which should get us up there by about 10am. It is a quick drive up. The line at the entrance station is a bit long, but not by Yosemite standards. We make a quick stop at Chinquapin. And then go up the Glacier Point Road.

Oh, Oh! As we approach the parking area for Taft Pt/Sentinel Dome, we see nothing but cars parked on the side of the road, leading up to the parking area. Does not look very promising. After a quick consultation, we decided that area is too crowded for us. Now what to do? For a short term solution, we will go on to Glacier Point and see how crowded that area is.

Horse Fire

On our way to Glacier, we stop at Washburn Point which is pretty open. We are a minority mask wearers, but there is a lot of room, so that does not seem to be an issue. Washburn Point is my preferred overlook. I think it is because we can see far into the backcountry. I can see places I have been and dreama bit about walking there again. Also there are places my feet have not traveled yet. I can only imagine what they like. Looking east, the view is pretty clear. I gaze that way for a while. Half Dome is dominae, and Vernal and Nevada falls are there. But the Clark Range with Mt Starr King is a wonder.

Snow Creek Trail

And then farther back we see the Crest. Such a wonderful view. So glad not that many people stop here. Also, when we look south, we see the Horse Fire on Horse Ridge, right before Ostrander Lake. Actually, Sherri spots it first-hopefully it is because I am distracted with everything else. This fire was started by lightning in August. The Park is letting it burn itself out.

Onward down to Glacier Point, not far. The parking lot is maybe about a quarter full. Looks like we score. We go out to the point. Yosemite Valley is always impressive and particularly from Glacier. There is a haze coming in from the Creek and SQF Complex fires. I start to pick out various places-Camp Curry, Happy Isles, Snow Creek Trail, and where the Hidden Falls probably is. When I look at Ahwahnee Meadows, I am seeing something man made which I cannot figure out. It is only when I realized that it was a Christmas ornament.

 

 

Lunch Time

We have lunch a little ways off, facing out to the Valley. Very pleasant. After a stop at a bathroom way at the end of the parking lot-it is a long lot. So we did get a little bit of a walk in. We started back up the road thinking maybe if the Taft Pt parking area is not busy, doing that walk. Nope. So on we go.

Mysterious design on Ahwahnee Meadow

Sherri wants to stop at the Mono Meadows Trailhead. So we do. Not a great view, but looking through the trees there are places which you just wish for a bit broader of a view. We just wander in an arc around the area and see what we could see. Oh yeah, we were not sure where the trail was-that is a common problem with me. I can wander many places in the backcountry and find where I should be pretty easily. But finding the trail at the trailhead? I have a history of having issues there.

Time to move on. We stopped in Oakhurst at Carl Jr’s. but the power has been out. They said to wait around for about half an hour. We decided not to-we can almost be to Fresno by that time. We order a take-out dinner from Red Robin in Riverpark and have a content dinner.

 

 Extra Photo's

Horse Fire

Closer View of the Horse Fire

Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and beyond from Washburn Pt

View from Mono Meadow Trailhead-Half Dome on left

The Clark Range "humps" from Mono Meadow Trailhead

Sherri

August 21, 2016 - Bridalveil Creek to Glacier Point

Title:August 21, 2016 - Bridalveil Creek to Glacier Point
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Menu : Extra Photo's : Animals 

Trail head: Bridalveil Creek

Hike Info:

Type:  Backpacking

Trail: Pohono Trail

Destination: Glacier Point

Distance:  5.52 miles

Start Time: 8:15

End Time:  12:41  

Travel Time:  4:25 (1.25 mph)

Moving Time:  3:05 (1.79 mph)

Elevation Rise:1,534'

Maximum Elevation: 7,759'

Description:

Bridalveil Creek with Fireweed

With Sonya along, I am no longer the first one up. This is sort of nice, but a change in the rhythm of my mornings. Usually since I am the first one up, I sort of wander off, do a short hike or find a quiet place and meditate or sing some hymns or play my recorder. This is not a bad thing. Occasionally it is good to break your routine and enjoy another way of doing things.

Sherri gets up shortly after I do and we have our oatmeal breakfast. We are a bit slow breaking camp. I think this is more of a "relaxed" mode than Sonya is used. But today is not a big push day either. We need to go about 6 miles to Glacier Point. Most of it is of the rolling variety. About 8:15 we take off, crossing the bridge over Bridalveil Creek.

Hikers on the Pohono Trail

Have you ever noticed that there is more bridges out on trails these days. I am not altogether sure that is a good thing. I know that in places, it really makes crossing rivers and creeks a lot easier. On the other hand, there is a certain skill which has immediate consequences for failure if your skills are not up to par. Probably just my crotchetiness coming into play. Maybe I do need those moments of quiet to get me into a proper frame of mind.

For awhile I walk with Sonya, asking her borderline obnoxious questions. Nothing terribly bad or "inappropriate", or even having her come close to swatting me. But it was more of my wondering about things with limited amount of data for me to work on. Most of my questions are off base. But that earns me a title of "Thinker". After reflection, not sure that is an accurate label, but maybe "Ponderer" would be more appropriate. Somehow I cannot see myself as a Rodin statue.

El Capitan from an Unnamed Point

But after a little while two things happen. First, I realize that Sherri is dropping further and further back. Second, and even more important, that I will not be keeping up this pace for 6 miles. So I make the feeble excuse that I will be waiting for Sherri and walking with her.

Taft Point from Unnamed Point

But even that feeble excuse becomes weaker. There was this little unnamed point (37 deg 42' 25.29", -119 deg 36' 35.66") which offers superb views and a nifty campsite. i think it would be a great place to stay a night. According to the topo map, there is even a spring close by. But I think I would want to check it out first. Until then, I think I would relegate it to a Spring, early Summer campsite.

Fissures

Gary approaching Taft Point

But having made my side excursion, I am now behind, way behind, both of the girls. Of course his means that I can go as fast, or slow, as I want. But the terrain is conducive to my longer stride, so I feel comfortable walking at a good clip. This brings me quickly to Taft Point and the Fissures.

El Capitan from Taft Point

The sun is starting to get a bit warm and Taft Point is a bit exposed, so it is time to get moving on. But not before Sherri makes a lizard a star-if my kids say I am a paparazzi, does that make Sherri a lizarozzi? (You can see the results of her work below .)

Clouds and Sentinel Dome

Sherri seems to be in an animal stalking mood today. I had stopped for some more pictures when Sherri find a doe which had uncovered some mushrooms. She spends some time getting a good picture of it. We all wonder if this is a stoner deer.


At the junction between going to Sentinel Dome and Point, we rejoin Sonya for a ways. We decide, or at least I express a preference,  for the Point-this is one of those wonders which does not get much attention. 

Clouds are starting to gather, which means two things to me. First is are we going to get some rain or lightening? Second, cool-look at those clouds gathering and framing these difference places, turning them from just your everyday, garden type of Yosemite wonder to special scenes. Sentinel Dome gets framed with a majestic looking clouds. To be fair, the clouds is well in back of the dome.

Panorama from Sentinel Point

Storm Clouds

And then there is the eye candy when we get to Sentinel Point. There is a large flat space here where you can view a wide section of the Valley. When Yosemite Falls is running, you can see all three of them from here. Being late in the season, with sharp eyes, you can make out a little mist, but nothing to travel 10 miles for.

But we still see our clouds rolling in and are reminded it is time to move on. Not that it truly looks like it will rain on us. But they give us a warning.

Half Dome

The rest of the trail gives us view points of greatness. Previously I have explored several of these places and have appreciated the views. But today, there is a certain feeling of wanting to get on. And I think Sonya feels that way as she moves on ahead of us old ones. A word here. Sonya never pushes us or even gives a hint of wanting us to go faster. But she can turn on the rockets if she needs to. So in that sense, she is a good hiking partner for us, along with being an all-around pleasant person. And yet, it is good to get a little separation so that Sherri and I can do what married couples do-no not THAT! But just enjoy each others company. One of those things is to take pictures of ourselves, which we do where this trail has a rise over a shoulder of Sentinel Dome's ridge. There is such a great backdrop there with Half Dome just waiting for us to get to Glacier Point.

Sherri and Half Dome

Gary and Half Dome

Speaking of Glacier Point, I am getting hungry. Why is the last mile to a trail always the longest? Sherri and I have a date with Sonya and a sandwich there. So we start moving. Even though it is all downhill from here, it just not seem fast enough. When we get to the store, Sonya is waiting there patiently, reading her Kindle, in the sun. Sherri and her go in for a sandwich while I get to enjoy the sun while guarding the packs.

Half Dome and Clouds

Uninvited Lunch Guests

We go to the start of the Four Mile Trail to have our lunch in the shade. Our friends, the meat bees, find us and wonder why have we not invited them for lunch? But a small piece of meat keeps them satisfied, at least away from my mouth. But Sherri is bothered by them and puts in an extra mile trying to keep away from them.

Our Trailhead?

After lunch, we hop on the Glacier Point shuttle. Here Sonya gets in a conversation with a family from England-this is there last day in the Park. Then as McGuirk Meadow trail head comes into view, our friendly driver asks us where our vehicle is parked. She lets us out right by Sonya's jeep. What service! As we leave the Park, we pay a stop to a scene of my misdeed-Mariposa Country Transfer Station, where my navigational error is immortalized in picture. Sonya then drives us back to Oakhurst where we have a scoop of Reimer's ice cream. Good stuff! We then get to Sonya's place glad we have done this trip with Sonya, hoping that there will be more.

Trail Lesson:

Occasionally it is good to break your routine and enjoy another way of doing things.




Menu

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang.	Sandwich from Glacier Point store Stop in Oakhurst at Reimers for ice cream.	At home	Clif Bar, GORP, Propel, CytoMax, Scrytch, Coffee Candy, Jelly Belly

Extra Photo's

Half Dome and BackCountry

 
 

Three Brothers from Taft Point

Leaving Taft Point

Animals

Sherri's Lizard

Mushroom Munching Deer