Four Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point has reopened. It’s usually closed from December through May because of “dangerous winter conditions,” with the last mile to the top almost NEVER opened up until May. Even though we’re experiencing a mild winter here on the west coast, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for winter conditions from Union Point to Glacier Point.
Backpacker Magazine put up an EXCELLENT appetite whetting hiking guide to one of the most scenic parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.
For those who don’t know, the Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that follows some of the highest pats of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges from Mexico to Canada, crossing Califoria, Oregon and Washington. It is 2,663 miles long, passes through 25 national forest and 7 national parks. The trail became a National Scenic Trail in 1968.
From Backpacker Magazine:
The Hike
The best section of the most scenic long trail in the country is the 203.7-mile stretch in the central Sierra from Kennedy Meadows Campground to Red’s Meadow Campground. In that span, the PCT crosses Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the John Muir Wilderness–and never meets a single road. It’s the longest roadless span on any National Scenic Trail in the country. On the way, you’ll have a chance to summit Mt. Whitney (the Lower 48’s highest point at 14,497 feet) and experience the legendarily gentle weather of California’s central Sierra. Plan for 10 to 15 days to cross this roller coaster of subalpine and glaciated terrain.
Leading Adventure Company in Yosemite National Park honors veterans by sharing outdoor adventures during holiday weekend.
To honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces, YExplore Yosemite Adventures will offer special incentives to active and retired military members and their families to enjoy guided hiking tours in Yosemite National Park on November 9th and 10th. “In the spirit of the national parks waiving entrance fees for veterans this weekend, we would like to offer special discounts for service members who plan to visit Yosemite,” announced YExplore Founder John P. DeGrazio.
Dick Hagerty, an Oakdale real estate developer active in community nonprofits, has written an excellent community column in the Modesto Bee about getting outdoors and hiking the Sierras.
I truly love getting outdoors, and I encourage everyone to visit the cathedrals of nature and see what something beyond your TV screen and computer monitor. The world is a wide and wonderous place!
From the column:
It is not too late in the summer season to take a short drive up to the mountains and enjoy a day hiking through the woods and the wilderness. We just did the Panorama Trail in Yosemite this week, and despite the very strenuous ups and downs it was one of the all time greatest view treks I have ever experienced.
