Unfortunately, a few feet up the trail, we saw the sign that the trail was closed, 2.8 miles up, just below Union Point:
Still, we were able to enjoy the winter-like conditions and views up and down the canyon.
The trail conditions were generally good, with perhaps a few inches of fresh snow. We met one hiker from the Netherlands while hiking up, and passed two backpackers heading down who had spent a stormy night in the Geologic Exhibit at Glacier Point the previous night. Other than that, we had the trail to ourselves.
Unfortunately, near where the trail first has good views up Tenaya Canyon, we encountered the gate closing the trail, as promised.
Of course, everyone honored this closure and kept to the open 2.8 miles of the trail.
Had we decided to go further, we would have been greeted with views of Sentinel Rock with its light dusting of fresh snow.
We would also have encountered a bit more snow--maybe 6" deep--near the upper part of the trail.
There may also have been a few sections where the snow covered the trail completely, making passage tricky, if not dangerous. It was closed for a reason.
Warning: Hypothetical reconstruction, professional hiker, closed trail, do not attempt.
We would also have noted that while the snow was 6-8" deep just below the point, it was only a few inches deep at Glacier Point itself. We probably would have stopped at the top for lunch, and maybe even had some hot tea.
The fresh snow on Half Dome and Clouds Rest could be seen from the valley, so the view from Glacier Point would have only added a different perspective, although I still may have tried to create a Photosynth.
Likewise, a short stroll up the Mist Trail (assuming it was open) would have revealed that the Merced's falls were flowing well--so again, no reason to risk passing the gate.
Dark clouds had been forming over the north rim of the valley. If we had been able to make it all the way to the top, we might have gotten caught in an afternoon snowstorm.
On the other hand, the clouds may later have lifted enough to allow some sunlight to glisten off wet granite, which would have been a rare sight this year.
Unfortunately, since the trail was closed, this short write-up of our abbreviated trip will have to do. Happy--and safe--trails!
More Pictures
