Читать книгу 50 Best Short Hikes: Yosemite National Park and Vicinity онлайн

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A partially burned oak tree

The trail switchbacks up a slope that was burned once about 20 years ago, and sections again in 2008; tall black snags dot the landscape, intermingled with black oak trees that escaped. A small stream flows through here in spring, providing moisture for an excellent wildflower display. In fall it is a landscape of tall yellow grass, seed heads, and coloring oak trees.

Where the slope ends, you enter a nearly flat and quite lush valley. The narrow trail continues between burnt trees. Ferns, tall scrubs, and seedlings thrive, all growing rapidly with the forest canopy removed. Soon you reach a T-junction (1.1 miles), where the trail straight ahead leads to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, while you take the left-hand fork to climb up Lookout Point. The trail leads first north and then west to ascend the northern side of the small granite dome (1.4 miles). Like so many of Yosemite’s domes, a beautiful stunted Jeffrey pine emerges from a crack on the summit.

View to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from Lookout Point