Unfrequented Paths of Yosemite [pp. 88-92]

88 LSf;-equented Patis of Yoseiiite. [July
UNFREQUENTED PATHS OF YOSEMITE.
IN May and June Yosemite is at its best, does even the Higher;Sierra refuse itself t
but many of the most rewarding views, re- the indolent and infirm; for the "Mono
mote from the regular travel, can be enjoyed carriage road affords excellent views of Lak
in the later months. From San Francisco Tenaya, Cathedral Peaks, Tuolumne Mead
the routes of travel are three: the "Beren- ows, Mount Gibbs, the great base of Dan
da" (succeeding the "Madera"), z,ia Be- with its vociferous stream, and the nume
renda, Raymond, Big Trees, and Inspiration ous peaks thence to Tioga and Mon
Point; the "Big Oak Flat," zt'a Stockton Plain.
and Milton; and the "Coulterville," used by For equestrians there are three trails, a
private conveyances. The first is tedious, free, namely: Glacier Point, Cloud's Re
but the favorite, on account of its superior- (passing by Snow's), and Eagle Peak.
ity in features of interest; the second is most comparatively small number take the solitar
comfortable, and characteristic of California; bridle-path on the northern side of the va
the Coulterville road is a good and solitary ley, by the triple Yosemite Falls, to Eag
ore. Peak (the highest point of Three Brothers
A week is usually devoted to Yosemite; where, from an elevation of three thousand
two days' journey each way, and two days in eight hundred and thirty feet, the entire Me
the valley. Mirror Lake, Union and Glacier ced Canon is exposed to view, and Nevad
Points, and Sentinel Dome occupy the first; Falls, half hid behind Grizzly Peak. Fe
Snow's, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Cataract go to Little Yosemite and the Fissures; an
of Diamonds, Emerald Pool, Liberty Cap, fewer still to Half Dome and the highe
and Mt. Broderick, the second. Nor does peak of Sentinel Rock. Among the latt
this require special exertion, as, without have been two ladies, one of whom, mo
mounting a horse or experiencing more than daring than discreet, climbed out on th
a trifle of discomfort, all the celebrated fea- rock which juts from the main precipice
tures of Yosemite can be enjoyed from a Glacier Point, to its uttermost verge, an
carriage. The ride on the northern bank of there sat, her feet resting on nothing but t
the Merced River affords excellent views of immense chasm.
El Capitan, Three Brothers, Yosemite Falls, The journeys hereinafter described a
the Cemetery, Royal Arches, and North along paths still less trodden. Althou
Dome. At the end of the road is Mirror found or made by the writer, they, it is be
Lake; beyond are Washington Column and lieved, afford each a good reason for genera