It was sooo hot and humid when my family and I started the hike, pretty unbearable actually. The mosquitoes were unavoidable, but when you have a chit-chatting family, it's not that long of a hike.

We hiked down from Glacier point. It is a very steep climb, and although only 4 miles, it took about 4 hours, as you can't walk very fast. It was quite tiring on the calf muscles. There wasn't much water, so carry some with you. It was beautiful and the viewpoints across are quite stunning. Quite a bit of the hike was in the shade. It was not always interesing climbing, and it did get a bit tedious at times.

Start at the 4-mile Glacier Point hike, which brings you straight up (via swtichbacks) to Glacier Point. It is a strenuous climb, but the views are unparalleled.

Continue on the Panorama trail, again beautiful views, heading down the Mist Trail to Happy Isles.

Bring a lunch.

This has to be the most breathtaking place I have ever been to. Even now, I have a photograph pinned to my PC at work of the view as you get to the top of the point. It is truly awesome. You are left speechless by its sheer beauty and size. I could go on forever about the snow-capped mountains, the spectacular waterfalls cascading thousands of feet down the cliffs, the view of the Yosemite valley floor and the river winding its way around it. But to be honest, unless you have seen it for yourself, you will never appreciate it just from someone putting it into words. You cannot, in fact, put this into words. When I started writing this, I had in my head all the things I wanted to say, but it is just wasted. I am not a writer or a poet and so cannot find the right words that can describe Glacier Point.

I may sound melodramatic, but I’m sure anyone else who has had the pleasure of visiting the magnificent Yosemite can sympathise with me.

The cliff edge--and it is a cliff edge, with just some boulders to keep you from falling--sits 3,214 feet from the valley floor. You can see mountains called Half Dome and El Capitan. Half Dome is apparently 4,733 feet high and 87 million years old. People climb this for fun! As its name suggests, it is a giant half dome, looking as if some giant god has taken his hammer and chisel and chopped away half the dome, leaving what can be seen now. El Capitan is 4,000 feet high and is the largest single granite rock on earth. This is also a favourite with climbers--rather them than me.

Just to prove that Glacier Point is firmly in the 21st century, you will also find a restaurant, gift shop, and toilets at the top alongside the large car park.

How about a view on top of the world?

At Glacier Point you almost feel this way. It is about 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley (really on 15, but to get there it is a 30 mile drive or a 4 hour hike). Once you are there, you can view down into the valley or 30 miles east (as long as it is a clear day).

There is an observation deck to view the sites and a Geology area which points out the different formations and explains some history.

While we were there, a man had put up his telescope to view Half Dome better. No, there were not any climbers that day.

While visiting, there is a cafe to purchase snacks or a drink. When visiting the valley, remember Glacier Point is only open during the summer. It is 7,000 feet up so during the winter it is completely snowed in.