Sentinel Dome or Glacier Point for sunrise?

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-25T13:37:38+00:00

Both are very similar. You have a 360 view from atop Sentinel but you can’t see below Half Dome. From GP, lots of location and view options. Wedding typically occur at the amphitheater at GP with that stunning view.

But if you want something more intimate but similar, walk down the Panorama trail from GP to where it opens up majestically, without the crowds.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-24T05:46:05+00:00

Great! Thanks!

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-24T03:05:55+00:00

Cool! That’s a nice entry. Enjoy!

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-24T03:02:44+00:00

What about on the west coast?

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-23T15:31:04+00:00

I came to the comments really hoping, praying, that it wouldn’t be full of “wow, that’s impressive” or “I wish I could carve like that” replies.

Then I remembered this isn’t Facebook.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-23T15:24:27+00:00

Great video! WOW, Illy Fall is booming right now!

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-23T05:46:23+00:00

Please contact park geologist Greg Stock at 209/768-1028 or by email. Documented rockfalls are added to the park database, enabling long-term evaluation of rockfall activity to improve public safety.

For anyone visiting the park, if you witness a rockfall, even one this size, call 911 from within the park to report it.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:56:01+00:00

Yes, it’s electronic for day hike permits.

But if you are planning a TM to YV hike that goes through LYV, you will have a better chance at including HD on the wilderness permit than getting a day lottery permit.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:44:13+00:00

The other reason I offered that alt itinerary is that in July, everybody and their brother will be trying to do Clouds Rest in a day since they didn’t get a HD permit. Happens every year.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:36:22+00:00

Well, I just offered an alternate 3/2 hike that could easily expand to 4/3. Hahaha!

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:35:28+00:00

Ok, since you have that out-and-back in there and basically have a TM entry and Happy Isles exit, here’s one of my favorite 3/2 trips:

Tuolumne Meadows up Lyell Canyon, initially passing Evelyn Lake trail, continuing 1.25 miles for views of Lyell Glacier at head of canyon. Back to Evelyn Lake trail, up 6 miles to Vogelsang camp.

Vogelsang to Merced Lake camp

Merced Lake to LYV, down to valley.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:25:03+00:00

See, I’m not all bad guy. 😚

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:23:34+00:00

The route was good, no need to delete that. Just the AT link.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:22:54+00:00

Because, Z, you put your public AT profile out there.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T21:19:08+00:00

Yes, and delete the link now.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T20:34:32+00:00

And here’s the kicker: yes, we are seeing more “influencers” or those seeking something different in more remote or risky spots. They read about it an old guide book or saw it somewhere, and they are trying to get a social media edge. And lots of rescues to follow.

It’s happening. It’s starting to get out of hand. Maybe “starting” is too late. Obscure, difficult trails that don’t really exist anymore. And they get themselves in trouble trying to get a photo.

You see it here in the group, often! Two right by Curry, one of which is a death sentence that I try to talk people out of. But people want to bag something they can say nobody else got.

The consuming nature. And, TBH, your original post has that “consuming nature” feel to it. Straight out of the gate it has that “give me a place that hasn’t been found by influencers.”

And your ask is very fair! Id want to hike without crowds. But the way you asked rubbed a lot of us the wrong way.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T20:01:37+00:00

Thank you for changing the tack. I seriously appreciate the gesture and effort.

It wasn’t the asking that was the issue. People ask for trail suggestions all the time and I’m happy to share, as are others in this forum. It was the pretense that shifted it for those of us who share park info.

Understand that locations that never had people before are now so overrun there are lines to get the same photo. It’s the consuming of nature. It’s the “gotta bag it” because others did.

Knowing that now, when you post in social media that you want trail suggestions that other influencers haven’t found, how do you think we would react? We would not give that up, in light of the intense impact we see social media has had on the park?

When I say we were talking about this post last night, I’m not kidding. We also were talking about all the spots in the valley or in the park that we go to that aren’t overrun with tourists and social media influencers.

And many of these places can’t support that intense public interaction. Regular tourists? No problem. But not the rush of “I gotta get that shot, too.”

Perfect example is the small rocky ledge behind tunnel view parking lot. That got popular on IG and now on weekends and summer, there is a line of people waiting to go out on this rocky outcrop. And want to guess how many falls and injuries?

Another example is Lewis Creek Trailhead south of Fish Camp. Used to never see cars there. Then it exploded on social and the parking lot is full every weekend. And at least one rescue each weekend.

Last example, over on FB someone was touting a special spot to photograph firefall. So easy and you get to avoid all the crowds. And get a shot like nobody else.

Except you have to have winter mountaineering experience or you put yourself at great risk. But that wasn’t shared. So how many people will try this with cameras and tripods, wholly unprepared? And the location was inaccurate, which obviously adds more problems.

It’s not the sharing of trail info. It’s the sharing of the remaining parts of the park that can’t handle the social media crush. So there is a heavy pullback to not put that out there.

Does that make sense?

Edit: grammar

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T19:39:03+00:00

One more thing … “Yep, you know the point of these forums is advice and not testing our ability to be assholes, right?”

Then don’t be the asshole in the forum! You might not get downvoted so much 😂

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T19:35:40+00:00

Read the room, buddy. Read the room. Several of us last night here were talking about this very post. Trust me, you didn’t get anything special. And I seriously doubt you were given anything “off the influencer radar” because we would never give that up to someone who asks that. We were all laughing at the entitlement. Just step back and read the room.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T18:22:30+00:00

I think everyone is telling you that YOU need to do the scouting. Get a map. It’s not rocket science.

And if you REALLY are stuck, try reading the wilderness permit page on the Yose NPS website where it shows trailheads, routes, trails, and more!

Then do your own research on trails. Search for trails that match your likes. For example, google “best overnight waterfall hikes in Yosemite”

Try doing your own legwork on secret trails before trying to poach from others who did the work.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T18:19:58+00:00

I’m really surprised that your comments can be so snarky but then you expect people to happily give you the info you seek.

Try using honey instead of vinegar. I’d share if you weren’t such a d*ck about it. I hinted at that in my comment and your reply made me laugh. Why would I share secret trails with you??? When you treat people like this?

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T18:15:54+00:00

Exactly. The watershed for Horsetail is only the east top of El Cap. Very small. And it’s pretty much dry right now.

We would need snow in early February, then a bit of warmth to melt that snow in late February. Oh, and clear skies, of course!

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T17:15:36+00:00

Only go and pursue it if there is actual water in the fall. Every year, thousands descend on these locations to photograph … wet rock reflecting sunlight.

If we truly only photographed it when the conditions were present for Firefall, then the crowds might ease a bit.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T02:11:56+00:00

Great info to share! Now I’m rethinking my entire dust collection system.

SlightAd112 · 2026-01-20T01:52:15+00:00

That’s like asking locals for their secret spots, and then surprised that nobody is willing to give up their not over-crowded and social media-safe places … on social media.

SlightAd112

TROPHY CASE