Early Tourists
In the field to your right stood a hotel that
accommodated some of Yosemite's first
tourists, beginning in 1856. Muslin sheets
formed the "walls" between rooms.
This was also the location of the first village
in the valley and the original site of the
Chapel, now located 3/4 mile down the
road. Apparently this spot was chosen
because it was the shady side of the Valley
during the summer tourist season. Today
all that remains are the black locust trees
planted near the site of an old well.
Four-Mile Trail
The trail, actually 4.6 miles long, climbs
3200 feet to Glacier Point. Allow 3-4 hours
to hike to the top, or 6-8 hours roundtrip.
James McCauley, who financed trail
construction in 1871-72, intended it to
be a toll trail to the scenic viewpoint.
