April 13

Today we head back into Yosemite National Park. Our first stop is the Mariposa Grove — the area of the park where you find the greatest number of those famous giant sequoia trees. These magnificent trees can grow to over 100 metres tall and live for more than 2,000 years. We take an extended hike through the grounds, which offer numerous well-maintained trails. Shortly after setting off, you come across a fallen giant: the "Fallen Monarch", whose roots reaching up into the air give you a sense of just how tall the tree once stood. The path continues to a grove bearing the evocative name "Bachelor & Three Graces". A little further on, we reach the most famous giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park: the Grizzly Giant — at an astonishing 2,700 years old, one of the oldest trees on Earth and undoubtedly the oldest living sequoia in the world. Sadly it has no crown, having lost it in a storm struck by multiple lightning bolts. It stands 63.8 metres tall with a trunk diameter of 9.2 metres at the base, still measuring 4 metres across at a height of 38 metres. We continue along the trail, exploring routes away from the main tourist crowds. Here you can spot all manner of wildlife in the undergrowth — especially birds and squirrels.

Next we head to one of the park's main highlights: Glacier Point, at an elevation of 2,199 metres (note: Glacier Point is closed in winter and when there is snow). The drive up is wonderfully winding through the dense forests and meadows of Yosemite, and the view at the top makes every curve worthwhile. The first overlook you reach is Washburn Point — already a breathtaking panorama in its own right. Just under 1 km further along, at the end of the road, lies Glacier Point itself. Here a spacious viewing platform — complete with a kiosk/restaurant and plenty of cheeky squirrels — offers a stunning 360-degree panorama. This viewpoint is surely one of the most spectacular experiences in Yosemite National Park. We take in sweeping views across the rocky landscape around White Dome, Half Dome, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, as well as the entire valley and Mirror Lake. It is a sight we will never forget. We walk the loop trail and soak up the incredible panorama from Glacier Point before making our way back as evening approaches.

Other activities in Yosemite National Park that we unfortunately did not have time to try include the park's outstanding hiking options — there are around 700 miles of trails in total. Many of them are well worth doing, for example hikes to Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls or up one of the mountains (though we recommend checking with the Visitor Center beforehand and picking up a current map). Guided tours led by park rangers are also available. A one-way loop road and a free shuttle bus service run through the valley, stopping at all the main sights.