Unfortunately Detector, from what I was told by the class that has already gone up we (the students) will be required to go to certain points in the valley and listen to short lectures about the geology of the park and fill out a worksheet. I would love to hike up the 4 (LONG) mile trail, and then back down, but that is literally a 8 hour hike. Of course, there is always the option of taking a bus up and back from Glacier Point, but even that option might not allow me sufficient time to get there and back before the bus leaves.
I have decided, however, to hike, and this time successfully finish, the Valley Half Loop trail, which is a leisurely 6 miles round trip beginning and ending at Camp 4. Last June when I went up there the day after graduation I attempted it, but made a slight mistake in the map, causing me to go off course for an hr. This time I will get it done right!!
If it weren't for the class requirements, however, I would be very tempted to do the Glacier Point hike in 8-9 hrs.
Honestly, hiking has always been a little bit funner to me than mding.
HH and GL Kelley and Detector Man.