Dana Glacier, Mountain glacier in Mono County, California.
Dana Glacier is a mountain glacier positioned on the northwest side of Mount Dana in the eastern Sierra Nevada, situated between 11,500 and 12,500 feet elevation. The ice field occupies a bowl-shaped cirque surrounded by steep rock walls that provide shelter from direct sun exposure.
The glacier was named after James W. Dana, a geologist who studied the rock formations of the Sierra Nevada extensively. Photographic records since the 1880s show considerable changes in the ice's size and shape over time.
The glacier bears the name of James W. Dana, a geologist who made substantial contributions to understanding Sierra Nevada geological formations.
Reaching this glacier involves a hike through Glacier Canyon on the Dana Lake Trail that climbs steadily for several hours. Visitors should prepare for variable mountain weather conditions and bring plenty of water plus sturdy footwear.
The Dana Couloir, a steep section within this glacier, holds ice formations year-round because it sits in a deeply shaded, protected crevasse. This sheltered location makes the couloir the coldest and longest-lasting part of the entire ice mass.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
