Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Four Mile Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.8 (109)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. Yosemite National Park
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A stunning set of switchbacks on Yosemite Valley's south wall. ”

Tom Robson
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.8

KM

Point to Point

7,174' 2,187 m

High

3,988' 1,215 m

Low

2' 1 m

Up

3,189' 972 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

View current conditions for trail closures.

Overview

Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail undoubtedly ranks as one of the top day hikes beginning from Yosemite Valley. Climbing 3,200 feet from the valley floor to Yosemite's most famous viewpoint on the edge of the south rim, the trail provides inspiring views of Yosemite's most notable landmarks and an aerial vantage on the valley floor that culminates with the sweeping vista at Glacier Point. - Overview by Aron Bosworth, Outdoor Project

Need to Know

The Four Mile Trail typically opens for the season sometime in May and closes below Union Point due to treacherous conditions after significant snow accumulation (usually by November or December). After major snowfalls, the entire trail may close. When partially closed, only the lower three miles (5 km) are open to the gate below Union Point; good views of Yosemite Valley are still possible, although Glacier Point and Union Point would not be accessible. This lower section is also very icy and slippery during winter and early spring.

Description

This trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. The trail maintains a continuous steep grade, following the path of an old toll trail that was completed in 1872. The trail has changed a bit over the years; it is now closer to five miles than four (and of course there is no more toll). Spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and, eventually, Half Dome await those willing to tackle this strenuous trail. Don't skip the side trip to enjoy the view of Yosemite Valley from Union Point, located a bit over two-thirds of the way up.

The Four Mile Trail ends at Glacier Point, where restrooms, parking, and a snack stand (summer only) are available. You can choose to hike back to Yosemite Valley by reversing your route or by continuing on the Panorama Trail, which brings you to the Happy Isles Trailhead in another 8.5 miles (13.7 km).

If you want to hike one way, make sure you have another member of your party available to drop you off or pick you up at the other end. There is no free shuttle system between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley. The park concessioner runs three daily guided bus tours that include a stop at Glacier Point can purchase a tour bus ticket from any tour desk to ride the bus to Glacier Point (hiking back to the Valley). You should purchase this ticket in advance to guarantee your space, but advance tickets are only available if riding the bus from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. There is no way to guarantee space riding from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley; tickets in this direction can only be purchased in cash from the bus driver if space is available.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 109 votes

#1

in Yosemite National Park

#51

Overall
  4.8 from 109 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Yosemite National Park

#4

in California

#51

Overall
8 Views Last Month
6,932 Since May 7, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
18%
8%
73%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Magical rainbow reflections in Upper Yosemite Falls
Dec 10, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking out over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point Trail
Apr 30, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls from Glacier Point
Apr 2, 2020 near Yosemit…, CA
Great views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.
Mar 3, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Half Dome from across Yosemite Valley
Dec 10, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking back at Yosemite Falls from Four Mile Trail.
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA

2 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2024
Adam Socha
Jun 24, 2023
B Nataraj
9h 25m
Oct 27, 2022
Albertas A
Oct 22, 2022
Rory Turner
Oct 20, 2022
Donna Mollica
Sep 14, 2022
Darren Pocta
10h 10m
Sep 12, 2022
Holly Medlin
Jul 26, 2022
Mederic Daigneault

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started