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Four Mile Trail

Difficult Difficult
 4.8 (109)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Yosemite Valley
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“A stunning set of switchbacks on Yosemite Valley's south wall. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.8

KM

Point to Point

7,167' 2,185 m

High

3,986' 1,215 m

Low

3,184' 971 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

View current conditions for trail closures.

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.

Seasonality:
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.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 109 votes

#3

in Yosemite Valley

#7

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

#3

in Yosemite Valley

#3

in California

#7

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

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Current Trail Conditions

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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

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