Four Mile Trail

Overview

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.<br><br>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).<br><br>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 Pointyou can purchase a <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.yosemitepark.com/glacier-point-tour.aspx">tour bus</a> 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.<br><br><b>Seasonality:</b><br>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,

Trail Stats

Photos

The trail is rocky through this area.

The trail is rocky through this area.

The Four Mile Trail can take a while to thaw due to shade.

The Four Mile Trail can take a while to thaw due to shade.

Looking back up from Four Mile Trail.

Looking back up from Four Mile Trail.

Bobcat, Yosemite National Park

Bobcat, Yosemite National Park

The trail as it rises from the valley floor.

The trail as it rises from the valley floor.

Great place to stop and take in the view at Glacier Point.

Great place to stop and take in the view at Glacier Point.

View from the Four Mike Trail

View from the Four Mike Trail

Half Dome from across Yosemite Valley. Royal Arches, North Dome, and Washington Column on the left

Half Dome from across Yosemite Valley. Royal Arches, North Dome, and Washington Column on the left

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls from across the valley on the Four Mile Trail

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls from across the valley on the Four Mile Trail

Sunset through the trees on Four Mile Trail looking west into Yosemite Valley

Sunset through the trees on Four Mile Trail looking west into Yosemite Valley

Hike Four Mile Trail for phenomenal views of Yosemite Valley.

Hike Four Mile Trail for phenomenal views of Yosemite Valley.

Mount Starr King from afar

Mount Starr King from afar

Upper Yosemite Falls from the Four Mile Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls from the Four Mile Trail

Looking back at Yosemite Falls from Four Mile Trail.

Looking back at Yosemite Falls from Four Mile Trail.

Half Dome from across Yosemite Valley

Half Dome from across Yosemite Valley

Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls from Glacier Point

Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls from Glacier Point

Great views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Great views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Magical rainbow reflections in Upper Yosemite Falls

Magical rainbow reflections in Upper Yosemite Falls

Looking out over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point Trail

Looking out over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point Trail

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