6.1 hr
Overview
Hikers can access the southern rim of the Valley with destinations like Bridalveil Creek and Taft Point from the Wawona Tunnel or Glacier Point. This trail travels west along the south rim of the Valley, leading to beautiful vistas, such as Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Dewey Point, and Inspiration Point.<br><br>Pohono is perfect for those interested in hiking a trail with fewer people AND stunning views. The spectacular peaks of the Clark Range are the backdrop to these vistas.<br><br>An optional 0.5 mile (0.8 km) side trail gains the summit of Sentinel Dome after approximately 1 mile of hiking from Glacier Point.<br><br>Most commonly used as a one-way (downhill) from Glacier Point, the Pohono Trail rewards hikers with several viewpoints of Yosemite Valley from the south rim. East to west, these views include Taft Point, Dewey Point, Crocker Point, and Stanford Point.<br><br>Starting from Glacier Point, head west on Pohono Trail. From here there is a short rise to an intersection with Sentinel Dome Trail (take that if you're interested in a side trip). From Sentinel Dome, Pohono undulates often, generally trending downhill, however.<br><br>Bypass the intersection at ~2.7mi with Taft Point Connector and continue west. Be sure, however, not to miss Taft Point itself. The views are stunning. From there, only McGurk Meadow Trail and Dewey Point Trail intersect Pohono.<br><br>Of course, in classic Yosemite fashion, this hike's crescendo culminates at its end - Tunnel View. Even though this trailhead is a crowded parking area it hosts absolutely stunning vistas of the surrounding Yosemite Valley.
Trail Stats
20.7 km
571 m
2363 m
1348 m
—
Photos
The trail dropping back down to the parking lot.
The trail dropping back down to the parking lot.
A new day dawning on Yosemite.
A new day dawning on Yosemite.
It takes a little work to get there, but you can enjoy some pretty spectacular views of Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.
It takes a little work to get there, but you can enjoy some pretty spectacular views of Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.
The last portion of our outing on the Pohono Trail, almost at the viewing point at Taft Point.
The last portion of our outing on the Pohono Trail, almost at the viewing point at Taft Point.
Upper Yosemite Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls. You can see Upper Yosemite Falls Trail snaking its way to the top of the Valley Rim.
Upper Yosemite Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls. You can see Upper Yosemite Falls Trail snaking its way to the top of the Valley Rim.
The reason that they call it the Fissures. These slots in the rock drop to the valley floor.
The reason that they call it the Fissures. These slots in the rock drop to the valley floor.
The trail can be foggy or cloudy in the fall and winter. Make sure you check conditions before heading out.
The trail can be foggy or cloudy in the fall and winter. Make sure you check conditions before heading out.
Evidence of a fire that burned through the area. North Dome, Basket Dome, Half Dome, and Nevada Falls can all be seen in the distance.
Evidence of a fire that burned through the area. North Dome, Basket Dome, Half Dome, and Nevada Falls can all be seen in the distance.
Yosemite Valley and El Capitan from the rim on Pohono Trail
Yosemite Valley and El Capitan from the rim on Pohono Trail
Pohono Trail
Pohono Trail
Upper Yosemite Falls from Pohono Trail
Upper Yosemite Falls from Pohono Trail
Late autumn.
Late autumn.
Experience great views on the Pohono Trail.
Experience great views on the Pohono Trail.
Sentinel Dome from Pohono Trail
Sentinel Dome from Pohono Trail
The trail meanders through a forest of pines where light finds its way to the forest floor in various nooks and crannies.
The trail meanders through a forest of pines where light finds its way to the forest floor in various nooks and crannies.
El Capitan from Pohono Trail
El Capitan from Pohono Trail
Taft Point on the left with El Capitan across Yosemite Valley
Taft Point on the left with El Capitan across Yosemite Valley
El Capitan and Yosemite Valley from Taft Point
El Capitan and Yosemite Valley from Taft Point
Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park.
Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park.
Stanford Point. with permission from Walter Hsiao
Stanford Point. with permission from Walter Hsiao
Yosemite Falls from Pohono Trail.
Yosemite Falls from Pohono Trail.
View from Dewey Point over Yosemite Valley.
View from Dewey Point over Yosemite Valley.
The view down the Yosemite Valley.
The view down the Yosemite Valley.
Slack-liner Shows Off 3'000ft Above The Ground At Taft Point.
Slack-liner Shows Off 3'000ft Above The Ground At Taft Point.
Looking back up Yosemite Valley from Stanford Point.
Looking back up Yosemite Valley from Stanford Point.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View
Yosemite winter - Oh the View!
Yosemite winter - Oh the View!
The view from Tunnel View is absurd...
The view from Tunnel View is absurd...
The panoramas from Pohono Trail are pretty nice...
The panoramas from Pohono Trail are pretty nice...
Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View.
Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View.
A view from Crocker Point over the edge. You can see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, 3 Brothers, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and other famous formations. It's a great view looking back up the valley.
A view from Crocker Point over the edge. You can see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, 3 Brothers, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and other famous formations. It's a great view looking back up the valley.
Yosemite Valley as seen from Tunnel View.
Yosemite Valley as seen from Tunnel View.
Tunnel View Sunset
Tunnel View Sunset
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley