The Four Mile Trail is reviewed as having the best views for a hike from the valley and I agree. It has the best ROI for views as there are constant changing views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls. The hike can be difficult at times as much of it is exposed to the sun, so I recommend going as early as possible. We also encountered rattlesnakes going up and coming back down, so it might be good to be cautious during the rocky middle section. Glacier Point at the end of the trail is absolutely beautiful. It has views of all of the major peaks around. There's also a store with cold drinks and snacks to fuel your way back down. read more

Because Glacier Point Road was closed for construction (all of 2022 unfortunately), there were only 3 ways to reach Glacier Point. All 3 are very strenuous and at least 9 miles round trip, but the 4-mile trail is the least intensive. However this is not stroll in the park. My mother and I (between beginner and intermediate in physical ability and hiking experience) hiked from 7am - 2pm round trip. It took us 3.5 hrs to reach Glacier point from the valley (4.6 miles), we spent about an hour at the top, then took another 2.5 hrs to hike down. We stopped often for pictures and short breaks. The views get better along the way, but it probably wasn't until 2 miles into the hike that they became more spectacular and we started taking photos. The trail itself is easy to follow, dry, and easy to descend. It has roughly 3 sets of switchbacks, the 1st which gets you roughly 2 miles in (start of nice views), the 2nd which takes you to Union point (3 miles in, has a descent panoramic view of valley), and the last set which brings you close to glacier point. There aren't really any easier parts of the trail, it's a constant ascent (3200 feet total). It is a tougher trail, but if you start early enough in the day, bring lots of water and snacks, and take breaks when needed, it is do-able. The views at the top make it all worth it! read more

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I've always been too afraid to try this hike due to the daunting difficulty of 9.2 miles roundtrip with 3300' gain along the grumbling advice of fellow Yelpers on this page. Also, I'd already been to the top of the trail which is the outstanding Glacier Point - albeit by car when the road wasn't closed for the winter or a major construction overhaul. Despite the misgivings, this long-standing and better-known trail in Yosemite is one of the best with amazing view after amazing view of the valley, falls, and domes. For a trail this steep, the grade is remarkably consistent. The day before I went up Yosemite Falls and found Four Mile easier despite expending much energy the prior day. Much of the trail is paved. Assuming good trail conditions (i.e. no rain, ice, or snow), the hike can be done in running shoes but don't run because it's not allowed. The pavement is eroding. No longer wishing to have a "sidewalk" go up the side of Yosemite Valley, the park service has done an excellent job of maintaining the trail by removing the crumbled and broken bits of asphalt. The only questionable maintenance issue was an eroded rock wall at a switchback where the erosion is only made worse by idiots using the rock slide as a short cut. Smelly horse poop was not on the trail during my visit (like I've encountered at Mirror Lake) but is possible because guided horse tours use the trail. If limited by time, weather conditions, energy, etc., reaching Union Point located 3.0 miles up Four Mile Trail is not a worthy objective because a tree blocks the view of the Yosemite Falls. An outcropping below Union Point is an outstanding alternative destination. Clearly marked by a gate with a sign that says "closed due to falling rocks", the site has a downriver valley view, top-to-bottom view of Yosemite Falls, and the first glimpse of Half Dome. Keep exploring because you just can't have too much of a good thing when that good thing is Yosemite Valley. When at the bottom, try to wander nearby Sentinel Bridge. When at the top at Glacier Point, continue on the Panorama Trail for better views of Nevada and Vernal Falls along with the first sighting of sideways Illilouette Falls. read more

What Yosemite valley trail is classified as 'very strenuous' with a 3,200 foot elevation gain over 4.8 miles each way? It's the Four Mile Trail, the second most difficult hike in Yosemite Valley -the most difficult is to the top of Half Dome. We prepared for this hike by each bringing two 20 ounce Gatorades, oranges, and sandwiches. Dressed covered head to toe, with hiking boots and poles, with a billed hat to keep the sun off our faces. Wife brought along toilet tissue. We hiked from our room at Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge at the Falls) , across Cook's Meadow, where we saw deer and one coyote. We crossed the Swinging Bridge, and along the Valley Loop road past the Chapel, to mile point V18 on the cliff side of the Valley Loop road. Cars parked alongside the road near the trailhead. There is a sign indicating Glacier Point is 4.8 miles distance. Now 4.8 miles might not seem too bad a hike, but there are two considerations here. It's 4.8 miles straight up the cliff, with a 3,200 foot elevation gain. And it is at high altitude, starting at 4,000 feet, and ending at 7,200 feet -you'll be breathing like Darth Vader when you are done, gasping for air in the limited oxygen environment. The first half mile of the trail is on pavement, through the forest, with the road noise from vehicles very audible. The trail ascends at a moderate slope through manzanita and oak forests. Plenty of shade here, which will be a blessing in the height of summer, when temperatures reach 100 degrees. As we ascend, we come to an open area, where we can look down on the valley, with Bridal veil falls hidden on one side and El Capitan on the other side -the exact reverse view of the "Tunnel View". At 1.5 miles we cross a small stream. It's here that the trail becomes a series of switchbacks. The paved trail breaks up in pieces, and becomes a trail built on cleared granite rock. Not stroller friendly, let alone wheelchair accessible. A lot of rest stops where we could see 2425' Yosemite Falls running full blast, the tallest waterfall in North America, and the fifth waterfall tallest in the world. It's late February, and the upper Yosemite falls plunges into a huge snowbank. At the 2.8 mile mark, we run into an unending field of snow and later of ice. One would have to have snow shoes and crampons to continue the climb. The poles are especially useful coming down. No bathrooms along the route, so the wife had to go into the bushes at least twice, while I did lookout duties. Glacier Point is closed until June during this El Nino year, at which time you could catch a bus on the way back to the Yosemite Valley. This is a shortened version of the hike from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River, particularly the Kaibab trail hike, a 5 mile one way hike, with a 6,000 foot elevation change, no shade, and pit hole bathrooms there. The big difference is on that trail you go down first, and then have to do the strenuous climbing up on the way back. Miscalculate and you have to be airlifted out -if you're lucky. read more

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Date of hike: 5.31.2011 If the whole trail up to Glacier Point was open I'd give it 4 stars but sadly it was not. The sign said the trail was closed at 3.5 miles (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/whtFIcY-4aK890kB-DSMdA?select=Jn8hS_R6YgmlCPqa9p-kBA) but that was a lie! My Garmin had it around 2.5 miles. We were very bummed because it was a waste of a morning. We could have hiked somewhere else. The trail isn't as strenuous as the Yosemite Falls hike (http://www.yelp.com/biz/yosemite-falls-mariposa#hrid:TF67bHthxnOGyFw1bK2VsA/src:self) but you are still constantly at an incline. However the trail is just never ending switchbacks so the scenery around you gets monotonous. Don't bother hiking this trail if it's not open all the way to Glacier Point. read more

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This trail is not easy!! Bring lots of water, good hiking shoes and some snacks. There is no shuttle at the top or bottom, of you go to the top you will have to hike all the way back down or maybe get a ride. The trail has lots of great views but it is very steep in places and can be very challenging in places. read more

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This is a difficult hike even by Yosemite standards. The difficulty lies not in the mileage (which is really like 4.6) but in the steep uphill. If you attempt this trail from the valley, and I highly recommend it, be prepared. Bring plenty of water. There are several ways to hike the Four Mile Trail: 1. Start in the Valley and hike all the way up to the Glacier Point, be prepared to have your breath taken away by the surreal and stunning beauty. Have your picnic with a view then descend the same way that you ascended. 2. Start in the Valley and reach the Glacier Point. Arrange to meet someone at the Glacier Point so that you can give you a ride to come down. I prefer this version in the afternoon/evening because watching the sunset at Glacier Point is the best thing in the world. When you stay up until the stars come out and crowds disperse you will realize that life is worth living. If you do this, bring very warm clothes and preferably a blanket. Once the sun sets, temperature goes down significantly. 3. Get to Glacier Point by a car via Tioga Road. Arrange for someone to take the car back, and you hike down the Four Mile Trail. You get all the benefit of the views but not much of the struggle to attain those views. Preferred for someone who has difficulty hiking uphill or for people who want to brag that they hiked Four Mile Trail but don't want to put in the work. I once overheard someone say that this is how the trail was meant to be hiked, but I vehemently disagree, and I concluded that this person had no idea what they were talking about. Unlike some of the more difficult hikes in Yosemite, the Four Mile Trail is very easy to navigate. The trail itself (mostly switchbacks) is clearly defined. You will not get lost. Great to hike solo. During the busy season the trail can get crowded in places. read more

Four Mile Trail - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

A 5-star hike if you're able to go one way from the Valley floor to Glacier Point. I don't think I'd ever want to weather several hours going down switchbacks - my knees hate me enough as it is. 4-Mile doesn't get as much lip service as the Mist Trail, Half Dome, or Yosemite Falls, but it offers an escape from the swarms of campers and is full of gorgeous 270-degree views of the Valley, from El Cap to the Falls to Half Dome. It's closer to 5 miles if you're going all the way from parking to the top, and you'll be greeted with water fountains, restrooms, and a shop with food. If you don't get up there too late, shuttles can take you back down to the Valley. The trail still has snow into May, but you'll be so sweaty after hours of climbing that the temperature change will have no effect - I wouldn't even bother dressing in layers if you're going straight up, as you'll have your heart pumping the whole time. WATER and snacks, however, are a must. A 3,000-ft. elevation gain is no time to go on a diet. Also, leave the kids at the site - this is not a training hike for your Jr. Ranger. You'll want a camera and shoes that have good traction - slippery pebbles will exhaust you if you're sloshing up the trail in running shoes or sneakers. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also primo. Have fun and enjoy the view - you're in the best park in the world! :-) read more

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It's okay, I hiked this coming down from Glacier a point. Sure it was faster but not much of a view. If you're trying to save time then yes, this is a good hike but, if you have the time just hike Panorama Trail. read more

The Four Mile Trail is kind of misleading because it's more like the 4.7 Mile Trail (or 9.4 miles round-trip). I originally thought about parking my car at the Visitors' Center and then taking the shuttle to the trailhead, but the El Capitan shuttle didn't start until 9AM. I didn't want to sit around the Visitors' Center for an hour so I went off on my own. I started from the trail at 8:30, so the temperature was still cool. A series of switchbacks slowly took me above the treeline and lo and behold the great Yosemite Falls was in the distance. It was a pretty sight - too bad I only had my wide angle lens with me so I couldn't zoom in on it. I seared it into my memory instead. Continuing up I eventually reached the trail gate, where the view opened up even more. Now the Half Dome and North Dome, as well as Tenaya Canyon and the Royal Arches were all visible. By then I started to feel a slight fatigue to my calves from the Half Dome hike the day before. But as I was already ~2.7 miles in, it would have been silly to turn back. Onward I went. The last fifth or so of the trail flattens out and leads into the forest before opening back out onto Glacier Point. The crowd factor suddenly jumped from zero to a hundred. Since Glacier Point is accessible by car, a lot of people just drive there. There was also a crew there filming an ad for the state of California. So it was a party up at Glacier Point. There's a shuttle that goes from Glacier Point back to the Four Mile trailhead, but that's $25 a head. Heck no. read more

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I went here on Saturday, 7/28/12. The hike is about 4.6 mi up. It was a nice day to hike. I love the scenic views it offered as my friends and I hiked up. A lot of switch backs though and it's a bit gravelly, so wear comfortable shoes. The hike up took 4.5 hours. It took us longer than expected because we took several stops (resting, eating, taking pictures, etc.). If we didn't stop so much, it would probably take about 3.5-4 hours which is how long it's supposed to be. We started at 1:30 pm (pretty late) and we reached Glacier Point at 6pm. The higher you hike, the harder it will be. There's a point where you'll see an awesome view of Half Dome and the path becomes narrow, so be careful! Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking. & there's ice cream when you reach Glacier Point =) Take lots of pictures!! We were planning to hike down on Yosemite Valley Trail (8.0 mi), but we decided not to because we probably wouldn't be back until 12am. We weren't as prepared to hike at night either. The hike down was faster since it was a decline. It took us 1 1/2 hour by speed walking. Be extra careful as you hike down because there's a chance you can slip and fall. This hike was a bit more strenuous compared to other trails (Mission Peak & Castle Rock). Bring lots of water (Camelback preferably) & snacks! read more

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I love love love this hike. Actually I love all of the Yosemite hikes, but this one has a great effort/reward ratio. Others have described the 4.8-ish mile trail length and the 3200-ft elevation gain. It took our group of 4 about 2.25 hours to walk up from the trail head to Glacier Point at a chatting pace. I would rate this as a pretty hard hike in that you are walking up for about 5 miles. But the trail itself is smooth and easy--you don't find the tricky footing (gravel-over-granite) that defines the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, for example. This is way (way) easier than, say, the hike up to Half Dome (which is steeper and wetter, at least in parts). I have hiked this both ways, but my preference is to hike up, have someone else drive up, and then all drive down. Or two people can drive up, you exchange hugs and keys, then they walk down. It's not a loop, so the scenery is the same both ways :-) And oh my goodness, the views are just spectacular. You start out across the valley from Yosemite Falls, so as you climb you see Lower Yosemite Falls, then both Upper and Lower. In a wet year like this one (2016), the falls are amazing. Then you get to Glacier Point and see the whole valley. If you are reasonably physically fit (our age range was 15 yo to 62 yo; I think my kids did this at 11 yo), you should really hike this trail. Start early for cool shade up most of the way. Bring water (but know that snacks await above). It was a fleece on/fleece off hike for us (sun/sheltered + cool breezes) and even mid-June I wore light gloves at the start (but I hate cold fingers; gloves are not needed). read more

Four Mile Trail - About half way up--views of Yosemite Falls. - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

To start, this trail is actually 4.6 - 4.8 miles (there are a couple of smaller side paths to vista points) plus another little bit to the actual Glacier Point Overlook, so it should really be called the Five Mile Trail! In 2010, my wife and I saw someone coming up from this trail and commented on how crazy you would have to be to hike to the top of Glacier Point. That was before we realized how much we love hiking! There is an awesome satisfaction to look down from the top, surrounded by gobs of people who drove, and know that you climbed up this impressive 3200 feet from the Valley floor. There is parking right at the trail head, which along the right side of the road driving east through the valley, just before the Swinging Bridge. The trail itself is entirely uphill, and mostly composed of switchbacks. But there is still plenty to see along the way as a lot of it is on the edge of the mountain and not enclosed by trees. There are a few awesome "reverse Tunnel View" shots, as well as a full view of Upper Yosemite Falls staring right at you from across the Valley, that is, if the there is any water flowing. There is a very good chance you will have to cross some snow/ice patches near the top, so be careful not to slip and go flying over the edge. It is not as steep as the Upper Yosemite Trail, but it goes 1000 feet higher to Glacier Point. A lot of people will take the shuttle to the top and just hike down this trail, (or do the opposite, which seems pointless to me) But you could also come up this trail and then go back down to the Valley on one of the other trails departing from Glacier Point such as the Panorama Trail (8.2 miles down to the valley floor, plus 3 miles back to the 4 Mile trail head. - connects to the John Muir Trail after 4 miles near Nevada Falls and comes out near Happy Isles.) for a full day adventure which covers most every major landmark in Yosemite. We will definitely do this again, but only in the Spring when the waterfalls are flowing. read more

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Well, let's put another notch in my hiking belt. What do you need in a serious day hike? Distance? 4.6 miles, check. Views? Yo Valley, Check. Views you can't get anywhere else? No, you can drive to Glacier Point and see the same thing. The challenge factor? Check. My wife dropped me off at the trailhead in Yosemite Valley, and I met her two hours later at Glacier Point (I told her "eh, an hour and a half" - wrongo!). The top half mile and the bottom tenth mile are relatively flat, the rest is relentlessly uphill (or downhill, if you're going that way). I set a good pace, and still ended up resting for a few minutes four times, panting hard. A ham & cheese sub and chocolate brownie in the cafe at the top never tasted so good. Note that going down seems like a more logical choice. My experience is that going down is actually harder; you need to keep more in control, fighting gravity from taking you over the edge. Was it worth it? Yeah, I think so. I met a group of 10 hikers from San Jose, and other Europeans. I saw what there is of Yosemite Falls in August from an unusual vantage point. But I just don't have the sense of accomplishment like when I did Half Dome. Part of the reason is that you could also drive to the end of the trail, save yourself the wear and tear on the heart and knees, so getting to Glacier Point is not a huge deal. Of course, what you see at the top is awesome, unless you have a fear of heights. I think the Yo Falls trail would have been better, but I didn't have the time available. Still, I can say now that I did the Four Mile Trail. Oh well. read more

This should be called a 10 mile trail !!!! we took trail from Glacier point down, then up back (no cheating like some people who takes bus from top and climbs down), the hike is more like 5 mile down, 5 mile up ... excellent views of the surrounding valley, half dome, and others - took us about 5 hours round-trip with plenty of photo shoots and selfies (probably 3.5 hours if we didn't do so many stops for photos) Semi Advanced Hiker but for some reason out of excitement I didn't verify when my wife told me it was a 4.6 mile hike (we ate only little fruits for breakfast), I though it was 4.6 round-trip!!! lol I only brought a e-Gel, couple of chocolates, dried ice cream and 40 oz of water for 2 (my personal normal intake for H2O for hikes like this are 50-80 oz - my bad though)...we made it but barely (thanks to e-gel I didn't cramp up) if you sweat much, you might need less water some parts of the trail are windy/cold (so bring light sweater or jacket if you're the cold type person) People are friendly on this trail, everyone are joyful, even the tired ones!!! felt bad an old guy was almost out of water, i usually offer (well i usually take over 150-200 oz of water just in case someone needs it, but like i said i was excited wasn't paying attention - hey hope you made it though!) read more

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This hike was soooooo hard!!!lol my knees locked on my way down we hiked all day and all night it was hard!!!! hahah but an experience for sure!!! 12miles later... read more

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Warning: due to poor condition of the trail, 4.8 miles downhill does not mean it's "EASY" None of the reviews online mention the current conditions, so please read this. Yes, the valley views are breathtaking from Four-Mile Trail! However, we do not recommend hiking Four-Mile trail from the top, Glacier Point, to the base. Hiking UP is definitely safer, but this warning is valid in both directions. This review is intended so readers will be safer & more prepared, in either direction. CURRENT CONDITIONS: This trail appears not to have been maintained in over 20 years. There was a crazy attempt to pave it many years ago. Now, most of its 4.8-mile length consists of stretches of sand interspersed with annoying, cracked, broken chunks of 20-year-old old asphalt covered with gravel and rockfall. A treacherous combination, where slipping & sliding can happen with every step. The numerous switchbacks are not the problem, they are sandy and easily navigable in the downhill direction. It's the straight sections, where an accidental stumble on the unstable surface could result in a deadly fall off the precipice. We completed the entire length downhill, which should have met the expectation of a rating of 2 - 4 difficulty (like Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon) but due to the poor condition of the surface, took us 4+ hours to the base. (not 2 hours, as described) SUGGESTIONS TO PARK MANAGEMENT: these were sent to the park superintendent. Hopefully the management will be responsive & take action to improve safety and encourage more use of this beautiful trail: * Each year, some section should be examined, raked, and repaired * All asphalt chunks should be removed, and filled with earth * Posted mile markers would be essential for such a long trail (there was only one marker) * Published descriptions should be updated, more accurately describing this trail * Signs should be posted at Glacier Point as well as at the base, describing the conditions, such as "Warning: 4.8 miles downhill does not mean it's easy, due to broken surface" * Time expectation for downhill hike should be adjusted to 4 hours, in order for hikers to safely make it down in time for last shuttle bus pick-up of the day (Beware: inaccurate signage at the Four-Mile Trail shuttle bus stop. Last pick up is around 5:00pm.) The park administration has a duty to prevent accidental deaths when simple measures could be taken. If you agree, please send a note to the Superintendent of Yosemite NP. yose_superintendent@nps.gov. Four-Mile Trail provided unique views of Yosemite Valley that were unmatched, and will linger in our memories forever. However, due to the unexpected poor trail conditions, we would discourage anyone from taking it entirely DOWNHILL at this time. If you're planning to hike UPHILL even part of the distance, be very, very cautious, and definitely don't get lazy on the way back down! Take your time, your life depends on it. read more

Overall, the hike has stunning views of Yosemite's finest elements including half dome and Yosemite falls. The trail itself is very strenuous with a lot of switch backs to ascend. Some portions have loose gravel and can make for an uneasy climb at times. In more detail, we began our climb at 8am at the base of the four mile trail. The weather was very mild with temps in the mid 80s and a slight breeze. We made a few stops on our way up for much needed water breaks. We got to the top of glacier point around 1030am. Here you are met with an onslaught of tourists. The views were spectacular but I was not fond of all the people. We had the option to take a shuttle back down to the valley for 25$ a person which at the time sounded crazy. We decided to descend the trial which proved very difficult. The sometime steep sloops combined with loose gravel made for a very slippery path in some parts. We descended in the same amount of time due to how careful we had to be. If I was to do it again I'd get the shuttle to bring me back down into the valley from a pure safety perspective read more

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I LOVE THIS HIKE! IT is challenging for the kids and the view is amazing almost every step of the way. Granted you can also take a shuttle, but where is the adventure in that?! This is my favorite hike in Yosemite if we are just going up for the day with the kids. The last time I did this hike was April 13th, 2013. We left SSF early in the morning, and got into Yosemite Valley just after 7:30am. Just to give you an idea of who "we" are: It was my husband, our two girls age 3.5yo and 1.5yo, my brother, and his daughter, age 8, and ME of course! and to give you an idea of out mindset: we are some what of weekend warriors, meaning we don't get to exercise all that often, but aren't intimidated by a challenge. if you look at the other reviews I believe that the trail is about 4.6 miles long, and the elevation is about 3000 feet. the hike had a lot of back twitches so it's good for setting goals (ie lets walk "x" more switchbacks and then take a break) We had a good bite to eat on the valley floor, and then packed sandwiches, trail-mix and drinks for the trip. With kids you can never have too much food :o) My brother and his daughter went on ahead and set a good pace early. my niece is age 8, not terribly active, but kids have energy to burn. They made it quite a way before taking their first break. The first section of the hike is in the shade of the trees, where as the top is more exposed to the elements. so bring hats, and plenty of water. My husband and our girls took a much slower start to the morning. We let our girls walk the first half mile or so at their toddler pace, stopping to say hi to EVERY dog on the path. Then I took my littlest (1.5yo) into the backpack carrier and started walking. Our 3.5 year old walked most of the way up to the 3.5 mile point holding hands with her daddy helped her pace a bit. We stopped for a good bite to eat at about 3.5 miles and then both our girls went into the back packs for a nap. By this time we had caught up to the rest of our group and we walked to the top together. Such a great hike. For some reason it was relatively quiet at the top, which was nice. It can often be very busy up there with shuttles running up and down. I hope you don't feel cheated by this. You should be proud of the accomplishment, and save the shuttle for when you are no longer able to make the hike. The view is sensational any way you get there. We headed back down after about an hour at the top of relaxing in the shade. As mentioned in another review the trail can be slippy going down. There are a few places where the footing is loose. The kids slipped a bit, so we put them back into the carriers and they napped again. win-win. I don't want to give the wrong impression about the trail. It is plenty wide throughout, and if you watch your footing on the few steeper parts you will be fine. ENJOY!! read more

Four Mile Trail - View of Half Dome from Four Mile Trail - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

Great trail for hardcores! When my friend says it's hard, I always want to try it. This is one of them. Not really hard but good uphills :) read more

So some people believe that it is frustrating to hike up to the top of a mountain and be greeted by hoards of lazy people who drove their cars up to the same view. If you're one of those people, don't do this hike :P Personally, I think its incredibly rewarding to know that unlike everyone else up there, you actually earned the view. This trail goes up to Glacier Point, one of the most beautiful vistas in the park with a dramatic view of Half Dome and an incredible panorama of the valley. Difficulty of the hike: The footing is easy-moderate, just a basic dirt path underneath with the occasionally root to step over. There is nothing even remotely technical like chimneys, railings, ladders, etc. However, it is steep and long. Its almost 10 miles round-trip and you climb 3200 vertical feet. Surprisingly there was no one ridiculously steep part. It was just a very slow, steady grade switching back and forth for basically the entire 4+ miles (the last 0.5 miles is comparatively flat). We took it at a nice slow pace and didn't find it exhausting. We were sore but not impossibly so the next day. Time: We took a fairly leisurely pace and the whole hike took us about 7 hours (roughly 4 hours up, 1 hour at the top, and 2 hours down). I would allow 8 hours if you think you're a slow hiker - I'm sure some people can do it in as little as 3-4 hours roundtrip. Views: We picked this hike primarily because we wanted one with fabulous views, and we knew the waterfalls would not be at the best in October, so we wanted a hike that had panoramic views of the valley, not of waterfalls. I thought the views were nice as we crossed the meadow to begin with and got steadily better as we climbed up, and were completely spectacular from the top (of course you can also drive to see that view). The view from the hike was different, and not as good as, the view from the top, but it was still a great view and one we could not have seen otherwise. It might be tempting to do this hike the "easy way" and hike down, but I think you'll be underwhelmed if you start with the spectacular views at the top. Much better to start at the bottom and be gradually more impressed. Getting there: You can either take the shuttle to the Visitor Center and transfer to the El Capitan shuttle, which goes right to the trailhead, or take the shuttle to stop #7and cross the river about 500 feet to the start of the trail. We did the latter, and I'd recommend it. The views are nice from the bridge across the river. read more

What a Saturday. My friends and I woke up early to go hiking but as always ended up starting the trail at noon. Our plan was to go to Glacier Point but we did not realize that the Four Mile Trail would take us as long as it did. Once you get dropped off the shuttle at stop 7, I would say it is a good 5.5 miles to get to the top, 10-11 round trip. I hear that this is as difficult or more difficult than Half Dome which is hard to believe. You will pass by beautiful fields and the Merced River and will be greeted with a restroom right before you start the Four Miles. Make sure you go to the restroom because you wont see one until you reach the end of the four miles/the start of the Glacier Point. Those four miles seem like the longest windiest trail you will ever be on. It is literally turn after turn and it will definitely leave you huffing and puffing. The trail is definitely intermediate with plenty of inclines. I would say it is half shaded, half sunny so load up on sun screen and bring plenty of water! I stupidly brought one .5 liter of water and in actuality I needed three. To be safe on a hot day, I would bring 2 liters of water. It will be heavy but you will be dehydrated if you dont. My friends and I took multiple breaks along the hike to rest and take photos. You will be reaching the top and see the Half Dome and Yosemite Falls as you hike. It took us three hours to get to the top and literally when we were 3/4 up the trail, my friend told me that there was a store at the top with ice cream and water. That seriously fueled me for the rest of the hike. Low and behold, we got to the top and there was ice cream!!!! I got the strawberry shortcake ice cream for less than $3. Definitely well deserved after burning 2000+ calories. Your legs will be numb by the end of it so you definitely better enjoy your ice cream and rest with a photo shoot. For those people who arent as adventurous, you can drive to the top of the Four Mile Trail, which I hear takes over an hour. For those too tired to hike back down, it costs $25/person to shuttle back down. That is ridiculous so we trekked back down and took us 2 hours. By the time we reached the bottom, the shuttle to go back to Curry Village had shut down so we had to walk an additional 2 miles back. That day was too long haha. The top is very scenic and my friends and I literally took photos for 2 hours. It was well deserved and we had to show proof that we conquered it. We finished at around 5pm and there was no way that we would begin those additional miles to hike to Glacier Point. I am sure if we started early, we would have done it but we were pooped and there was not enough time. I thought this hike was sufficient enough for me to feel like a wilderness scout in Yosemite so I did not mind continuing. Great workout+great company+great view= Good times! **TIPS** 1) Bring 2 liters of water a person. Also, you need tons of trail mix, nuts, jerky, snacks and anything to fuel you. 2) Do NOT pack one of those drawstring backpacks. The straps will be painful toward the end of it. It will be hot but I suggest a regular backpack with thick straps. Your shoulders and back will thank you. 3) Bring you DSLR. Photo shoots all day every day. 4) If you want to go to Glacier Point, you have to start at 8 or so. If you want Glacier but do not have time, drive to the top of Four Mile and then hike Glacier. 5) There is a store at the top to get your well-deserved ice cream!!!!! It is like the book Holes and Stanley says to Zero that there is a hot chocolate fudge sundae at the top. 6) You do not need to bring a light jacket even if you end the day late. I went in July and it was still warm when we finished at 8pm. There is no need to add additional weight. 7) Enjoy! read more

Four Mile Trail - Motivation to reach the top! - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Fabulous hike!!!! I would definitely do it again. It's close to 10 miles roundtrip (4.6 miles incline). I don't think it was a difficult hike. If you are a hiker, you should do The Four Mile Trail. The views were amazing once you get to Glacier Point. read more

Four Mile Trail - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

There's a lot of hype on how hard this trail is (from valley floor to glacier pt). we disagree. we are 30-somethings in decent shape and we would rank this trail easier than the Nevada Falls hike (via mist trail). I even think Upper Yosemite falls was harder. Here's the thing, it's pretty much all up hill until the last half mile or so. But there aren't steep steps like other trails...just a gradual, but constant climb. Just take breaks, take some pics, have a snack... we started at 8:15 (mid december) and got to the top about noon-ish. We were back on the floor about 3pm. took ample breaks, had lunch at glacier pt, took like 100s of pics. There were some icy spots that required some care, but the trail was great. Ideally, I would still opt for the bus shuttle back down from glacier pt since down hill hiking strains our knees, but in dec we didn't have that option. otherwise, 5 stars! read more

This should be called "Steady Incline Switchback Trail". Add the 'Glacier Point' or 'Curry Village' words in there to Yosemite-ify the title. Brief Summary: 4.6 miles uphill with a steady incline for the entire hike. One switchback in itself isn't tiring- doing it for a few hours will get to ya. During the entire hike, there were only two flat sections (and those lasted for about 1-2 minutes). Stunning Yosemite Valley views as you hike upward, as you'll see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and more. The 3,200 feet incline is well worth it. More Facts & Tips: - Get an early start to avoid the sun. This is an obvious tip, as all hikers should start early to avoid crowds. While the beginning of the hike is in shady forest trails, you want to avoid the heat that comes with the passing of the day. - Speaking of crowds, I hiked on a Saturday morning (started around 7:30am), and there weren't many people. I saw less than 10 hikers/ hiking groups during the entire trip. - If you're coming from Yosemite Lodge, the trailhead is about a 20 minute walk away. You'll pass by Swinging Bridge to get to the trailhead. You can also drive and park near Swinging Bridge. The trailhead is a short walk to the right of that bridge. - Many mosquitos in the area, so wear bug repellent. - The trails are well paved, not too rocky. With the gradual incline, it's not too difficult on the knees. I'm very wary of my creaky knees, and this hike is A-OK for dem. - The guides say it takes 2- 4 hours, which is accurate. Depends on the physical shape one is in. The hike is definitely doable though. - You reach Glacier Point at the top. They have a convenience store that sells all sorts of food and snacks. In the summer, a lot of people treat themselves to ice cream bars. There's also a gift shop. - Glacier Point is about .25 miles of area to explore. Killer view of Half Dome, the falls (Nevada, Vernal, & Yosemite Falls), and Yosemite Valley. - There is a cool cliff area where you can take a picture (similar to the Half Dome diving board picture). But, uh, it's railed off so it's not advised (and yes, I did it). - If you don't want to hike back down, you can take a shuttle. It costs $25 and tickets need to be bought beforehand. Or arrange someone to meet you there to drive you back. (It's about a 1 hour drive from the main Yosemite Valley lodging area) - You can continue to the Panorama trail if you want a different route down. That eventually connects to the Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls trails (which you see from the distance). Final Thoughts: If you want a challenging hike that doesn't require too much planning (a la Half Dome), do Four Mile Trail! The views are worthwhile, and it's not as crowded/ well-known as other hikes. read more

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This used to be the only way to get to Glacier Point. As Glacier Point is my most favourite spot on the planet, I think the hike up 4000 feet is worth it but it is a serious hike! So, as suggested by Kitty, do it the smart way and hike down! However, if you're scared of heights like me, be aware that there are a lot of switchbacks and steep drops. Still, it gives you a sense of achievement and when you tell people you've done the 4 mile trail, just don't tell them which direction you travelled! read more

This was our first hike 10 mile hike in Yosemite national park! We went in the second week of October and it was absolutely exquisite. The weather was perfect the Bewes extraordinary it was a dream. If you're trying to decide which Hike to do I would really recommend this one. Like other reviews may have stated, it is a very strenuous hike. One way you will go either all the way down her all the way up without too much of a change ingredien hike to do I would really recommend this one. Like other reviews may have stated, it is a very strenuous hike. The way up is about 5 miles Without barely any straightaways at all it's mostly straight up. Definitely bring a lot of water, there is a place to fill up at the top! read more

On our first visit to Yosemite my sister and I decided to get to Glacier Point with just a basic knowledge on how to get there and how long it was going to take us. The 4 mile Trail caught us a bit off guard given that is very challenging on the way up, specially if you are not a hiking expert like us. However the satisfaction once you get to the top is amazing. It was quite an achievement for both of us. I have to admit that at some points my sister was really tired from the non-stop ascending - I tried to keep calm and cheerful all the way so the energy would not had gone down. It took us 3 hours to reach the top and 2 hrs 15 mins to go back. The views after you pass the trees are amazing, you get a full view of the valley, ascend next to El Capitan and finish by having a great view of Half Dome. If you are up to the challenge of going up 4+ miles, I recommend you to do it, take water, power bars, fruits. Bring comfortable clothing according to the weather and maintain your pace. Keep in mind that the weather can vary very fast once in the mountain so be prepare. We took are rain gear and were glad that we did it. Once at the top there is a cabin where you can buy sandwiches, potatoes chips, and refreshments. Im very happy that I did it, had a great time with my sis and had a unique contact with nature! You dont need to be a pro to do this one, just maintain yourself up to the challenge and have a little bit of physical conditioning. read more

For a pleasant hike of moderate difficulty - I took a bus from Yosemite Lodge to the top of Glacier Point. It's $25 one-way. Then, I hiked the trail down and took amazing pictures of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. I found the switch backs much easier than the steps along Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It takes about 3 hours if you go at a slow pace. There are no bathrooms along the way. read more

Nice trail for those that don't mind putting all that energy into ending up at a parking lot. Just kidding. Glacier Point has great views of Half Dome and the rest of Yosemite valley, and along the way you also have a continuously improving view of the valley and a nice overlook at Union Point Too bad it was a bit hazy during the first weekend in August; the view wasn't as perfect as it could have been. No doubt this is a strenuous trail; if you aren't in good shape you will suffer. It isn't as bad as Half Dome simply because it's only about half the length. It is tough though; it felt like someone just cut out the flatter sections of the Half Dome trail to make this one. For our group, we continued along the Panorama trail, which goes across the valley to the 3 waterfalls on the Mist trail, so our day wasn't nearly finished when we got to the top (ended up doing 13+ miles total). I don't know if I would do this trail again; Half Dome and Clouds Rest give far more gratifying views. But for an efficient, strenuous hike, with nearly constant good views and one that gives you the option of returning to the valley via bus/shuttle, this is an ideal trail. read more

This trail is challenging but the rewarding views are worth it. It is incline after incline , switch back after switch back. I wanted to quit but husband wouldn't let me and I'm glad he didn't. Take water, snacks, and a good camera read more

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Let me start of by saying, "I hate this hike!" Don't believe the reviews below when they say kids could do it and it's easy if you're in shape. I hiked this hike and hated it because I felt like I was deceived. I did half dome a few weeks prior to doing the 4 mile trail and thought i would be fine hiking this trail. Oh boy, was I wrong! I was in good shape when I hiked this and I was gasping for air. The hike is 4 miles of switchbacks all the way up to Glacier Point. When you finally reach the top, you realize that others can drive to Glacier Point and because they can drive to the destination, you don't get to experience the serene and quiet beauty of nature. It pretty much feels like an amusement park because there are so many people visiting it. Also, it's just not rewarding knowing that other cheated their way up here by driving. read more

Four Mile Trail - Before the strenuous switchbacks. - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

This was a terrific hike and is currently open because of a very dry winter in the valley. There is some snow on the trail, but we were able to do it with little difficulty. The crowds in winter are much thinner (there were less than a dozen people at Glacier Point on a Sunday). The views are fantastic and it is definitely a good workout. It took us just over 5 hours to reach the top (stopping for plenty of pictures, breaks and just being slow hiking uphill). You can make this into a loop by extending to Panorama trail (longer but less steep) which returns to Happy Isles and is 3 miles from 4-Mile Trailhead or a shuttle ride away. The Panorama Trail may be even more scenic with up close views of several waterfalls. read more

SWITCH BACKS FOR DAYSSSSS!!! We counted 60 switch backs on the way down (so 120 up and back). Also there is ~3500ft elevation difference from bottom to top! Took us ~2.5hrs going up. Took us 1.25hrs to go back down at night. MUST KNOW: if it's hot, absolutely bring a hat, at LEAST 2000mL of water/gatorarde, sunscreen and snacks. It's a looooong hike! But the view at the top is gorgeous! Note: there is a water refill tap at the top. read more

4 mile Trail to Glacier Point We did this trail early July on a Friday. We were lucky enough to get to the trailhead by 9am and found a parking spot right in front where the trail first begins on the South side drive on the Valley Floor. When you first drive into the Yosemite Valley you will see the trailhead at the right with a few parking along the side. This is a STRENUOuS hike and make sure you bring at least 3 liters of water. 4.6 miles to the top of Glacier Point which took us about 3 hours to get there. We took our teenager niece and made a lot of stops due to the straight non-stop, uphill climb she wasn't used to. It is a 3,200 elevation gain in only 4.6 miles so be prepared! The views the entire trail are remarkable with upper Yosemite falls in your peripheral most of the way. When you get closer to the top you also get a good view of Half Dome. If you start early enough the entire ascending part of the hike is in shade, with plenty of trees to protect you from the heat of the sun. Bring plenty of snacks, we had trail mix, granola bars and packed sandwiches for lunch once we got to the top. The crowds at Galcier Point are of abundance because you can drive there or take a shuttle. But this hike is so worth it and makes the views even more beautiful knowing you put in the extra effort to climb to this point! There are bathrooms and a visitors store at this point and plenty of shade to have lunch. We took the same trail down and it took us about 2 hours to get to our car. Not as many stops but after hiking up the hike down is definitely no easy trek. I would recommend this hike to pretty fit people who want a good workout with amazing views! Start early so the uphill climb is mostly in shade and bring plenty of water. There are water fountains at the visitors lodge as well if you need to fill up! We love Yosemite and his is a perfect day hike! read more

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Very scenic hike with stunning views of the falls most of the way- all worked up but letdown at the top. Mostly shaded, steady uphill switchbacks that are not too rocky and not too strenuous (especially compared to the upper falls trail). I enjoyed the views and loved seeing glacier point and half dome from below when we were nearing the top. However, I was very disappointed when we got the to the top that Glacier Point Road had just opened that day so there were swarms of tourists. I also didn't realize that you can only view glacier point from behind a metal railing by taking a paved trail up to that point. My peaceful hike was abruptly disturbed by all the tourists. I continued up to Sentinel Dome which was breathtaking and deserted compared to Glacier Point. Next time I'd skip the lookout at Glacier Point all together and continue up. On our joke back down in the dusk we saw a beautiful sunset and even watched a bat fly by. read more

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Every hike I did at Yosemite was my favorite until I did another hike at Yosemite and 4 mile trail is no different. We didn't do the entire trail. We started at the top, went about half way down, and then headed back up. It's a hard trail (at least it was for me) so make sure you take breaks and bring water. The views are stunning so you'll probably want to stop and take that all in throughout the hike. read more

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Fabulous hike! It's about 4.8 mi up to glacier point with a very steady incline. Major thing I would recommend is to start as early as possible, then you'll end up in the shade on the way up which really helped deal with huge elevation gain. We started at 9 am and was still able to be in the shade entire way up. However, on the way down we ended up in the sun and it was quite toasty even for september. read more

This is a great day hike for those in shape enough to do it. We took our 10 year old kids on it, and they did great hiking up and down. I will say that there were very few kids their age hiking up. The views are fantastic and well worth the trip. Wear good hiking shoes and bring snacks for the entire day. I would say bring a minimum of 2 liters of water per person for each way (you can refill bottles at the top at glacier point). We took the shuttle bus to stop # 7 in the morning and hiked to the trailhead from there. We left at 8:30 am from stop #7, and if you are hiking all the way up and down, I would recommend you do the same. Make sure to put on sunscreen and bug spray, because there are mosquitos in the morning on the lower trail. It took us 3.5 hours with lots of breaks on the way up. The views are increasingly spectacular as you hike up, and we went on a very clear day. There are plenty of switchbacks, but the trail is nice and wide, and not very dangerous at all. The only downside to the hike is the gigantic parking lot and bus-tourist-types at Glacier Point, but the views there are still fantastic. At Glacier Point there is a snack bar with hotdogs and ice cream, which were a nice treat at the halfway point. Fill up your water bottles for the decent at the drinking fountains. There are bathrooms here as well. We rested here for about an hour. The decent from glacier point was faster than the ascent of course. It took us 2.5 hours from the top to bus stop #7. I think we made it to the bus stop at about 4 pm. Just enough time to get back, shower, have dinner and crash. Total distance for this hike was about 10 miles (5 miles each way including the extra bit to and from stop #7). Distance from the trailhead to glacier point and back was 4.6 miles each way. This is one of the best hikes in Yosemite valley, and well worth the effort. I would say the trails are relatively wider and safer than the Vernal Falls / Nevada falls loop. My legs were a little sore afterwards, but all in all one of my favorite hikes ever. read more

Hike up the side of Yosemite Valley and reap the rewards of one of the finest views in the world. Sure, you could drive up to Glacier Point and get the same view, but it's the journey that makes you appreciate it all the more. Full trail review, photos and trail map over at Trailspotting: http://bit.ly/ZfL0j (9 1/2 mile out-and-back hike.) read more