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Four Mile Trail - Yosemite NP, CA


Highlights:

Scenic woods, views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.
Near:Yosemite National Park, CA
Scenery:
Distance:9.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:4024 ft
Hike Time:6 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: The Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point was first constructed in 1872 and was 4 miles long, but it was rebuilt and lengthened in the early 1900's to it's current length, but nobody changed the name. The trail provides just a small sampling of what Yosemite Valley has in store as you climb towards Glacier Point. Of course you could always drive to Glacier Point, but why drive 20 miles when you can walk 4, right? Be prepared for bugs, even in September. Thankfully they only hang around the first mile of trail. Water, snacks and restrooms are available at Glacier Point to refresh you for the journey back down to the valley. Of course there is always that shuttle bus, but it doesn't stop at the trailhead!

For more details and photos visit my website The Backcountry: Four-Mile Trail.

Trailhead: Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Once in the park head towards Yosemite Valley. Trailhead and parking is on the right about 0.1 miles past Sentinel Beach on Southside Drive. (Lat:37.73 Lon:-119.6)
Trail Guides for Four Mile Trail - Yosemite NP, CA:
Yosemite National Park
by Jeffrey P. Schaffer  (Wilderness Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Yosemite Wilderness Center, 209-372-0740
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Tim on 10/11/2009
I have done this twice and every time I see something I missed before. I like going from the valley floor to the top, the views get much better as you climb, and it is a climb. I am going to do the Panorama trail next, not sure which way to go yet.

Reviewed by BD on 1/26/2009
Just a note to those who feel compelled to gloat about their "speed ascents". I used to run the 4 Mile Trail from the trail sign on the Valley floor to Glacier Point in less than an hour (50 minutes) when running trails in the 1980's - and then complete the loop down to Happy Isles via the Panorama and Mist Trails in another hour and a half - weekly (occasionally weakly) in the Spring.

Reviewed by Balazs on 9/4/2007
Excellent views, but I have issues with the trail itself. Looks like it was paved about 20 years ago, and now it all disintegrated. Loved the tons of switchbacks :) ps: The elevation gain is more like 3300 feet. There's 3150 ft between the trailhead and the peak; plus a little dip at the final quarter of the trail. ps2: I was doing a speed ascent up and did it a hair under 90 minutes.

Reviewed by MS on 7/15/2007
Hiked the trail recently. Its a relatively short (5 hrs round trip for us) but very scenic and rewarding trail. Great views await you at the destination. You can see the endless and mind-blowing Half Dome trail from the Glacier Point and sympathize with the hikers on that trail as you enjoy food/drinks from the nearby well equipped cafetaria !! If you are up for more pain, visit the Sentinel Dome. Its only 700-800 feet short of the Half Dome elevation.

Reviewed by EC on 4/12/2005
4-mile trail closed as of this weekend. Still lots of snow above 6,000 FT in Yosemite. Not sure when it will open. I would guess end of April or 1st week in May at the latest.

Reviewed by a on 11/13/2004
Home Mt. Charleston Red Rock Lake Mead Other Areas Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the United States. The park has miles of trails, lakes, and unbelievable views. It's one of America's most popular national parks. These pages provide details about trails, lodging and other information to make your trip easier and more enjoyable while visiting Yosemite. The information below pertains to Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Groves areas only. Slide Show Aerial photo of Half Dome Fast Facts for Yosemite Valley Location: Central California (480 miles from Vegas) Time Zone: Pacific Time Elevation Range: 4,000 feet

Reviewed by DPC on 8/27/2003
It provided a good helping of exercise, scenery and nutrition - if you like swallowing some of those annoying flies, if not, be careful when talking. The trail was not too strenuous as to not be fun, yet not too gentle to allow the mass hoards of the Valley to try it either (well, except for those who take the reward of only coming down from Glacier Point without having earned it on the uphill climb). The views were stunning and you may even run into some animals on the trail - I tried to let a doe pass, but she took to running up the trail, faster than a track star. Better views on the way down (plus with more energy, it's easier to stop and take photos). A great hike, with a great reward at the top.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes

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