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. The climb up is brutal and the climb down is painful. The Four Mile Trail is 1.4 miles longer and about 600 more vertical feet than The Yosemite Falls trail, but it is a much nicer run.It's a smoother, softer surface and a more gradual and consistent slope. Check out the earlier map to pinpoint the trailhead. 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. Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a 16.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. It is rightly one of the most popular lookout points in Yosemite National Park because it overlooks the entire Yosemite Valley with the monumental Half Dome in the center and gives you a great impression of this beautiful area. We were. Book your tickets online for Four Mile Trail, Yosemite National Park: See 208 reviews, articles, and 178 photos of Four Mile Trail, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 137 attractions in Yosemite National Park. Four Mile Trail. Beautiful hike. This trail began as a four-mile trek, but was later extended to its current length. The trail offers 9.6 miles of brilliant views of some of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite. See Yosemite National Park’s iconic natural wonders on this convenient mini-bus tour that saves time and energy. Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point at Yosemite June 14, 2016 April 16, 2017 / California , Hiking , Travel , Travel Therapy , Traveling Tales Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code. The first 3.5 miles of the trail is uphill. The end We got to the bus stop which had a huge queue. It gets very well maintained further down at the bottom Our preparation We had deliberately chosen not to bring serious hiking gear as we coming from UK and next stop was Hawaii So we walked in gym gear and gym trainers Took large day ruck sac with provision. The Four Mile Trail ends at Glacier Point, where restrooms, parking, and a snack stand (summer only) are available. The view from the Four Mile Trail is epic. Lovely site to rest Last part of the trail in the woods doesn’t have much view and when tired is a bit of a slog. Stopping a few times for photos and water and a snack Took an hour and a bit for a picnic at glacier point The panorama trail took about 4 hours 20 mins down to the bus stop including a lot of water stops and some time at the falls. Book your tickets online for Four Mile Trail, Yosemite National Park: See 208 reviews, articles, and 178 photos of Four Mile Trail, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 137 attractions in Yosemite National Park. Book your tickets online for Four Mile Trail, Yosemite National Park: See 208 reviews, articles, and 178 photos of Four Mile Trail, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 137 attractions in Yosemite National Park. This is for the hiker who has made moderate gains in fitness and experience, and now wishes to climb into a more elite level. The Four Mile trail is around 4.8 miles (7.7 Km) in length in each direction. Crowd Factor: It's a trail that connects Yosemite's two most popular spots - Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point - so it … Did you know that there used to be a hotel at the base of the 4 Mile Trail? Summary: The original Four Mile Trail constructed in 1872 was four miles in length. One of the many incredible views in Yosemite. The Four Mile Trail is ideal for hikers looking to push their limits. Day hike - four mile trail plus panorama trail with kids We decided on a long walk and wanted to get away from the crowds and see some other views than those of the picture postcards Family of 5 with kids 13, 11 and 8. The Four Mile Trail is one of the leading day hikes out of Yosemite Valley. Bear left to bypass the closed trail at mile 2.2. View of Yosemite Falls from 4 Mile Trail – nps.gov Four Mile Trail travels from the Valley floor near Sentinel Rock to the top of the Valley at Glacier Point 3,200 feet (975 metres) above. Location: South wall of Yosemite Valley. Four-Mile Trail provided unique views of Yosemite Valley that were unmatched, and will linger in our memories forever. My daughter and I chose to walk back to hotel (majestic) but rest of family waited...it took them 2 buses to get a space. All uphill one way and all down hill the other. This is a fairly scenic and easy 4.5 mile trail from Yosemite Valley to Glacier point (or the other way around). Four Mile Trail (Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point) The Four Mile trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs up to Glacier Point. Climb an elevation of 1,000 m (3,200 feet) to experience commanding views of some of Yosemite's most iconic features, on Four Mile Trail. This video covers Day 3 of our Yosemite visit where we hiked the Four Mile Trail down from Glacier Point. The hike features Yosemite Valley’s most iconic views. During the uphill trek, which to be honest, is a bit challenging, you have incredible views of El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, and Yosemite Falls. Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near Four Mile Trail. Be smart - take a bus to the top and go back down to the valley. The more than 9 km long tour of the Four Mile Trail leads up to Glacier Point, which is located at 2200 meters above sea level. However, due to the unexpected poor trail conditions, we would discourage anyone from taking it entirely DOWNHILL at this time. 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. Downhill seemed to be just as difficult due to the loose gravel and steep drop offs. route and suitability for families thought I would put a few details that may help others In summary - an astonishing walk with incredible scenery and a perfect family experience. Wide well maintained and easy walking. 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). It is exposed to the sun Take hats and sun cream If you want, take a picnic. Go for it. Why Hike the 4-Mile Trail? Yup you gotta climb. And therein lies the difference in the ratings. With sore feet was quite a chore. this hike ONLY for the views, principally of Yosemite Falls. Four Mile Trail is a moderate to strenuous trail leading from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. We got on the trail about 8, made it to the top around 11. Used to walks of 1 to 2 hours, all reasonably fit but nothing of … On the other hand, the falls were no more than spittle by late July 2020 and thus provided no solace to the effort of the downward climb this year - basically just a series of never-ending, slightly too-steep switchbacks for two hours (can be done downwards in 1.5 hours or less if you are not held back by a slower or more cautious group member). Don’t rush. Trail Closed. Its amazing. My ten year old son and I went for a long day-hike on a short day. When Yosemite Falls is alive, as it was during our 2017 climb, this perspective provides some of the most spectacular views of the falls (see also Sentinel Dome) and one gets different looks at the falls from many levels and angles. View of El Capitan from 4-Mile Trail View of Yosemite Falls from 4-Mile Trail One of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor. The Four-Mile Trail is another one of Yosemite’s popular day hikes. Often some rocks in the path to be avoided. The Four Mile Trail slices across narrow cliff walls while descending into Yosemite Valley. Begin at: Four Mile Trailhead along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley This trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. Having to stop multiple times. It can be conveniently shortened as a one way or combined with the Panorama Trail. Down to a river where we paddled and rested for a while Nevada falls is spectacular and if you are brave paddle upstream. 28 Celsius and hadn’t rained for days The glacier point path is pretty easy on way up. A small-group size means plenty of personal attention. I’m glad we hiked on a cold fall day, I can imagine how much tougher the hike would be on a hot summer day. 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. You don't have to rush . The modern trail within Yosemite National Park follows the path of a 19th century toll trail, from which it takes its name (though today it covers a distance closer to five miles). Four Mile Trail: 2020 Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park. If you have a decent set of legs and you’re in Yosemite, I advise you to hike up to Glacier Point and Sentinal Dome via the Four Mile Trail. We walked steadily but not over fast Conditions and Paths Conditions were good. We had 1 per person litres all drank by top of glacier point.good news is can refill there. Nearly 10 miles total. El Capitan on way up first part, then yosemite falls, then half dome close up The view at glacier point is a highlight but jam Packed with tourists so we took our picnic off to some rocks with a view and ate there Panorama trail starts with constant and ever evolving view of half dome. But food available at glacier point Views Just incredible. It’s loaded with scenery and variety, culminating in panoramic views of well-known landmarks and different aspects of Yosemite … Day hike - four mile trail plus panorama trail with kids, We decided on a long walk and wanted to get away from the crowds and see some other views than those of the picture postcards Family of 5 with kids 13, 11 and 8. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Yes, it costs $25, but it will save … our layers kept needing to be switched up with the changes in our pace and the weather. There is no free shuttle system between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley. The 4-Mile trailhead begins in Yosemite Valley. And if you hike it from bottom to top, you can buy yourself an ice cream at trail's end. It got its obvious name because it is four miles to Glacier Point. Enjoy!! The trail maintains a continuous steep grade, following the path of an old toll trail that was completed in 1872. IN COORDINATION WITH PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES, YOSEMITE IS ONLY OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM DAILY. Four Mile Trail This trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. definitely some of the slower hikers on the trail, but felt as if we kept a steady pace. Doing this hike upwards and then again downwards in 2017 in 95 degree heat was worth the suffering. The forecast calls for snow in both the high country and the valley tomorrow so we wanted to squeeze in one last epic hike this season. So factor into your planning I hope this helps any of you who read it. The trail maintains a continuous steep grade, following the path of an old toll trail that was completed in 1872. Four Mile Trail is a moderate hike that offers the best views of some of Yosemite's most famous landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, El Capitan, and the Royal Arches. Overview. This trail was once only 4 miles long one-way in the 1970’s, now it is closer to 5. Click here for a detailed topographic map of this park sector. Hiking this trail will give you great views of the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and of course, Half Dome. Since Glacier Point Road had closed due to storms, the shortest way to get to to those gorgeous Glacier Point views is to take the 4 Mile Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until November. Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. Four Mile Trail is a 9.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. ©2020 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite. This hike can either be done as an out-and-back or combined with the Panorama Trail for one of Yosemite's best overall day hikes. The panorama trail is a little less wide and maintained but still ok. It’s mainly sandy The trail down from Nevada Falls is less well maintained. I am afraid of heights but this is just something else and you never feel on the edge of a precipice as the trail is totally safe. Because this is where Yosemite Falls gives you the full monty. 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). It was cold and. Look for the trailhead off Southside Drive, … Let someone else handle the drive, and visit some of the park’s best sights in just one day. Location: 37.735933, -119.587283. Your ascent of the Four Mile Trail yields powerful views of Yosemite’s numerous mountains, meadows, and waterfalls. more, Other experiences in Yosemite National Park. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to hike the trail one-way—6 to 8 hours if you hike Four Mile trail round-trip. See giant redwoods, El Capitan, and Half Dome, plus scenic spots along the way, hearing commentary from your guide about each location. The Four Mile trail is another one of dozens of trails in Yosemite Valley that doesn’t disappoint. One of my favorite hikes in Yosemite National Park is also one of the most panoramic areas to photograph in the park. 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One does. The trail begins at the valley floor west of the Swinging Bridge recreation area, and climbs the south side 4.8 miles (7.7 km) up to Glacier Point, an elevation change of 3,200 feet (1,000 m). The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. The Four Mile Trail ends at Glacier Point, where restrooms, parking, and a snack stand (summer only) are available. However, in the early 1900s the trail was rerouted to its current length but the original name stuck. This trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. Very strenuous and lengthy. The trail is gorgeous and gives some of the best views of the Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley in the park. Enjoy the views. Hiking Yosemite's "Four Mile Trail" from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, an elevation gain of 3200 feet over 4.8 miles. 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). It's a hike packed with epic views at every turn. We left the car around 0900 and didn’t get back until 530pm. The hike connects Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, making it one of the best ways to see the highlights of the park in just four miles. This trail starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak woodland. The trail was not crowded until you reached Glacier Point, which was worth the trip up (at least drive there if hiking isn’t your thing)! Note Take a lot of water. The 4 Mile Trail begins in the Yosemite Valley Floor and climbs up a switch back trail 4.8 miles to Glacier Point. 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