Permits are checked by a ranger near the base of the cables. Click the Banner Below to see our highest rated Hiking Gear. Elevation Gain:1,909 Feet. I’ve Assembled a List of the Best Hiking Gear, hand picked based on years of experience of hiking, camping, and rock climbing in Yosemite. Installed into the rock are metal cables, making an otherwise fifth class slab climb to the summit a harrowing day hike. There are several great lookout spots besides great views from the trail. We took the one-way bus to the top of Glacier Point based on reviews I had read here, so we could do the 4-Mile Trail hike down into the valley. Unlike the simple amble to Lower Yosemite Falls, the hike to the top is long, complete with switchbacks, sun exposure, and plenty of elevation gain. You can also ride the Valley Visitor Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm year-round) to shuttle stop #7 and follow the bicycle path to Swinging Bridge, then walk west a few minutes to the trailhead. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. With 300 hiking permits given out each day of the season, the chances of nabbing a spot are good. No clouds were resting that day, but I sure was. Think of it as a prerequisite trail. . The Four Mile Trail begins at the floor of Yosemite Valley, not far from the, This hike snakes it’s way up an obvious weakness in the valley walls, through talus slopes, and granite gullies, before concluding with a breathtaking finish at. Cloud’s Rest, like so many other trails, has a nice name. Bus at Half dome village or yosemite lodge. Adventurers seeking to hike the most challenging trails will need to be well prepared. No, not gateway drug, but it acts as the gateway to many other Yosemite hiking objectives. It’s popularity rivals even that of the Hollywood Sign Hike. You should be in great shape to even try this trail. 4-Mile Trail Hike Elevation: -3200 ft. 4-Mile Trail Hike Mileage: 4.54 mi. Whether we’re in Yosemite Valley, or taking a stroll on the local trails, this is the gear that we never leave home without. 9.6 mi (15.5 km) round trip. No bathrooms, No water. No Seat. The Four Mile Trail ends at Glacier Point, where restrooms, parking, and a snack stand (summer only) are available. This trek is known for spray-the plumes of moisture enveloping portions of the trail. Clouds are pleasant and fluffy, and resting is what you do when you’re tired. But eh, to each their own. 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. Distance: 4.6 Miles (not Four Miles) Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet, from the Valley Floor to Glacier Point Difficulty: Strenuous, albeit the easiest of Yosemite’s tough hikes Best Time to Hike: Summer, until the Winter’s first snows. When the Glacier Point Snack Stand is open (late May through mid-October), food and beverages are available for purchase at Glacier Point. The Four Mile Trail begins at the floor of Yosemite Valley, not far from the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Sprained ankles are common on this trail. It’s great drop plunges 2,425 feet to the Yosemite Valley floor. The Four Mile Trail, in my estimation, is the easiest of Yosemite Valley’s toughest hiking trails, but unlike the other hikes listed here, the views stay consistent throughout the trip. Initially, El Capitan dominates the view. Permits are checked by a ranger near the base of the cables. I’ve. Half Dome might as well be the most iconic hike in America, making it a top contender for the most well known hike in the entire world. At 13,061 feet, Mt. The majority of the Mt. The Mist Trail is dense, denser than cheesecake, but a little less so than solid lead. Timothy started Hike The Planet! It's also one of the hardest trails to do so not a lot of really touristy people do it. In an effort to reduce crowds, as well as impact on the trail. The Four Mile Trail ends at Glacier Point, where restrooms, parking, and a snack stand (summer only) are available. Not to mention that you have a stunning view of Yosemite Falls all the way up the 4 Mile Trail. Entrance Reservations can be made at the official Yosemite National Park website. The park concessioner runs three daily guided bus tours that include a stop at Glacier Point—you can purchase a tour bus ticket from any tour desk to ride the bus to Glacier Point (hiking back to the Valley). For a tougher alternative, hike it round trip or use the Panorama Trail making this adventure 14 miles long. Initially, El Capitan dominates the view. Start your hike early; this trail can become very hot mid-day. Half Dome attracts so many hikers that the National Park Service has had to institute a permit system. Did you know that there used to be a hotel at the base of the 4 Mile Trail? The trail may be misnamed, but it is still worth hiking. You’ll hear campfire tales of soaked clothing and slippery stairs, of dizzying overlooks and eternally closed-for-maintenance trail side restrooms. For a harder hike with more rewarding views, hike the Four Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. Restrooms are also located at Glacier Point near the parking lot. The Four Mile Trail at Yosemite National Park, California is a strenuous 9.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads to Glacier Point and features the most stunning views of … With 300 hiking permits given out each day of the season, the chances of nabbing a spot are good. You should be in great shape to even try this trail. Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. The Mist … View of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point. Cloud’s Rest-Biggest Challenge, Smallest Crowds. Four Mile Trail Hard, strenous trail with uncountable switchbacks to top of glacier point. Distance: 4.8 mi (7.7 km) one way to Glacier Point. 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. No, not gateway drug, but it acts as the gateway to many other Yosemite hiking objectives. The Mist Trail ascends two great waterfalls-Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls. And then right before you reach Glacier Point, Half Dome suddenly appears, which is the BEST hiking reward ever! The Mist Trail is a gateway hike. High Elevation, and a rough talus trail makes hiking Mt. This trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. Hike the John Muir Trail until a sign indicates the intersection with the Clouds Rest Trail. It is partially paved and has loose sand on top, which makes for slippery footing in places. Take a well-earned break at Glacier Point to enjoy the views and refresh yourself, then find the trailhead for the Panorama Trail just behind the mini-amphitheater. Relatively speaking, the length and elevation gain are quaint, and even the other trails on this list are both longer, and taller. 1. Mt. Look over, and try to imagine the sheer amount of water falling into the abyss. The Four Mile trail has changed a bit over the years. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate this hike, because it really packs in the difficulty. 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. View current conditions for trail closures and view historical opening and closing dates for this trail. The top of Half Dome is a large, flat surface, high above anything else in Yosemite Valley. From one vantage point you can see Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. The roar of these Falls can be heard ringing throughout the Valley, but you are lucky enough to be standing right at the source of it. Mammoth Lakes, the High Sierra, Tuolumne, and Mono Lake can all be spotted from the summit. Owing largely to the elevation change, the giant, sheer granite walls, and fast changing weather patterns, hiking in Yosemite is a challenging affair. Restrooms are not available at the trailhead in Yosemite Valley; vault toilets are available just to the east at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Clouds Rest and Half Dome are similar hikes, with similar views at the end. My time atop Clouds Rest was spent gazing at the granite splendor all around. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. No bathrooms, No water. Stay on the trail and resist the temptation to cut switchbacks. Lyell. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Dana: Hiking Yosemite's Second Highest Peak - Hike The Planet! Park your car at Yosemite’s East Entrance, and take a trail heading south towards the giant mountain right in front of you. After waiting (way too long it seemed) to get into Camp 4, I started on the 4 mile trail. Bring 2 quarts/liters of water if hiking this trail one way (or 4 quarts/liters if hiking round trip). 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. Mist Trail veterans are well familiar with this unique quality. Distance: 4.7 miles (7.5 km) one way; 9.4 miles (15 km) round trip Yosemite Valley Elevation: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) Glacier Point Elevation: 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) Total Elevation Change: 3,200 feet (975 meters) The hardest hikes in Yosemite Valley are, on average, more difficult that the hardest hikes in other National Parks. Here are 7 Different Ways to Hike Half Dome Without a Permit if you got unlucky in the pre-season permit lottery. But when you put them together, you get a hike that is long, difficult, and remote. Dana’s views are the best in the park, even better than Clouds Rest. , like so many other trails, has a nice name. This vantage permits great views of Half Dome, and the High Sierra. I took a lot of pictures, but not before laying down for a pleasant cat nap. 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