Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail
Mariposa County, California
Details
Distance
9.59 miles
Elevation Gain
3200 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Joel Bear
This hike to Glacier Point allows you to catch a sunrise or sunset on Half Dome in Yosemite. You can shorten the hike to a 1 mile roundtrip adventure by starting at the Glacier Point Trailhead, especially if you want to stop to stargaze.
Glacier Point is one of the highlights of Yosemite. The point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road. This viewpoint allows you to survey the entire Yosemite Valley and gives the viewer a captivating sight of Half Dome. It's a little bit of a tourist trap (especially during the summer season), but worth it.
If you're up for hiking to the point at night, the stars are another amazing feature. During a clear night, you can see the complete Milky Way in all it's beauty. If you're doing the night hike, you may want to consider the 1-mile roundtrip hike from the Glacier Point Trailhead.
If you're feeling more adventurous, you can hike up Four Mile Trail from the valley. The trail takes you away from the tourism and gives you more exposure to the natural beauty of Yosemite. This hike is actually closer to 5 miles one way, 9.7 miles roundtrip. It's a little more intense, but definitely worth it.
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Reviews
As long as you're on you're in Yosemite, take a few nights to acclimate, then some early Tuesday morning or so to begin the Four Mile Trail around 7:00. Bring water, snacks, a camera, and a sense of wonder as you ascend along the walls to get to Glacier Point. Once there, treat yourself and someone else to lunch. Take an hour so to chill before embarking on the Panorama Trail. Accept any one you see on the trail as a welcome visitor ( as you are one too). You will see people. Take the John Muir Trail down. Remember: leave only footprints; take only photographs. Enjoy the wonder-fall into the mystic! Be thrilled! By the time you get to Happy Isles, you'll have traversed three falls, drank plenty of water, and countless memories. Take the shuttle back to Yosemite Village- walk across the valley floor with a flashlight and use it to find the car at the Four Mile Trail trailhead. Share your story!
5.0
but which type of snack and what brand of water!!?
5.0
We hiked early morning! It has the best view of El Capitan, dime and Yosemite! It feels very long but worth it!
5.0
This is an epic hike, and I highly recommend it. It gives an incredible view of the valley and gives you a chance to leave the hordes of people in the valley. I STRONGLY encourage setting out for this hike as early as possible for a great sunrise. Or choose to leave later in the afternoon and hang out for a sunset. Either way you can't go wrong.
5.0
Did this hike from the top of glacier point down to the Merced River. The hike itself was pretty rough especially if you're not used to downhill hikes--or anything downhill. After the hike, we dipped our feet into the river and look up Glacier Point to see how much we achieved in the last few hours. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE.
5.0
What more can be said really? This bike gives you some of the best views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls, and it's incredibly rewarding when you finally catch the first glimpse of Half Dome! Just be prepared, it's a steady climb non stop the entire 4.7 miles up. If you're not used to hiking out West, then get an early start and take your time. When you finally summit I guarantee you won't regret it!
5.0
As a current resident in Yosemite National Park, the Four Mile Trail has become my absolute favorite trail to hike. It is easily the most rewarding hike all throughout the trail. Magnificent views of the Valley, El Capitan, the Merced River, Yosemite Falls, the Cathedral Rocks, and Sentinel Rock may be seen from incredible angles during the first few miles of the trail. When you finally come around the bend and see Half Dome for the first time, you are almost content enough to turn around right then and there. But don't stop! The views of Half Dome with Vernal and Nevada Falls beneath it are mind blowing...
5.0
We started the Four Mile Rrail (the name is deceiving because its really 4.8) pretty early in the morning, probably around 8am, summited by noon and enjoyed a nice lunch up on Glacier Point. Climb down the rocks a little to escape the crowds. We had so much of the day left at that point that we decided to take Panorama Trail down the mountain. Ended up being about a 14 mile round trip and was probably the most beautiful hike of my life. Offers some of the best views of the valley from many different perspectives. You'll also hit Illilouette Falls, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls on the way down. TREAT YO'SELF you will not regret it.
5.0
Start in the valley, and combine the 4-mile trail with the Panorama Trail (which starts at Glacier Point) for a 15 mile hike that I'd consider to be the best day hike in the valley!
Backpacking to Glacier point in late fall or winter ensures utter solitude and an amazing sunrise view!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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