Four Mile Trail
A sustained climb from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point with expanding views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome.
Route overview
Four Mile Trail in Sierra Nevada.
Four Mile Trail climbs steeply from the valley floor along a historic toll-trail alignment. Switchbacks gain nearly one vertical kilometre before reaching Glacier Point. The route is strenuous in either direction, has long sun-exposed sections and may close seasonally when snow and ice make the upper trail unsafe.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Sierra Nevada
- Distance
- 15.5 km return; 7.7 km one way
- Typical duration
- 6–8 hours return; 3–4 hours one way
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn when the full trail is open and free of snow and ice
- Trail type
- Out and back or one way with independently confirmed transport
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance pass; no hiking permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Heat, dehydration, steep drop-offs, seasonal closure, snow and ice, fatigue and unreliable return transport
Highlights
Yosemite National Park, Four Mile Trail, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls views, strenuous hike
Why find a buddy
A partner is strongly useful for pacing, heat monitoring, turnaround decisions and transport coordination.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.