Yosemite National Park: Four Mile Trail

Happy Birthday National Park Service! I am so thrilled to be one of several hundred million who enjoy the natural wonders of the park. Keep on preserving the natural splendor, educating the public, and engaging in thoughtful discussion. Cheers to many more years!

When Four Mile trail was first built, it was indeed 4.0 miles. After a couple decades, the trail was adjusted and is now slightly longer at 4.8 miles one-way. The climb from the valley floor to Glacier Point offers expansive views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome as the trail continues to ascend. This trail can also be completed in reverse from Glacier Point to the valley floor.

The trail begins in a woodsy area with the switchbacks starting almost immediately. Much of the joy in this trail comes from seeing the vantage point change while ascending up towards the peak. From seeing Yosemite Falls from the floor, being at eye level with Lower Yosemite Falls, continuing up and being eye level with Upper Yosemite Falls, and then being above Yosemite Falls. This advantage helps gauge the elevation gained and are also great places to rest a bit before continuing on. Parts of the trail did have trees to scramble over and rocks to climb over, but nothing too difficult, though some of the trail does get close to a cliff.

Some of the trail leading to and past Union Point had snow, so we trekked carefully. At one point, the snow cover completely covered the trail, making it difficult to advance forward. Though we did not make it to Glacier Point, we stopped in to take the views and the proud accomplishment that we hiked to nearly the top of the mountains framing Yosemite Valley. The snow-capped mountains are some of my favorite things to see while hiking and this trail did not disappoint!

The descent down the rugged terrain was hard on my knees, though the views of the clouds slowly forming a singular mass complemented the peaceful respite.

(hike completed in March 2016)