Four Mile Trail in Yosemite (2025 hiking guide)

The Four Mile Trail is a Yosemite classic but don’t let the name fool you. It’s actually closer to five miles one-way but nevertheless a stunning hike.

This steep, switchback-filled trail climbs over 3,400 feet from the Yosemite Valley floor to Glacier Point, offering nonstop views of iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. 😍

The trail, originally a 4-mile toll route, was built in 1872 by John Conway. Later on, it was rerouted which is why it’s a bit longer in distance.

We first hiked this trail in February 2025 – got as far as Union Point and turned back. A few weeks later, we nearly made it to Glacier Point but had to bail due to unsafe snow conditions.

Even when we tried descending it from Glacier Point (after hiking up the Mist Trail and Panorama Trail), a sketchy snow-covered section sent us right back the way we came.

Finally, on our fourth try, the trail was fully passable, just a day before Glacier Point Road reopened.

A portion of the Four Mile Trail is closed in winter and for good reason. Snow and ice can make this route treacherous if you’re not properly equipped.

But when it’s open and snow-free, it’s an incredibly rewarding challenge. No mountaineering experience required! 😜

You can hike it one-way or roundtrip. If you’re hiking it one-way, be aware that there is no free shuttle service from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. There is a reservable tour bus with limited departure times.

Plan ahead and be prepared! 💯

The Four Mile Trail is a must-hike for epic Yosemite views. Read this hiking guide for everything you need to know before hitting the trail, including route tips, seasonal advice, and how to plan transportation.

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Four Mile Trail in Yosemite: Trail Stats + Map

Four Mile Trail Stats

Four Mile Trail Yosemite Map

Yosemite Entrance Fee and Reservations

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days from May 24 through September 1, 2025:

• May 24 – May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) – A reservation is required from 6 AM to 2 PM on Saturday through Monday.
• May 27 – June 14 – A reservation is NOT required at any time.
• June 15 – August 15 – A reservation is required from 6 AM to 2 PM every day.
• August 16 – August 29 – A reservation is NOT required at any time.
• August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day weekend) – A reservation is required from 6 AM to 2 PM on Saturday through Monday.

You can purchase reservations on recreation.gov.

Four Mile Trailhead and Parking

The Four Mile Trail starts on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, with the Four Mile Trailhead located off Southside Drive between Swinging Bridge and Sentinel Beach.

Look for signs labeled “Four Mile Trail.” It’s also conveniently served by the Valleywide Shuttle – just hop off at stop #11.

Parking is available along Southside Drive near the trailhead, though spots can fill up quickly.

If you’re starting from the top, there’s more parking spots at Glacier Point.

⚠️ Please be aware, if you plan to tackle this trail from Glacier Point as an out-and-back hike, make sure you are prepared for the climb back up to Glacier Point!!

Restrooms aren’t available right at the Valley trailhead, but you’ll find vault toilets just east at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area.

At Glacier Point, vault toilets are available year-round along with drinking water (seasonal).

Best Time to Hike the Four Mile Trail in Yosemite

☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to hike the Four Mile Trail, thanks to the trail being fully open.

However, be prepared! Summer temperatures can soar with no reliable water sources along the trail except at Glacier Point.

If you’re hitting the trail during this season, start early to beat the heat and pack plenty of water.

It’s also a good idea to bring a water filter in case you come across snowmelt-fed streams along the way.

But again, don’t expect to find water sources along the trail – a filter (or other treatment method) is useful in emergencies if you were to run out of water and you happen to come across a small creek or surface water.

🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall is a beautiful time to hike the Four Mile Trail, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months.

Keep in mind, that by late fall, snowfall becomes a possibility, and the trail can close at any time, usually sometime in November.

Always check road and trail conditions before you go!

☃️ Winter (December – February): In winter, the Four Mile Trail is closed. The lower portion of the Four Mile Trail may open later in the season while the other half towards Glacier Point remains closed throughout winter and into spring.

Now, I’m not going to recommend hiking this trail in the winter due to dangerous conditions. However, if you are well equipped and skilled in winter hiking then you do you.

But again, when the Four Mile Trail is closed, it is highly discouraged to hike it.

Some people successfully reach Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail, but it appears many people go off trail due to a dangerous section where the snow is slopped on the trail and a steep drop off is on the other side.

When the lower portion of the trail is open, it leads to an incredible viewpoint (not Union Point but another unnamed viewpoint).

Even when the lower portion is open, make sure you bring microspikes and hiking poles as there may be icy sections.

If you are skilled in winter hiking, you could make it to Union Point but honestly the views aren’t much different than the views from the lower section of the Four Mile Trail (when open).

Generally, the full trail reopens sometime in May and starts to close again by late fall – usually after the first significant snowfall in November or December.

When only partially open, the lower three miles are accessible, but expect icy and slippery conditions during winter and early spring.

With all that being said, be smart and be safe, and always research trail conditions before heading out!

🌷 Spring (March – May): Like I discussed above, the upper portion of the Four Mile Trail is closed throughout much of the spring.

If you want to hike the entire trail in spring, check the current trail conditions to make sure it is fully open.

The trail typically opens around the same time the Glacier Point Road opens which is usually sometime in May.

Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point: Step-by-Step Directions

Four Mile Trail

On this route, we will be starting from Yosemite Valley and climbing all the way up to Glacier Point.

It’s steep, packed with switchbacks, and absolutely overflowing with scenic views!

Take your time, enjoy the views, and take lots of beautiful pictures for memories.

Unnamed Viewpoint

At around 2.8 miles in, you’ll reach a jaw-dropping viewpoint of Half Dome and the east side of Yosemite Valley.

I don’t think it has a name, but trust me, it’s worth a quick stop to soak in the views and rest up.

When the upper section of the trail is closed for winter, this is the turnaround point. You will see a closed gate.

When it isn’t closed, then continue hiking up a few more switchbacks until you reach a junction at the 3.1-mile mark.

Union Point

At the junction, take a right to reach Union Point. It’s only 0.1 miles one-way from the junction to reach the viewpoint.

This is another overlook where you’ll get sweeping views of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Retrace your steps back to the junction and continue straight along the Four Mile Trail towards Glacier Point.

A Few More Switchbacks + Exciting Section of the Trail

Past Union Point, you have about a dozen more switchbacks then the trail will level out (around 4.2-mile mark) giving your legs a much needed break from the intense climb.

One of my favorite sections of this entire trail is when it begins to follow the cliff wall. The trail becomes a bit narrow but still wide enough for two-way traffic.

From here you will get beautiful views of Half Dome, North Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and High Sierra peaks.

Glacier Point

Right before you reach Glacier Point, the trail heads uphill again but nothing near of steep as what you tackled before.

You made it to Glacier Point! 🙌

Time to celebrate with a snack, a breather, and maybe even some well-earned ice cream from the store (if it’s open).

The good news? It’s all downhill from here.

The not-so-good news? Descending can still be tough. Not so much on the lungs, but more so on the knee joints.

Don’t forget hiking poles! You’ll thank me later.

Congrats on conquering the Four Mile Trail! 🥳

More Hiking Routes via Four Mile Trail

Four Mile Trail to Union Point

Don’t feel pressured to hike the entire Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point! Unless your heart desires 3,400+ feet of elevation of gain featuring lots of switchbacks.

Instead, tackle 3.2 miles one-way with about 2,400 feet of elevation. Still a grueling hike but not as intense as hiking the entire trail.

You will still get all the incredible views of Yosemite Valley along with its iconic landmarks without having to climb all the way to Glacier Point.

But if you are able to reach Glacier Point, I highly recommend. 😉

Union Point Trail Stats

Four Mile Trail to Union Point Map

Four Mile Trail (one-way route)

Many people choose to hike the Four Mile Trail one-way as a 4.9-mile point-to-point trek.

Either by climbing up from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point for a challenging ascent or taking the easier downhill route from Glacier Point back to the Valley.

If you want to hike it one-way, just make sure you plan ahead! There’s no free shuttle service between Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point.

If you hike from the Valley floor to Glacier Point, you’ll need someone to pick you up at the top or arrange a ride back down.

If you are planning to hike from Glacier Point to the Valley, one option is to book a spot on the Glacier Point tour bus that departs from Yosemite Valley and stops at Glacier Point.

You can purchase a ticket in advance to ride the bus up and then hike back down.

If you’re looking for a smooth experience, book the bus up and hike down. That way you get a scenic ride and a five-mile scenic downhill hike!

Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point and Panorama Trail + Mist Trail to Valley Floor

Most people do this route in reverse – starting on the Mist Trail, connecting to Panorama Trail to Glacier Point, then going down the Four Mile Trail.

However, some people opt to go up the Four Mile Trail and down the Panorama Trail and Mist Trail.

If you don’t like the idea of going down the Mist Trail which has a ton of steps, you could opt for the John Muir Trail which will be a bit gentler on your knees.

This is a point-to-point hike. Once you reach the Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Trailhead, you can then take the shuttle back to wherever you parked your car.

Four Mile Trail and Panorama Trail + Mist Trail Stats

Four Mile Trail and Panorama Trail + Mist Trail Map

Tips for Hiking Four Mile Trail

1. Download Offline Maps: Following the Four Mile Trail is straight forward and easy to follow. But having offline maps downloaded on your phone (plus a physical map and compass) can give you peace of mind.

2. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

3. Be Prepared: Hiking the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point has a challenging ascent with over 3,400 feet of elevation gain in about 5 miles.

Make sure you are prepared for the challenging ascent, pack plenty of water, and replenish your electrolytes.

4. Check Trail Status: The Four Mile Trail is open seasonally typically from May to November – confirm it’s open before hiking this trail.

5. Bring Plenty of Water (+ Filter) and Electrolytes: This hike isn’t too long but it’s steep with plenty of elevation gain. Make sure you pack plenty of water!

The rule of thumb is about 1 liter per 2 hours of activity (or 1 liter per hour in summer). I recommend at least 2-3 liters per person along with a water filter to refill at Glacier Point.

There are no reliable water sources along the Four Mile Trail. When drinking water is turned on, you can refill at Glacier Point. There is also a store where you can buy drinks when it’s open.

6. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: bear spray is illegal in Yosemite!

7. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

What to Bring

Must-haves for Yosemite

• Entrance Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
• Reservation (depending on time/day)
• A plan/itinerary with a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned
• Knowledge of the Leave No Trace principles
• Patience and kindness

Clothing and Gear

• Layers of clothing:
  • Poncho or raincoat (waterproof top layer)
  • Warm fleece or down jacket
  • Lightweight jacket or long-sleeve shirt (quick drying mid layer)
  • Long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt/tank top (moisture wicking base layer)
    • A long-sleeve sun shirt helps reduce sun exposure and keeps bugs away!
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Hiking backpack
• Trekking poles

Pack the 10 Essentials

1. Navigation – A map, compass, or GPS device to help you stay on course and find your way in unfamiliar terrain.
2. Water – Sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
3. Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
4. First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
5. Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
6. Insulation – Extra layers of clothing (such as a down jacket or fleece) to stay warm in changing weather conditions.
7. Rain Gear and Emergency Shelter – A rain jacket or poncho and an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
8. Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency.
9. Multi-tool or Knife – A versatile tool or knife to handle any tasks, from preparing food to making repairs.
10. Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

Conclusion

The Four Mile Trail is a Yosemite favorite for good reason.

Though it’s closer to five miles one-way, the nonstop views of Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, and the High Sierra peaks make every step worth it.

Whether you hike it roundtrip or one-way, plan ahead and be prepared!

If this guide inspires you to hike the Four Mile Trail in Yosemite, I’d love to hear about your adventure.

Leave a comment and share your experience!

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