I hiked this trail from Curry to Glacier Point about 42 years ago. It was crazy. It was officially closed back then and there was no one except us on the trail. When you look at the trail from the Valley floor, it looks like 80% of it is up and to the right and the switch back is relatively short. Not true. The switchback which was cut by crews during the depression looks to be 20% of the hike, when in fact it is more like 50% of the hike. Did it in the spring, so there were lots of small waterfalls to cross, but nothing a decent pair of hiking boots could deal with. Glad to hear it is open now, I will tell this story to my Grandsons and they will probably want to hike it. read more

Terrifying. Not only did I feel like I was going to tumble off the mountain during several switchbacks, I also got so scared that I thought I was going to have a number of accidents along the way. I am scared of heights and took the advice that this was "moderate" and it's SO FAR from moderate. We took the shuttle/bus up and were recommended to walk down - big mistake. Glad I survived because I was too afraid to cry, one tear would've launched me off the side of the mountain. Also, bring water. Also, there are no rails whatsoever - go pee and poop before you start... And good luck to all. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. read more

Pretty much a three hour long stairmaster session from start to finish. One of those hikes where you hate yourself for deciding to go hiking because you're tired, your legs hurt and you're having trouble breathing.. ..BUT WAIT! You take a look at the view from where you're standing and it's GORGEOUS. AMAZING. BEAUTIFUL and UNREAL. It makes up for the fact that you can't feel your legs and you're sweating out of control. When you get to Glacier Point you're one of the few nasty and smelly people there because everyone else hitched a ride to the top to take pictures and eat ice cream. But hiking up DEFINITELY allows you to appreciate the view that much more. Because you worked for it! The view is all yours. We took the Panorama trail back down..which is approximately another 6 hours of hiking. Again, the views are crazy gorgeous and beautiful. The hike down is pretty neat- you get to see waterfalls, cross bridges, and hike down lots of steep rock stairs. I love it because there's so much variety to this trail and there's so much to see! The scenes don't look real..and pictures don't do it justice. You gotta be there for yourself to embrace the goodness that is Yosemite. Tips: Be sure to bring LOTS of water. LOTS. There is a place to refill your water once you get to Glacier Point but you lose so much water from sweat that it's super important to stay hydrated. Bring snacks. Hike early. Rocks can get slippery so beware. Take your time. Enjoy the views. Come back often. A rough and vigorous trail (Four Mile Trail + Panaroma) but completely do-able if you just take your time and take short breaks throughout your hike to re-energize. GREAT trail, AWESOME workout and AMAZING views throughout the entire hike. Definitely 5 star worthy! read more

This is a review for a round-trip hike from the valley floor to Glacier Point and back, during mid-spring. We heard from a very experienced trekker that this was the best hike in Yosemite, so we gave it a try despite the fact that it's the steepest trail. And let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing the entire way and is not to be missed. The views are ridiculous the entire time, there is not a boring part of this hike. Don't let the incline scare you off, I am somewhat of a beginner who doesn't work out and I made it up just fine (with plenty of water breaks) and in decent time. Logistics and tips! -Our group went at an average pace with lots of short breaks and this trail took us 3 hours to go up, and 2 hours to go down. -Despite how hot you feel going up due to the physical activity, it is FREEZING near and at the top. Pack gloves and plenty of layers! We didn't have gloves or anything more than thin long sleeves at the top and it was so cold (in the beginning of May) that we couldn't stay for very long at all up there. Maybe even consider hand warmers, they are very small and will make your lunch at the top more comfortable. -Pack lots of water and some food/lunch, this is a long and somewhat strenuous hike. For three people we fared well with 8 bottles of water, a small bag of trail mix, a few Clif bars and two sandwiches each. Hydration will help your stamina and also help you not feel sore as balls after climbing a steep hill for three hours. -Having really good hiking boots will make your trip down 100x easier. I got down 30 minutes faster than my sneaker-wearing friends and found the descent to be an enjoyable, "easy" way to bring my heart rate down at the end of the hike. This would definitely also be fun for experienced hikers, though its not extremely difficult. It kicked my ass, but if I can do it , so can you. No idea why this one isn't more popular, but I hope it stays that way. read more

My husband and I did this hike for uphill only. Great hike up, definitely a incline all the way! You will get a great workout! Carry small snacks and water for the entire hike. Wear light weighted shoes, the last mile is the hardest. Very reward with the views from Glacier point! We do wish there were mile markers to help us be aware of how far we were at different points! Over all rugged trail but a great one! Be ready to climb. read more

From Glacier Point, I took the four mile trail back to the valley floor. It is actually 4.7 miles. It is all switchbacks and almost all downhill. However, it was still difficult because my legs felt like jelly already from going up the Mist Trail and Panorama Trail. From certain aspects, it is more difficult going down on a hike because you have to brace yourself from going down the mountain too fast. There are steep drops that you will see so you absolutely do not want to slip. The trail is closed in parts of the year (e.g. winter) when it is too slippery. I would definitely not go down it if it is raining or just rained. Nevertheless, it is not very dangerous in good weather. Like the rest of my hike, there are incredible views as you walk down. Especially after you have done a lot of hiking already, the journey to the bottom can seem endless. After 90 minutes of descending, I ran into a family with young kids also on the way down. The father asked me how I was doing. I pointed down. He acknowledged my gesture and said "I know. Unbelievable [view]" While I totally agreed with his statement, I told him I actually meant to suggest how crazy it is that we are still not even close to the bottom. Of course, you eventually make it and get the ultimate feeling of satisfaction of completion. If you are visiting Yosemite and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found via my Yelp profile. read more

This hike is for those who want your calves, quads, and butt on fire the next day. I started at 12pm and was surprised by how much shade we had on the trail. I have to say, it was a tough hike. Lots of switchbacks and you're going up constantly. It was a very warm day so my boyfriend and I brought a gallon of water and it was perfect for the round trip. For moderately fit people in our 20s, It took us 2.75 hours to reach Glacier Point going at a slow and steady pace. Along the trail was beautiful. You get multiple glances of Yosemite falls, half dome, and reverse tunnel view. I enjoyed the last mile before reaching glacier point, the view was absolutely amazing and the trail was relatively flat lol. Going down was not the business. Someone with bad knees will have to take it slow. By 4pm the sun was hitting down the trail so if you plan on hiking this up around this time, be prepared for the heat. If I were to do this hike again, I'd bring a long more friends and have them drive up to glacier point and pick me up! read more

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This was a great hike. I did it on 11/09/15 and it snowed almost the entire time, which, being from Southern California, I thought was awesome. The trail is closer to 5 miles than 4 and you'll really feel it the following day unless you're a triathlete. It's not impossible, but the change in elevation does wear on you so bring plenty of water and a snack. Also dress for the weather / season you're in. The temperature can change quickly. The trail is hard to see in the snow so walk carefully. As I said I loved hiking in the snow but I did lose the ability to see some of the scenic views due to the weather. So if the views are a must for you be sure to go on a clear day. Oh, and protect your phone if you take it. On the top at Glacier Point you actually get a very strong cell signal. I decided to call my wife to tell her I was on top of a mountain. She thought that was cool but the amount of snow that fell on and into my phone did damage it. That's on me though. All in all with the snow and taking my time the whole hike took me about 6 hours. It may take you less but count on at least that so you have time to enjoy the trail. I've been on easier hikes but this was one of the most fun hikes I've been on anywhere. Also you burn so many calories you can eat all the desert you want at dinner that night. read more

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This was our favorite hike in Yosemite, although it was definitely the toughest one we've ever done. It's our new "10" on a scale of 1-10!! Round trip it is 9.6 miles and I burnt 2500 calories, so it's no joke. It took us 3 hours up and about 2 hours back down, so 5 hours total. The trail is basically 4 miles of strenuous switchbacks and you will be breathing very hard. However, the view at Glacier Point is totally worth it, as you'll be enjoying your lunch while staring eye-level at Half Dome. You can also see Vernal and Nevada Falls, but you are much higher than them so they don't seem as impressive as they are up close. read more

Shuttle stop #7 and about 1/2 mile walk to four-mile trail head, at the foot of Sentinel Dome. Its a great moderate to strenuous hike (actually 9.4 miles round trip) Views of Yosemite Falls, Sentinel, El Cap, and Yosemite Valley the entire time until you reach the top at Glacier Point. LOTS of switchbacks meaning about 85-90%. Your knees will hate you for it but once you get to the top at Glacier Point you'll forget all about it until you have to head back down again. There is shuttle service back down from Glacier Point but you have to buy the ticket ahead of time and not offered all year long. I say challenge yourself and do the full round trip. My toes and ankles still hate me for it but I can say I did it. Glacier Point is a must at Yosemite Valley. I've never hiked to it but definitely worth it. Views are priceless. Last time I was at Yose I did the Clouds Rest and it was awesome to see it behind Half Dome. I believe I have now seen Half Dome 360 degrees. Spent about an hour taking in the views of Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, North Dome, Basket Dome, Polly Dome and Tenaya Canyon, along with all the peaks left and right of Half Dome, . 6-8 hours depending on how fast and how much time you want to spend on Glacier Point. read more

First off, I'm going to rate this as 4 stars. For one reason and one reason only. Once you hike to the top, sweaty, dirty and tired to bask in the wonderful views of Yosemite Valley, you are immediately greeted by all the less physically driven who took their cars, or the bus up to Glacier Point. Once you get their you are greeted by loud crowds, children running rampant, and the "hip" crowd, on vacation, walking around in their Ed Hardy T shirts and Armani shades, taking pictures with their 100 dollar point and shoots. However, I find that it is much more gratifying to make the entire hike. The first half mile of this journey is relatively mild. A paved path with subtle switchbacks and shaded hillside, after that you enter the Yosemite wilderness. I know this, because the sign on the side of the trail tells you so. After crossing a stream the trail ascends somewhat steeply until it narrows and the real switchbacks begin. This is where the fun starts. The trail climbs steadily on the edge of the mountain and the view of the valley towards the west entrance opens up. As you climb higher and higher you may start to understand why people BASE jump. If you can manage to stop sucking wind like the fat kid in gym class, the pictures you snap will be a conversation starter in any situation. Half way up the trail wraps around a ledge and Half Dome comes into view. From this point where the trail bends you can see the other end of the valley and is a great spot for a group picture. Just beyond that you will encounter a steeper ascent. The trail becomes narrow and clings to a ridge. If you are afraid of heights, don't look to your left, just keep walking. 2/3 the way up as you come around a bend, you will realize what you've come all this way for. A 100 yard stretch of trail on the edge of the mountain offers a stunning view of the Royal Arches, North Dome and the full view of Yosemite Falls. From this vantage point you are staring across the valley at these wonders of nature and are actually higher than the top of Yosemite Falls. A great place to stop for a few pictures and a drink of water, however, may become sketchy during a windy day. Higher up the trail it breaks into a gently sloping redwood forest until you reach Glacier Point. A word to the wise, Refill your water at the drinking fountains here. The descent is much less of a workout even in the afternoon sun. Beware of a few steep spots on trail that are covered in a fine "sand". You're footing will be a bit slippery in these areas. However, it is a genius idea to stay on the trail, DO NOT take shortcuts. Some friends of ours decided to make a shortcut on the way down and ended up getting lost an hour and a half, had to climb up a 60 foot cliff and one had been given the not so awesome gift of poison oak. There are areas of the hike with 60, 100 and upwards of 500 foot drop offs. Its a quick way down, but you won't be able to enjoy a nice soak in the Merced River afterwards. Nor will S&R think its so cool, when they have to pluck you off the cliff. All in all, the hike is a good work out. I wouldn't call it extremely difficult or terribly strenuous. If anything, the 3,200 ft elevation change is the X factor on this hike, not the distance. Sure, you could drive your car, or take the bus to the top to get the view from Glacier Point. Or, you could do it the more gratifying way, the real way. Hike it. read more

This was one of the tougher hikes I've done. Definitely a bit of a challenge. Not a walk in the park. It's about 4.6 miles from the Yosemite Valley floor to Glacier Point overlook, where you get a nice view of the entire valley, and 4.6 miles back down on the same trail. Nearly 10 miles total. But on the way up, you get multiple breathtaking, postcard views of the valley facing towards both El Capitan (kind of like a reverse Tunnel view), and the Half Dome side. The word epic is overused, but these views are nothing but epic. There's a reason the original explorers got all emotional and teary eyed when they first saw the valley, in all its epicness. Going up the trail is like walking up a very steep hill for almost 5 miles straight. Most of it is a big never ending zig zag up the side of the mountain. And when you reach your goal, Glacier Point, you see a bunch of out-of-shape tourists and toddlers already at the top! If you don't feel like making the grueling hike, apparently you can just drive or take a shuttle to the top! Usually after a good hike, I feel like you get a spectacular view or get taken to an isolated special destination, as a reward of sorts. But if they're just handing these rewards to everyone and their mothers, if feel it takes away a hike. Am I being a jerk? I don't care. And to top it off, you probably get some of these fakers shuttling it to the top and hiking down the trail, to say they did it. Anyways, coming back down was not nearly as fun because you get the same views and felt like it took forever. Get a hiking stick. Going down is tough on the knees, yo. Oh yeah, I got lucky, and parked at the trailhead. Started hiking up around 9am, got to the top around noonish. Headed back down around 1ish, and reached the valley around 3:30, just to give you an idea how long the hike is. Plan ahead. read more

Awesome hike to do if you are able. Lets get this out of the way. The hike is not 4 miles it is more like 5 one way and so with excursions and getting to your car etc. your day is going to be more like 12 miles. I have been on longer hikes and been on steeper ones but this one is pretty unrelenting for nearly 5 miles. Many people ask, is it doable for the average person and I would say yes. If you are fairly active that is. By no means am I in great condition. I am overweight and 56 years old and made it fine. You will want to take plenty of water and snacks for the day but you will be ok if you take your time and don't rush up. I see lots of folks rush up but really it is best done while taking breaks and taking in all the scenery. I very much took my time and it took me about 3 hours to get up to the top. I spent about an hour eating lunch and enjoying the views at the top and headed down. The good thing about this hike is that there is a store at the top and you can buy drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. There is also a bathroom which you will need for sure. All and all a wonderful but tiring experience. Certainly recommend this hike. read more

The views were spectacular! I would definitely say the views are just as breathtaking (or even more) than the Half Dome hike. It just gives you many different aspects of Yosemite. I hiked this trail with 2 girl friends, I was the most experienced hiker of the group and the other two were novice/amateur hikers. We started the trail at 5:20 pm and ended at Glacier Point around 8:00 pm! It took us less than 3 hours to hike one way, and the timing was also great because not only did we catch the sunset but most people were leaving the area by then. We met up with the rest of our group who came from the valley up to Glacier Point by car to stargaze after, and then hitched a ride with them back down to the valley when we were done. For me I would rate this hike a 7 out of 10 in terms of how hard it was to hike it, the incline was almost the same throughout the whole hike, but the incline was never ending so you don't get a "break" until the very end. I wouldn't say the trail was steep at all, it was more of a moderate incline for me. I feel that anyone can do this hike as long as you stay at a steady pace and take short but efficient breaks. I did Half Dome just two days before doing this hike and I was okay! Bring snacks and at least 1.5L of water. This hike is a must do when going to Yosemite! read more

Wow!! We hiked from the valley floor up to Glacier Point and then continued up to the top of Sentinel Dome. It's really 4.8 miles up to Glacier Point, where unfortunately, you will find lots of tourists. Once you've made it all this way, you should definitely trek another approximate 1.5 miles up to Sentinel where you will have a 360 degree view of the whole valley. Seems a shame just to stop at Glacier point!! Switchbacks all the way to Glacier Point, but the climb to Sentinel is more straight up...kind of a killer, but once you made it, it feels great! Views are not to be rivaled, and when in Yosemite, you see mother nature at her very finest. We took the shuttle back down, as the descent on this trail would not be very friendly on the toes or knees. This hike was my very favorite part of the visit, and not too busy when we went. read more

A buddy and I had only a day off from work and came down to Yosemite for the day. We hadn't planned on doing any hiking, but when we stopped to take some photos we saw the sign for Four Mile Trail and decided to hike it. What a blast!!! I want to go back and do it again, especially since we weren't able to make it all the way to Glacier Point due to snow. The hike was a little challenging, especially since we didn't have any food or water, but the views were spectacular. And, if you can believe it, it is paved all the way with asphalt. If you're in OK shape it's well worth the effort and much more rewarding than driving up. There is a sign near the base that gives a brief history of the trail and explains how the trail was originally 4 miles but was modified to reduce some of the steeper parts and is now 4.7 miles. I can't wait to come back and do it again, as well as some of the other trails like upper falls and half dome. read more

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