This trail leads four and a half miles from the Yosemite Valley floor to Glacier Point overlook. Views of the surrounding terrain are abundant.

The trail to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley begins at the Four Mile Trailhead. This trail is nearly five miles long and climbs the southern Yosemite Valley wall to Glacier Point Road. Views of Yosemite Valleys northern rim abound along the trail. Portions of this trail are exposed and will be very hot during a summer afternoon, so plan your ascent in the early morning.

From the trailhead walk southeastward on a paved trail away from Southside Drive. The first mile and a half are relatively level as you parallel Sentinel Creek. Shortly the switchbacks begin as the trail crosses a small drainage and traverses the southern wall of Yosemite Valley.

The switchbacks continue for two miles before the trail reaches the canyon rim. The trail is rocky and many portions of the switchbacks are exposed so caution and water are necessary. At mile four from the trailhead the switchbacks end. From this point it is an easy ascent to the Glacier Point overlook. There is a food concessionaire and ranger station at the end of Four Mile Trail. The views of the valley are worth the effort to reach the point by foot.

Directions: From Arch Rock Entrance, Follow Highway 140 into the park and bear right on Southside Drive. Park your car in the allocated spots near mile marker 18.

Elevation: 4,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 7,214 feet

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Strenuous

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