Four Mile Trail

Four Mile Trail is a moderate to strenuous trail leading from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. The trail begins at the valley floor west of the Swinging Bridge recreation area, and climbs the south side 4.6 - 4.8 miles (7.4 - 7.7 km) up to Glacier Point.cite web| url=http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm |title= Four Mile Trail description from the US National Park Service|publisher=NPS |accessdate=2008-08-05] [cite web |url=http://www.thebackcountry.org/topo/fourmile/fourmilemap.jpg|title=Four Mile Trail: a 2003 topo map from thebackcountry.org |accessdate=2008-08-05]

Four Mile Trail was originally constructed in 1872 and was 4 miles in length. In the early 1900's the trail was reconstructed and lengthened to 4.6 miles, yet the original name remained. This trail is remarkable for offering the views of most of the Yosemite Valley landmarks. The first half of the trail past the base of the Sentinel Rock is full of grand views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, as well as the Merced River as it runs through the valley. The second half of the trail provides several good views of Half Dome and up Tenaya Canyon.

The trail becomes dangerous in wintry conditions and is closed December through April, and the upper quarter of the trail (about a mile walk to the Glacier Point) remains extremely hazardous and is usually closed through May. There is no potable water along the trail.

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