Are dogs allowed on Four Mile Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Four Mile Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Four Mile Trail?

No, Four Mile Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Four Mile Trail?

Four Mile Trail is rated difficult. It is 9.6 miles long with 3,199 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Four Mile Trail?

Four Mile Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

1 / 5

DifficultOut and Back

Yosemite National Park/California

Four Mile Trail

Yosemite Valley, California

9.6 mi

Distance

3,199 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 48m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Historic trail climbing from Yosemite Valley floor to Glacier Point, offering spectacular views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the entire valley.

From Wikipedia

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 4.8 miles (7.7 km) up to Glacier Point, an elevation change of 3,200 feet (1,000 m).

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherAltitude sickness riskAfternoon thunderstormsSteep sectionsLimited water

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Mixed Surface

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:209-372-0200
Address:9039 Village Drive · Yosemite, CA · 95389

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

Glacier PointHalf Dome viewsValley panoramaUnion Point

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Four Mile Trail

About This Trail

From Wikipedia

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail to Mist Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Yosemite Point

Yosemite Falls Trail

Nevada Falls

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Other trails in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome

Mirror Lake Loop

Yosemite Falls Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Campgrounds near this trail

Camp 4

Housekeeping Camp

Glacier Point Ski Hut

Curry Village

Upper Pines Campground

Lower Pines Campground

Similar trails in California

Half Dome

Yosemite Falls Trail

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Iron Mountain Trail

Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area