2022 Traveler’s Choice on Trip Advisor – Over 1,200 5 Star Client Reviews!

Menu

4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point Day Hike

4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point Day Hike

Trip Highlights:

Glacier Point

Half Dome Views

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley Views

The 4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point day hike is a perfect option for visitors looking to challenge their fitness while experiencing some of the best views in Yosemite Valley. The tour begins at the iconic Yosemite Lodge, where guests and guides meet before strolling through the meadows and across the Merced River via the “Swinging Bridge” until we reach the base of the 4-Mile Trail. Here begins the day’s greatest challenge—the 3,200-vertical-foot ascent to Glacier Point! 4-Mile Trail (now 4.7 miles due to rock slides and changes over the years) is one of Yosemite’s earliest pioneer trails, and its view of El Capitan—the largest granite monolith in the world—only improves as you climb higher! Upon reaching Glacier Point, your guide will lead you through a comprehensive tour, pointing out awe-inspiring features including Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and more. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, we’ll hike back down the 4-Mile Trail, enjoy a short, level stroll across the valley, and return to the Yosemite Lodge to end the tour.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared to experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present issues, the tour/hike will be modified accordingly with the guide upon meeting and/or as needed, throughout your day of adventure. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

Book Now

Availability:

June-October

Duration:

6-8 hours

Mileage & Difficulty:

10 Miles

Cost:

1-2 People: $600
3-4 People: $700
5+ People: $150-/Person

All Tours Are Private

Book Now

Meeting Location: Yosemite Valley Lodge at 4,035′
High Point: Glacier Point: 7,214′
Elevation Gain/Loss: +3,179′, -3,179

The Glacier Point hike begins when you meet your guide at the Yosemite Lodge (across from Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley) at 8 am. After a quick meet and greet,  the tour gets underway with an easy stroll across Yosemite Valley,  through the meadows and over the “Swinging Bridge” (it doesn’t actually swing, but it’s still really cool) with a surreal view of the valley walls all around. Reaching the south side of the valley, you’ll find the 4-Mile Trail and begin your greatest challenge of the day. The 4-Mile Trail—which is actually 4.7-miles long due to rock slides and changes over the years—is is one of the early pioneer trails built within the park, and while it’s known for being strenuous, it’s also world-famous for its breathtaking views. Go at your own pace, stop to rest along the way and take ample time to admire the stunning surroundings as you climb into the sky.

Upon reaching Glacier Point, your mind will be blown away by one of the most comprehensive viewpoints in Yosemite, with incredible views of Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Falls, Cloud’s Rest and much more! This is where your guides’ knowledge will shine as they unveil lesser known facts and history about everything you see. After some lunch and a tour atop Glacier Point, descend back down the 4-Mile Trail switchbacks into Yosemite Valley. Don’t forget to stop for some pictures at Union Point on the way!

We will end our day with a level hike along the Merced and back over “Swinging Bridge” before returning to the Yosemite Lodge. As time permits- we will cross the road from the Yosemite Lodge and tour the base of Yosemite Falls.

Notes:

  • All tours are private.
  • Guide(s) carry first aid kits, water purification methods, toilet paper (for emergencies), suntan lotion and bug repellent. Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, water bottles, etc.
  • Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.

Join Us For A Guided Tour

Availability

June-October
Book Now

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
@481shaunc
Read More
I did a private one-on-one hike with a guide to Half Dome. This was such an amazing experience! The guide was very knowledgeable regarding Yosemite, and I realized I wouldn't have completed it without the help of the guide. His expertise and calmness during the cables really enabled me to push through and complete this amazing hike!”
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@farhanakazi67
Read More
We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), for all of us was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all have such an amazing yet challenging experience, it was really worthy! Thank you so much to our guides Nicole and Jack for your cheers, your spirit, your cooking, your yoga time, your knowledge and for doing this family trip so great! We really enjoy it!!
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@Lynsey F
Read More
I booked a guided hike for Clouds Rest as I was unsuccessful in my ballot for Half Dome. My friend was unable to make it so I decided to book a guided hike for myself. From beginning to end, Lasting Adventures was great. They replied to me quickly, and my guide was excellent! He offered me hiking poles in case I hadn't taken any and had plenty other essentials on hand.
Previous
Next

Similar Trips

best-yosemite-day-hikes-fall
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point from Glacier Point
yosemite-backpacking-glacier-point-to-half-dome
Glacier Point Down the Panorama and Mist Trails
View from our Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls Hike
Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls Day Hike
Participants enjoying Snowshoeing in Yosemite
Badger Pass To Dewey Point Snowshoe
Snow covered mountain views on a Yosemite Winter hike
Yosemite Valley Winter Tour
Views from our Yosemite snowshoe tour of the Giant Sequoias
Giant Sequoia Grove Hike/Snowshoe