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Yosemite Mist to 4-Mile Trail

Yosemite Mist Trail, Panorama Trail, Glacier Point, and 4-Mile Trail

Trip Highlights:

Yosemite Valley

Mist Trail

El Capitan

Half Dome

Glacier Point

4-Mile Trail

The Yosemite Mist Trail hike offers beautiful scenery of Yosemite’s astonishing landmarks from start to finish. Walking beside towering waterfalls, viewing the Valley from the Yosemite Panorama Trail and Glacier Point, and an awesome descent and return to the Valley from the historic 4-mile trail offering incredible views of El Capitan. This strenuous day trip offers a TOTAL Yosemite experience for the visitor who is in good shape. The Yosemite Mist to 4 Mile Trail hike is an iconic adventure not to be missed! All tours are private.

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.

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Availability:

May 15 – November 30

Duration:

10-12 Hours

Mileage & Difficulty:

14-16 Miles

Cost:

1-2 People: $700
3-4 People: $800
5+ People: $200-/Person

All Tours Are Private

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Meeting Location: Curry Village Tour Kiosk at 4,035′
High Point: Glacier Point: 7,214′
Elevation Gain & Loss: 3,179′

This hike begins at 7 am when we meet in Curry Village at the Tour Kiosk. Curry Village offers a wondrous view of the world famous Half-Dome, which will be viewed from a variety of different perspectives throughout this trek. We will head east and begin our actual hike on the John Muir Trail at Happy Isles. From here, it is a strenuous, uphill charge upon a paved trail for the first mile, and an even more strenuous following half mile tracing the Merced River up a misty, granite-laid staircase to the top of the 317′ tall Vernal Fall. Amazing photographic opportunities are all around. The next ¾ of a mile or so takes you up another stone stairway to the top of our next scenic stop, the 594′ waterfall, Nevada Fall. After enjoying a relaxing and breathe-taking pit stop here, the hike continues a half mile along flat terrain until we reach the last serious uphill charge of the day, a mile-long switchback gaining 700 vertical feet to the Panorama Trail junction. The subsequent scenic 2.5 miles is mostly level, with a few ups and downs, traversing the southern rim of Illilouette Gorge, to the top of our third and final waterfall of the day, Illilouette Falls. This is a great destination to stop for lunch.

From this checkpoint, the hike continues on uphill switchbacks for 1.5 miles to the peak of Glacier Point at 7,214′, where incredible views of Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Yosemite’s most famous, 2,425′ waterfall series, Yosemite Falls are offered. Reward yourself with an ice cream in the Gift Shop as you celebrate your 3,179 feet of elevation gain. Glacier Point has a unique historical background detrimental to the establishment and evolution of Yosemite National Park, which will be discussed and pointed out while here.

To end the day we will descend 4.7 miles from Glacier Point to the base of Sentinel Rock, dropping back nearly 3,200 vertical feet back into Yosemite Valley offering incredible views of El Capitan -the largest granite monolith in the world and a mecca for rock climbers. Now, most likely exhausted after a long 14 or so mile day, we will have the option to take a bus back to Curry Village or hike the additional 2-miles to complete our loop.

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

May 15 – November 30
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#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
@481shaunc
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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
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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
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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.
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