Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
7.5-10.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
21.6 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,349 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Hiking the Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail is a demanding experience in Yosemite National Park. Start from the Yosemite Canyon Floor, summit the southern rim, then climb back down into the canyon. Passing several famous lookout points and waterfalls along the way, there is no shortage of scenery to keep you motivated.

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Route Description for Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail

The Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail is an epic one-way adventure from the Yosemite Valley floor up to the top of the southern rim. Put your stamina to the test as you navigate 1,349 m of elevation along this trek. Reserved for intrepid spirits and experienced hikers, proper preparation and equipment is necessary. Additionally, don’t forget to leave a car at the Mist Trailhead or arrange for pickup—the last thing you will want to be doing after this exhausting hike is figuring out transportation! The National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional information.

Setting out from the Four Mile Trailhead, the Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail will begin to climb almost immediately. Navigate several sets of switchbacks up to Union Point, where you can take a break to revel in the epic views of Yosemite Falls. Continue up the trail and mind your footing on the steep and rocky terrain. Here, you will maneuver yet another set of switchbacks to eventually reach Glacier Point, a famous overlook of Yosemite Valley and the Sierra Nevada Peaks. Enjoy views of the Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Yosemite Falls, and Tenaya Canyon. At this point, hook onto the Panorama Trail and head down to Illilouette Fall.

Follow the Panorama Trail to the route’s end, where you will merge onto the rightmost John Muir Trail. Hike this path down and over Nevada Falls, diverting left onto the Mist Trail. From here, wander the Mist Trail west down Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls all the way to the Mist Trailhead, which marks the end of your adventure.

Getting to the Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail Trailhead

The Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail departs from the Four Mile Trailhead off Southside Drive.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Backcountry Camping, Wilderness Permit Required.

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    One Way

Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail Elevation Graph

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