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 4426ft 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.