Mount Watkins Hike

The Mount Watkins Trail would be an excellent addition to any adventurer’s Yosemite itinerary. This stunning route briefly wanders through mixed pine forests before opening to the granite bluff, exposing 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada. The granite terrain will make you feel as though you are exploring another planet; however, it can be incredibly slippery after rainfall, so exercise caution. Additionally, much of the path is exposed, so wear protection to beat the effects of the sun. Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional information.

Embark on your adventure along the Mount Watkins Trail from the trailhead off Tioga Pass Road. Setting out from there, the route tracks south. Briefly traveling through sparse forests of mixed pine, the path will open to Yosemite’s high country. There will be a few intersecting routes, but you should ignore these and continue heading south. The trail will undulate before finally culminating at Mount Watkins.

From atop the granite peak, revel in the dramatic panorama of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley. Take your time admiring the unparalleled beauty of the landscape and, when you are ready, head back the way you came to the trailhead.