The rewards of the hike: stellar views.
The Sentinel monolith towers above the trailhead.
The beginning of the Four Mile Trail is one of only a handful of welcomed flat stretches on this 3,200-foot climb to Glacier Point.
Fall colors along the Four Mile Trail.
The trail climbs the southern wall of Yosemite Valley, gaining the south rim, and provides spectacular views along the way.
Hiking the Four Mile Trail.
Some prefer hitching a ride up to the valley rim (guided horse tours available).
Hiking the Four Mile Trail below The Sentinel.
Westward views towards Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan.
An early view of Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome.
The Four Mile Trail.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite with fewer visitors in the valley but also means less water flowing off the falls. Looking across the valley at Upper Yosemite Falls at low flow.
The Four Mile Trail.
Lying primarily on north facing aspects, the upper sections can sometimes hold early season snow.
The historic viewpoint of Glacier Point (upper right) as seen from the Four Mile Trail.
Old growth red fir (Abies magnifica) along the upper stretch of the Four Mile Trail near Glacier Point.
Glacier Point.
Half Dome standing watch over Tenaya Canyon and Mirror Lake.
Not bad for a lunch spot.
Geology Hut at Glacier Point.
The Ahwahnee hotel from Glacier Point.
The Giant Staircase, with Nevada Falls followed by Vernal Falls below, as seen from Glacier Point.
The Glacier Point Hut is open in summer to visitors for food and refreshments. It's also open in winter as a ski-in ski hut accommodation accessible from the Badger Pass Ski Area.
Switchbacks along the Four Mile Trail.
Another stunning view of Yosemite Valley and the Merced River.
Four Mile Trail.