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4 mile trail

PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 1:27 pm
by Lorenky
Hello. We are keeping fingers crossed for our planned trip to Yosemite second week of September and assuming it will be okay for now. We want to hike the 4 mile trail down from Glacier Point. My fear of heights sometimes gets triggered by exposure on hikes, though I’m a lot better than I used to be. I’m usually okay if the path is fairly wide with stable footing. I assume there is exposure on this hike but can anyone describe the exposure? Also, considering hiking down from Glacier point to the gate and Union Point, and then back up rather than all the way down to the Valley floor, does anyone know the elevation gain on this section? From what I’ve read it captures most of the big views. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Re: 4 mile trail

PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:38 pm
by Phil
GP to the Valley, about 3400 ft of elevation change.

it has it slightly sketchier parts, but it's not bad unless you're extremely acrophobic. The height and exposure is possibly only going to be a factor if look out and take where you are as part of the whole of the vista. If that happens, look at your feet and what's right in front of them. You're not going to fall off, and while it's not a highway, it's not a catwalk either.

Smoke and fire are highly unlikely to be an issue in mid sept.

Re: 4 mile trail

PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:55 pm
by Lorenky
Thanks very much, we’re hopeful will have clear skies, and we’re going to try the hike. Thanks. I’m hearing differing opinions on whether we lose a lot of the most wonderful views if we hike from glacier point down to Union point and then turn around and go back up. Some say the best views are between glacier point and Union point, some say the best views or below Union point. Any thoughts on that? Thanks

Re: 4 mile trail

PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:59 pm
by Phil

Re: 4 mile trail

PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 4:23 pm
by Paddy
Hi,

Here is my trip report from couple years back.

https://sites.google.com/site/myownway2 ... mile-trail

To me the trail offers different beautiful view of the valley, both below and above Union Point. But that is my opinion. You just to have to find out yourself. If I were to do it again (I will some day), I would to the whole trail up and down.

BTY, you don't have to worry about the snow cover at that time of year. However, the Yosemite Falls will be dry.

Have fun.