The Panorama Trail

“If I were so time-poor as to have only one day to spend in Yosemite I should start at daybreak, say at three o'clock in midsummer, with a pocketful of any sort of dry breakfast stuff, for Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, the head of Illilouette Fall, Nevada Fall, the top of Liberty Cap, Vernal Fall and the wild boulder-choked River Cañon.”

- John Muir

Many of those places described by John Muir in the quote above are found along the Panorama Trail. In fact, Muir may very well have hiked this trail himself, as it's one of the older trails in the park, having been constructed in 1872. Today the Panorama Trail is still considered to be one of the premier hikes in Yosemite National Park.

Visitors will have a couple of options with regards to hiking the trail. If you have two cars in your party you can park at both ends of the trail for a one-way hike. You can also take the Glacier Point Tour bus, which provides hikers with a one-way shuttle. This option will allow you to take the bus up to Glacier Point, and then return back down to the valley via the Panorama Trail. You could also hike up the trail and then catch the bus on your return trip to the valley. There is a fee for this service.

You can also combine the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail for a spectacular 12.6-mile, one-way hike. This was the option we decided to go with.

If you do decide to combine the two trails, the free shuttle service in the valley can be used to bridge the gap between the two trailheads. You may also want to note that you can purchase snacks and drinks from the Snack Stand at Glacier Point. If you’re going to depend on this for re-fills and refueling on your hike, you need to make note of their hours. Well water from a spigot is also available at Glacier Point, though it’s not the best tasting water in the world.

The hike begins from Glacier Point where some of the most iconic views of the Yosemite Valley are seen. Normally from this vantage point at 7200 feet you’ll have outstanding views of Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, the Royal Arches, Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite Falls. However, on this day, we were rudely greeted by haze that greatly diminished the normally spectacular vistas.

2013 in Yosemite National Park will be remembered for a very long time. The Rim Fire, which would become the third largest wildfire in California history, burned more than 257,000 acres along the western edge of the park, and created haze that shrouded the surrounding area for several weeks.

After leaving the sights and crowds at Glacier Point, we ventured onto the Panorama Trail. The upper portions of the trail are wide open, and provide some outstanding panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome. It’s pretty apparent how the trail builders got their inspiration when it came time to naming this trail.

From Glacier Point the trail makes a short climb before it starts on its long descent towards Illilouette Fall. This portion of the route is fully exposed to the sun, making this a very hot and dusty hike during the summer months.

Until you reach the Merced River, several miles down trail, Half Dome will be the dominating feature on the landscape. The granite monolith rises almost 5000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor, while topping out at 8836 feet in elevation.

Roughly 1.6 miles from Glacier Point you’ll reach an unmarked side trail that leads to an overlook of 370-foot Illilouette Fall. You’ll be able to hear the waterfall before you actually see the side trail.

Soon afterwards the trail temporarily bottoms out at Illilouette Creek, and then begins a moderately steep climb up to Panorama Point. Over the next three-quarters of a mile you’ll gain roughly 450 feet. Near the point where the trail levels out a bit, look for an unmarked side trail that branches off to the left. This spur leads to an overlook called Panorama Point - about 100 feet off the main trail - which provides a pretty awesome view of Half Dome, the Royal Arches and the Illilouette Gorge. Although it passes through some chest high brush, the short trail is easy to follow.

From Panorama Point the trail skirts above Panorama Cliff for the next mile-and-a-half, until reaching a three-way junction. After staying to the left to continue on the Panorama Trail, the route makes a fairly sharp descent down towards the John Muir Trail junction. Here you’ll have the option of continuing on towards Nevada Fall where the trail crosses over the top of the waterfall, before making a very steep descent down its north side. We opted to turn left onto the John Muir Trail, which offers an absolutely stunning view of Nevada Fall with Half Dome and 7076-foot Liberty Cap towering above the 594-foot waterfall.

The John Muir Trail is a world famous long-distance trail that traverses across the High Sierra. The northern terminus is at Happy Isles in the Yosemite Valley, while the southern terminus is located at the top of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. In between the trail travels 215 miles while passing through Yosemite, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

About half-way down the John Muir Trail you’ll reach another trail junction at Clark Point. If you wish to see Vernal Fall, which I highly recommend, you should take a right onto this connector trail. Although continuing down the John Muir Trail is shorter, and isn’t quite as steep as the Mist Trail, it does bypass the waterfall.

The connector trail descends roughly four-tenths of a mile down a very steep and rocky path. Take your time here, as the views above Vernal Fall are outstanding.

Once you reach the bottom of the connector trail you’ll take a left onto the famous Mist Trail. Soon you’ll arrive at the Merced River and the Emerald Pool, and shortly thereafter, the top of Vernal Fall.

From the top of Vernal Fall the trail makes an extremely steep descent down a couple hundred stone steps carved into the granite cliff wall. To reiterate some warnings from the park, you should descend the uneven and slippery steps with great care, and by no means get near the water, as many people have lost their lives over the years by slipping into the rapid currents of the Merced. Since 1924 at least 18 people have lost their lives after being swept over Vernal Fall.

The Mist Trail was already in use by the time the state of California took over management of the Yosemite Valley in 1864. Ladders were originally put in place so that hikers could climb to the top of Vernal Fall. However, after a man fell to his death, the ladders were replaced with wooden steps. Finally in 1897 the wooden steps were replaced with the stone steps that are used today. Hikers should note that there are no railings along much of this portion of the trail. Moreover, the steps become quite slippery during the spring and early summer months when mist from the waterfall sprays the entire canyon. Hikers are known to become completely drenched while passing through this section of the trail.

As you proceed down the stone stairway you’ll be treated to some outstanding upfront views of the 317-foot Vernal Fall.

Once below the carved steps section the trail crosses the Vernal Falls Bridge. Be sure to look up river here for one last view of the waterfall. From the bridge the trail descends straight downhill for eight-tenths of a mile on a paved path, before ending at the Happy Isles trailhead.


Trail: Panorama Trail
One-Way Distance: 7.9 Miles
Elevation Gain (Loss): 800 (4075) feet
Max Elevation: 7300 feet
TH Location: Glacier Point
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.

The Four Mile Trail up to Glacier Point

“It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.”

- John Muir on describing Yosemite

Although the name would imply that this is a 4-mile hike to Glacier Point, the Four Mile Trail is actually 4.6 miles in length. Construction of the original trail was completed in 1872, but over the years it’s been slightly rerouted and lengthened to moderate the grades and make them less steep. I guess changing the name now to the “4.6 Mile Trail” just wouldn’t have the same cachet.

The hike begins from bus stop E5 on Southside Drive under the imposing gaze of Sentinel Rock. There’s enough room for roughly 20 cars to park alongside the road at the trailhead. You’ll also have the option of parking near Yosemite Village and walking to the trailhead, or taking the free El Capitan bus shuttle.

We began our hike fairly early in the morning, just as the sun was hitting the south facing walls on the north side of the valley. The smell of smoke from the Rim Fire was already wafting through the air.

Just as the trail began to tilt upward we saw a black bear roughly 50 yards up trail, standing just off to the side. We stopped and stared at each other for about 30 seconds, until the bear decided that we really weren’t all that interesting, or we weren’t a threat, and then promptly disappeared into the forest.

Less than a hundred yards from the road the trail begins its relentless climb up to Glacier Point. As the trail climbs along the dozens of switchbacks you’ll have some outstanding views of the western end of the Yosemite Valley, including the Cathedral Spires and El Capitan, the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. Climbers from all over the world come to climb this towering rock formation that stands 3593 feet above the valley floor.

During the warmer months of the year I highly recommend starting your hike as early in the morning as possible, in order to take advantage of the shade you’ll have during much of the climb.

Roughly a mile from the trailhead you’ll begin to have your first full views of Yosemite Falls. The lower-to-mid portions of the Four Mile Trail are the only places in Yosemite National Park where you can see the entire waterfall from top to bottom, when it’s flowing during the spring and early summer months.

At roughly 2.7 miles you’ll have your first views of Half Dome. Continue on for another three-tenths of a mile where you’ll reach a short side trail that leads to Union Point. From this vantage point at roughly 6350 feet you’ll have outstanding views of almost the entire Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls.

Once above Union Point the smell of smoke became more apparent. The haze was fairly visible towards the west, but looking towards the east we still had blue skies up above. At this point we were still holding out hope that we would have unimpeded views from Glacier Point.

Although there are a couple very short sections where the trail is exposed to some steep drop-offs, the path is fairly wide, and is pretty safe from my perspective. At no time did I feel uncomfortable, nor did Kathy, who has a much stronger fear of heights than I do.

At 4.6 miles the trail reaches the gift shop & cafeteria at Glacier Point. To continue on towards the overlook, take a left and walk another tenth-of-a-mile.

Extreme disappointment would probably be an accurate description of my feelings upon reaching Glacier Point. We had planned this hike several months in advance, but to see the entire Yosemite Valley shrouded in haze after finally arriving was unquestionably a major let down. During the late summer and early fall of 2013 the Rim Fire would burn more than 257,000 acres along the western edge of Yosemite National Park, and in the process, would become the third largest wildfire in California history.

Normally from this overlook perched at 7200 feet you’ll see the iconic view of Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, the Royal Arches, Tenaya Canyon and Yosemite Falls. Dominating the landscape from this vantage point is Half Dome, which tops out at 8836 feet, and rises almost 5000 feet above the valley floor.

The Yosemite Valley was one of the first federally protected tracts of land in the world. In 1864 Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, which deeded the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to the state of California for protection as a forest reserve. Due to concern over damage from livestock and logging, John Muir led a movement to establish a larger national park that encompassed the surrounding mountains and forests. However, when Yosemite National Park was established on October 1, 1890, it excluded the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove. In 1903 Muir took President Theodore Roosevelt on a three-day camping trip near Glacier Point. During this trip Muir convinced Roosevelt to take control of the valley and grove away from California. Finally, on June 11, 1906, Roosevelt signed a bill that would merge the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove with Yosemite National Park.

On this day we continued our hike back down the valley via the Panorama Trail. In addition to hiking the combined Four Mile and Panorama Trails for a spectacular one-way, 12.6-mile hike, you’ll also have a couple other options for tackling this trail. If you have two cars in your party you can park at both ends of the trail and hike in either direction. You can also take the Glacier Point Tour bus, which provides hikers with a one-way shuttle. This option will allow you to take the bus up to Glacier Point and then return back down to the valley via the Four Mile Trail. You could also hike up the trail and then catch the bus on your return trip to the valley. There is a fee for this service.

If you decide to combine the Four Mile and Panorama Trails, the free shuttle service in the valley can be used to bridge the distance between the two trailheads. You may also want to note that you can purchase snacks and drinks from the Snack Stand at Glacier Point. If you’re going to depend on this for re-fills and refueling on your hike, make note of their open hours. Well water from a spigot is also available at Glacier Point, though it’s not the best tasting water in the world.


Trail: Four Mile Trail
One-Way Distance: 4.7 Miles
Elevation Gain / Loss: 3235 feet
Max Elevation: 7214 feet
TH Location: Four Mile Trailhead in the Yosemite Valley
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.

Wawona Meadow Loop

If you’re looking for an easy hike that avoids the crowds that normally flood most of the trails in Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Meadow Loop just might be the perfect choice.

The Wawona Meadow Loop trailhead is located across the street from the historic Wawona Hotel. As you walk down the hotel parking lot you’ll notice a small golf cart path across Wawona Road. Simply walk a short distance up that path and you’ll see a sign for the trailhead just off to your left.

The hike begins by following along one of the fairways of the Wawona Golf Course. Fortunately this portion of the hike is fairly short, and after about a half-mile of walking you’ll finally reach the outskirts of the meadow.

Despite the noise from Wawona Road (Highway 41), which is fairly prevalent for much of the route, this is still an outstanding hike if you’re seeking solitude. The trail circles around the 165-acre meadow, and shifts between forest and field while skirting along its edges. An old wooden fence protects the meadow from being trampled by visitors, especially during wildflower season. During the spring and early summer, hikers will be treated by a profusion of wildflowers, including perennial beauties such as lupine, Applegate’s paintbrush, alpine lilies, crimson columbines, mountain dogwood, pine violets, evening primrose and western azalea.

This is an easy stroll along mostly flat terrain. The only prominent mountain that can be seen from the trail, while looking towards the south, is 5745-foot Mt. Savage.

The meadow provides wetland, riparian and upland habitat for a variety of rare and sensitive plant species and wildlife, including two state endangered birds - the willow flycatcher and the great gray owl.

It's believed by many that the name “Wawona” is the Miwok word for "big tree". It may also be the word for the sound of the call of an owl, a bird considered to be the guardian spirit of the Big Trees, a reference to the nearby giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.

As you walk along the southern portions of the meadow you would probably never guess that there was once an airstrip located here. Fortunately for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts the airstrip was decommissioned in the late 1930s.

Roughly 1.6 miles from the trailhead you'll reach a trail junction. To continue on this loop hikers should take a left here. However, you do have the option of extending your hike to a 4.7-mile loop by continuing straight at this junction. This trail will take you along the east side (north) of Wawona Road during the back half of the hike. The shorter route remains, for the most part, on the west side (south) of the road.

At roughly 2.8 miles the trail crosses over Wawona Road, and then ends behind the Wawona Hotel.

The trail follows the historic Meadow Loop Road. Built in 1891, the unpaved road provided access to the farms that once occupied portions of the meadow. It also allowed sightseers to visit the meadow during the early years of the park. Since the loop still retains some of its features as a road, horses, leashed pets and bicycles are allowed on the trail.


Trail: Wawona Meadow Loop
RT Distance: 3.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 210 feet
Max Elevation: 4210 feet
TH Location: Near the Wawona Hotel
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.

Sentinel Meadow & Cook's Meadow Loop

There are several locations where hikers can access the Sentinel Meadow & Cook's Meadow Loop. We chose to begin our hike from the Sentinel Bridge parking area, located just behind bus stop 11 on Sentinel Drive.

Hikers will also have the option of hiking the loop in either direction. In general, hiking the loop in a clockwise direction is a little bit easier to navigate. However, if you’re starting in the early morning and wish to avoid the crowds at the Lower Yosemite Fall viewpoint, I would definitely recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. This hike description follows the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

The absolute best time to hike this easy loop is during the spring and early summer months when the meadows are lush green, Yosemite Falls is thundering down the valley wall, and the wildflowers are blooming. As you walk through the meadows keep an eye out for shooting stars, western azalea, pine violets, evening primrose, baby blue eyes, larkspur, goldenrod and woolly mule-ears, among many other varieties.

The hike begins by following the Cook’s Meadow Loop trail northward until it crosses over Northside Drive. As you might expect, the views of the Yosemite Valley are outstanding here. During the spring and summer the meadow is carpeted in wildflowers. You’ll also have an excellent chance of seeing deer – we saw several throughout the day.

The loop then makes a left turn and crosses over Village Drive. Here you’ll begin following the paved path alongside Northside Drive. The unfortunate aspect of this otherwise wonderful hike is that you’ll have to contend with noise from traffic and buses along much of the route.

Just before reaching bus stop 6 you’ll arrive at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail junction. Take a right here to visit one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Yosemite Falls drops 2425 feet in three separate sections, and depending on which source you want to believe, is anywhere between the 5th tallest and the 20th tallest waterfall in the world.

During our visit the waterfall was completely dry. Because it’s fed by snowmelt, peak flow usually occurs in late May, and usually stops flowing altogether by late August.

The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail makes a semi-loop to an up-close viewpoint of the lower fall, and then exits on the west side of bus stop 6. The trail passes through a very pleasant forest, and is a nice diversion from the noise of the road. However, I imagine when the falls are flowing it gets pretty crowded here.

After leaving the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail you’ll cross over Northside Drive and begin heading over towards the Yosemite Lodge. When you get into the village there will be a residential area for employees on the left. Look for a bike path that veers off to the left before you get to the lodge. There won’t be a sign indicating that it’s a bike path, but it’s the only such trail in the residential area. From here the paved path traverses along the southern edge of the lodging area, before taking you into the heart of Leidig Meadow where you’ll have some outstanding views of the western end of the valley, including Sentinel Rock and El Capitan. Sentinel Falls, at 2000 feet and among the world’s tallest waterfalls, is also visible from this meadow. Despite its height it has a relatively low flow, and is usually dry by July.

The prominent view to the west is known as the Gates of the Valley. On the left are the Cathedral Spires, and to the right is El Capitan, the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. Climbers from all over the world come to scale this vertical rock that towers 3593 feet above the valley floor.

Soon the trail reaches the Merced River where you’ll cross over the famous Swinging Bridge. The views looking upstream towards Yosemite Falls and the eastern end of the valley are simply sublime – even when the falls are dry.

At the beginning of 1997 the park experienced its worst flood ever. As the Merced reached a crest of 23.4 feet, it destroyed roads and buildings that resulted in $178 million in damage, and stranded 2100 park visitors for several days.

Once you cross over the bridge the trail begins heading east along Southside Drive. This section of the loop also provides outstanding views of Yosemite Falls during the spring and early summer months. The meadow to the north of the road here is known as Sentinel Meadow.

Continue to follow the paved bike path all the way to the Yosemite Chapel, which is located near the Sentinel Drive junction. Built in 1879, the chapel is the oldest structure in the Yosemite Valley.

Roughly 35 yards beyond the chapel you’ll reach the Cook’s Meadow Loop trail. As the name would imply, the trail ventures into the heart of Cook’s Meadow. Once again you’ll cross over the Merced River, and soon will reach another trail junction where you’ll take a right to return back to the Sentinel Bridge parking area.

The Cook’s Meadow Loop travels over a raised boardwalk, which was put in place to enhance water flow, and ultimately return the meadows to more of a wetland environment and prevent the further encroachment of trees.

From Cook’s Meadow you’ll have some great views of Half Dome towards the east. This iconic granite monolith rises almost 5000 feet above the valley floor. In his Report of the Geological Survey of California, Josiah D. Whitney said that Half Dome "presents an aspect of the most imposing grandeur; it strikes even the most casual observer as a new revelation in mountain forms; its existence would be considered an impossibility if it were not there before us in all its reality..."

John Muir described the granite monolith in his own unique way: "The great Tissiack, or Half-Dome, rising at the upper end of the valley to a height of nearly a mile, is nobly proportioned and life-like, the most impressive of all the rocks, holding the eye in devout admiration, calling it back again and again from falls or meadows, or even the mountains beyond..."

We happened to hike this loop during the height of the Rim Fire, which burned more than 257,000 acres along the western edge of the park during the summer of 2013. Without a doubt the smoke and haze from the fire greatly impacted our views, which you may have noticed in some of the photos above. Speaking of photographs, if you wish to go home with some great shots of the valley, I highly recommend hiking this trail in the early morning or late in the afternoon.


Trail: Sentinel Meadow & Cook's Meadow Loop
RT Distance: 2.55 Miles
Elevation Gain: 40 feet
Max Elevation: 4000 feet
TH Location: Yosemite Valley
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.

Gaylor Lakes

The hike to Gaylor Lakes traverses one of the highest maintained trails in Yosemite National Park, and offers some of the most spectacular high-country views off Tioga Road. It begins from Tioga Pass, at an elevation of 9945 feet, and reaches heights of 10,540 feet along the saddle ridge between Gaylor Peak and the unnamed mountain to the south.

The hike begins with a fairly steep climb, which gains almost 600 feet during the first six-tenths of a mile. This is the hardest part of the hike, and will surely take your breath away, especially if you’re not acclimated to the altitude. From this point forward, however, the trail travels along mostly easy to moderate terrain.

At the top of the saddle you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Dana Meadows and 12,117-foot Mammoth Peak to the south, 12,764-foot Mt. Gibbs towards the southeast, and 13-053 Mt. Dana towards the east. On the other side of the ridge you’ll have a birds-eye view of Middle Gaylor Lake and the entire Gaylor Lakes Basin.

From the saddle the trail drops down to the eastern shore of Middle Gaylor Lake, roughly three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead. From this vantage point you’ll have great views of the Cathedral Range towards the southwest. Directly towards the west are several unnamed peaks that form a glacial cirque above the Granite Lakes, which are hidden behind the low ridge just above the western shore of Middle Gaylor Lake. Towards the northwest is 12,057-foot White Mountain. Unfortunately low hanging clouds and haze from the Rim Fire hindered clear views of the surrounding mountains this day.

From the eastern shore the trail skirts around to the northwest corner of the lake, before heading north towards Upper Gaylor Lake. The view of the lake along the north shore is quite interesting. From this angle it almost appears as if the lake is falling off a ledge on the opposite shore.

Here's a look back at the saddle ridge and the unnamed peak to the south:

Between the two lakes the trail travels through some beautiful open terrain. 11,004-foot Gaylor Peak will be the dominating feature on your right as you proceed up the basin. During the summer hikers will enjoy a profusion of wildflowers that grow in the meadows, including alpine asters, lupine, columbine, monkey flower, alpine paintbrushes, corn lily, stonecrop, wallflower, Sierra penstemon and spreading phlox.

At 1.4 miles hikers will reach Upper Gaylor Lake. We intended to continue up to the Great Sierra Mine, but dark clouds were building in the Tioga Pass area, so we thought it was best to turn around at this point.

From the shore you can see the mine, as well as the trail that leads up to it. The trail proceeds along the western shore of the lake, before climbing up the gully on the mountain to the north of the lake.

The Great Sierra Mine sits at an elevation of roughly 10,775 feet, and is roughly 1.8 miles from the trailhead. It was established in 1881 when the Great Sierra Consolidated Silver Company began drilling a tunnel. Although a 1784-foot tunnel was dug into the mountain, the so-called Sheepherder silver lode was never found. The mine, as well as the town of Dana, ceased operations in 1884.

Today, five stone cabins, a powder house and a blacksmith shop remain as a monument to the old mining days in the High Sierra. The mine shafts have either collapsed or have been filled in.

Hikers should note that Tioga Road is usually open from about late May or early June, through the end of October.

You may also want to note that you can visit Lower Gaylor Lake via a 4.6-mile roundtrip hike from a separate trailhead, located a little more than 4 miles west of Tioga Pass.


Trail: Gaylor Lakes
RT Distance: 2.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 935 feet
Max Elevation: 10,540 feet
TH Location: Tioga Pass
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.