If You Are in the Neighborhood: Going Up in Yosemite

A series of posts from our travels.

The next time you are enjoying a spring or early summer day in California's Yosemite Valley, the Four-Mile Trail is a great way to get to the high country while experiencing views of the park and its waterfalls that change as you turn every corner.

The trail begins near Sentinel Beach in Yosemite Valley. There is about 3,200 feet of elevation gain, so we wouldn't recommend it on a hot summer day. It is a vigorous trek. This was the original way to get to Glacier Point before the present road was built.

At the top (Glacier Point), the views are unparalleled. There are snacks and hot food in the store and restrooms nearby.

A warning: the trip down can be tough on the knees, so take your time.

If you are not game for the walk up, catch the shuttle bus at Yosemite Lodge, which will take you to Glacier Point, then hike down. The bus sometimes books up, so you may want to reserve seats.

The vast majority of Yosemite visitors never venture to the park's high country. But those who know the park say, “go up!”