Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point at Yosemite

Hiking for ice cream?

You hike for the reward.  The views, the feeling of pride to make it to the top, the ice cream?

I took on the 4 Mile Trail at Yosemite this past weekend.  The trail ends at the breathtaking  Glacier Point with a general store at the peak of the mountain.  Among other things the store has cases of ice cream novelties.  I cannot say that I often crave ice cream, but after a 4.6 mile trail with what seemed like a million switch backs during 85+ degree weather I rejoiced in consuming an ice cream cookie sandwich.

The Four Mile Trail is definitely for experienced hikers only as it is a strenuous trail.  It is 8.2 miles roundtrip with a 3389 elevation gain during the trail; which is mostly done via switch backs.

The ice cream was a perfect treat to enjoy while taking in the incredible views of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point.  From one vantage point you can see Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.  Not to mention that you have a stunning view of Yosemite Falls all the way up the 4 Mile Trail.

If you are not a hiker you can still enjoy the views (and ice cream) as Glacier Point is one of the few high elevation places accessible by car in Yosemite.  It was fun to see people from all of the world speaking multiple languages all enjoying the same scenery .

The trip down was definitely not as strenuous as the incline; however there were several places where the granite was slippery on the decent.