DrÄgÖnFlŸ: FOUR MILE TRAIL

In preparing for our Fuji-san climb, we decided we better hit the elevation to get our bodies prepared for the thin air at 12,388. We looked at options in Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne Meadows, Mist Trail, Half Dome, and John Muir were out due to the expected crowds during the Fourth of July weekend. Yosemite Falls was an option, but we already hiked it.

Then, there was the Four Mile Trail.

We always wanted to hike this trail, but with the Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls Trail in the area, the Four Mile Trail was just a sidebar and wasn't even an honorable mention.

Not any more...

We hiked the Four Mile Trail in YNP. Actually 4.6 miles oneway, where the extra six-tenths of a mile came from is anybody's guess. Maybe there wasn't any GPS in the 1800's. There is 3,200 foot of elevation change (695 feet per mile) starting at the trailhead at 4,000 feet in Yosemite Valley and topping out at 7,214 feet at Glacier Point. It was the closest to an acclimatization hike we could get.

You really get a good workout negotiating the 67 switchbacks, but the scenery at each of those switchbacks takes your mind of the physical anquish.

There are four ways to hike FMT:

1. Drive to Glacier Point and hike down and catch the bus back to GP.
2. Start from the valley and hike up and catch the bus to Yosemite Valley.
3. Start from GP, hike down, hike back up.
4. Start from YV, hike up, hike back down.

We did #4. It took us 5 hours and 45 minutes to hike it. We spent over 45 minutes at GP.

It is a trail unlike any trail we have hiked in YNP. Eighty-five percent trail is covered with asphalt. Great for the going up, but terrible on the going down especially when there is fine debris covering the asphalt and one wrong misplaced step leaves you shouting a few expletives as you slam on your backside! There is dirt along the trail to negotiate around those expletives.

We started at 7:15 a.m. We pracically had the whole trail to ourselves considering this was the Fourth of July weekend. A couple of hikers passed us on the ascent, but that was it. We encountered a family coming down as we got closer to Glacier Point.

Once we got to GP, we went into the snack shop and bought some bug spray BECAUSE SOMEONE FORGOT TO BRING IT! Yes, that someone was me. Anyhow, I purchased a Gatorade and my wife bought a trail mix bar and some water. The ice cream drumsticks looked oh so good, but we abstained.

GP was flooded with tourists. Busload after busload. We took a few pictures and headed down.

On our descent, we encountered a lot of hikers. Some with overnight backpacks, some who had no business hiking the trail.

"How far to the top?" or "How much further."

If you have to ask, you shouldn't be here.

Now, the people who asked the above-referenced questions were the ones who had only one small water bottle with them and it was getting warm because the sun was getting high in the sky.

Oh well, at least the trail is 4.6 miles one way. It is between the 0.0 and 4.5 mile part you have to address.

Some notes for those who are interested in this trail.

The hike is best done early in the morning. If you timed it right you can reach Glacier Point in time for the sunrise and before the tourists arrive by the busloads.

Another advantage to starting early is the parking. We parked at the trailhead. We did not have to park at Swinging Bridge. Caveat: There are no toilet facilities at the trailhead, but they are at Swinging Bridge.

It was a little chilly at first, but as we made our way up, the sweat started pouring.

Bring at least 1 to 2 liters of water. You can fill up at GP during the season. During the off-season, you may want to reconsider the amount of water you want to bring. Also this trail is subject to closure due to rockslides.

Bring insect repellent. Don't be like that SOMEONE!

And, bring that camera!

Have fun.

Asphalt into the wilderness.

Up there somewhere is where we will end up.

First watering spot. Expect this to dry up around the end of August.

Beauty to behold and one of them is mine. Guess who?

El Capitan to the far left.

A succulent grows in the granite.

The last storm to pass through the area on June 30, started a couple of lightning strike fires in Yosemite National Park. Fire crews were lighting back fires to contain the blaze.