3 Glorious Half Day Hiking Opportunities Right Near Scenic Wonders

For those who love lacing up a pair of hiking boots and hitting the trail, Scenic Wonders is ideally positioned. You have a veritable feast of half day hiking opportunities right in the vicinity, from easy nature-path strolls to rigorous long-distance treks. Here are three options for half-day hiking adventures—gloriously close by your Scenic Wonders cabin.

3 Awesome Half Day Hiking Opportunities

1. Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Loop (Moderate) This 4.9-mile outing treats you to some truly tremendous scenery off the Glacier Point Road. You’ll embark from the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Trailhead, hoofing it over shining Sierra granite as you approach Sentinel Dome’s summit from the east. The vista from the top rivals that of Glacier Point itself. Heading north, you'll make your way to the north and then west to the Taft Point Trail via the Pohono Trail. Taft Point's clifftop vantage enjoys another indescribably commanding view. The trailhead's about a mile east. 2. Four Mile Trail (Strenuous) Hiking the Four Mile Trail, which is actually closer to five miles in length, is a real achievement: You’ll switchback your way down to Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, logging the foot miles instead of driving. That accounts for about 3,200 feet of elevation change! The trail connects the parking area at Glacier Point with a trailhead near Yosemite Village. While you’re sweating, you’re also soaking in grand views from El Capitan to Half Dome. 3. Mt. Starr King View (Strenuous) This route is only three miles round-trip, but it’s a vigorous one: You’ve got a severe drop from the Mono Meadow Trailhead to the soggy namesake glade, which means a steep climb coming back. Heading east from the meadow, you’ll soon reach a fine prospect of 9,092-foot Mount Starr King and beyond to the heights of the Clark Range. Any of these half day hiking opportunities makes an ideal outing from a Scenic Wonders rental. And once you’ve tasted the views of one, we’re sure you’ll want to check out the others.

Make Your Reservations Today

If you’re looking to access some excellent half day hiking opportunities in Yosemite this year, consider making your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park and right near beautiful Glacier Point. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from Glacier Point Road. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park.  By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more. Photo credit: johan.seland