Pohono Trail
This trail provides a chance to hike the south rim of Yosemite Valley, descending to Tunnel View near Bridalveil Fall.
Plan Around Pohono Trail
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Pohono Trail Details
This is a truly spectacular trail, providing a wide range of views that offer many different perspectives of the valley. Careful planning is required for this hike since you'll have to figure out transport to and from each of the trailheads. If you have two vehicles, this is the easiest option because you can leave one at each trailhead. However, most people purchase a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Tour Bus and descend from the Glacier Point trailhead. A one-way ticket costs $25 for adults, $25 for seniors (age 62 and older), and $15 for kids ages 5-12. If you take the tour bus, you will still have to figure out how to get from the Tunnel View parking lot (the terminus for Pohono Trail) back to Yosemite Lodge. This is a distance of 6 miles (9 km) and there are a couple of options. First, you could park your vehicle at Tunnel View and ride bicycles back to Yosemite Lodge where you will catch the tour bus. This is likely the best option and will offer a relaxing ride back to Yosemite Lodge, especially in the morning hours. The other option is to leave your bicycles at Tunnel View (there are no bike racks) and drive back to Yosemite Lodge to catch the bus. The last option is to simply hike from Tunnel View back to Yosemite Village. If you're considering doing this, there is a connector trail just before Tunnel View (Artist Point) which can bring you to Bridalveil Fall, and from there you can make your way back to Yosemite Lodge. Trailhead: If you are descending from Glacier Point, you'll want to start at the low crest just east of the entrance to the Glacier Point parking lot. Restrooms: Glacier Point has excellent flush restrooms. You can also fill up water bottles here. You will need at least one quart of water to last you to Bridalveil Creek - the midpoint of the trail and the only permanent source of water. At Tunnel View, the closest restrooms are the pit toilets at Bridalveil Fall parking lot.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
13 miles
Estimated time
8 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Pohono Trail
Compare nearby parks around Pohono Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Pohono Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Pohono Trail while the map context is still fresh.
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Glacier Point Restroom
This restroom is brand new and is located in the parking lot of Glacier Point.
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Glacier Point
Perched 7,214 feet on the south side of Yosemite Valley, this stunning viewpoint provides hikers spectacular panoramas.
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Panorama Trail
This less-traveled trail makes for memorable views of some of the park's awesome sights.
0.1 mi away
Glacier Point (G11)
An overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country.
0.1 mi away
Illilouette Fall
This 370-foot fall is not one of the Park's most celebrated waterfalls, but it is certainly worth a visit.
