Pohono Trail

The Pohono Trail follows Yosemite Valley's south rim for roughly 13 miles between Tunnel View and Glacier Point, stringing together some of the park's best overlooks with a fraction of the foot traffic the valley floor gets. Most hikers treat it as a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, arranging a car shuttle or the seasonal Glacier Point hikers' bus for the return, since the two trailheads sit miles apart by road.

What You'll See

Along the way the trail passes Old Inspiration Point, Stanford Point, Crocker Point, and Dewey Point, each framing a different angle on El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Yosemite Falls across the valley. A half-mile side trail near the Glacier Point end climbs to the summit of Sentinel Dome for one of the widest 360-degree views in the park. Many people skip the full traverse and hike out-and-back to a single overlook instead — Dewey Point from Tunnel View is a popular shorter option.

Trail Notes

• Only reachable when Glacier Point Road is open — typically mid-May through early November, with snow often lingering on the trail for the first few weeks after the road opens.
• Rated a strenuous full-day effort; the complete traverse takes most hikers 8 hours or more.
• A wilderness permit is required for overnight backpacking anywhere along the route.

Where the Name Comes From

Pohono is the Ahwahneechee name for Bridalveil Fall, often translated as "Spirit of the Puffing Wind" — the same waterfall the trail's western end looks down on from high above the valley rim.