Yosemite Humbled Me: A Hike I’ll Never Forget (or Forgive)

Welcome!

Hey it’s Niqui! I’m the type of traveler who likes to show up first, Google second. Should I do more research before spending the time, money, and energy on a trip? Probably. But do I? Not really. And that’s okay!

If you’re here because you’re planning a trip (or dreaming about one), I hope this little travel diary helps you in some way. Whether you walk away thinking, “That’s exactly what I want to do!” or “Good to know, I’ll be avoiding that,” I’m just glad you’re here. Mahalo for reading and enjoy the adventure!

🌲 Table of Contents

• Entering Yosemite
  A grand, magical entrance that sets the tone

• The Hike to Glacier Point
  One trail, two iconic views, and a whole lot of uphill

• What Not to Do
  Our biggest mistake and how you can avoid it

• 32,650 Steps Later
  My honest, slightly dramatic review of the most intense hike of my life

• My Advice to You
  Tips, must-knows, and a few “learned the hard way” moments

Entering Yosemite

Yosemite has, hands down, the most jaw-dropping entrance I’ve ever seen. Once you enter the park, you cruise through a peaceful forest for about a mile. Then boom, you’re hit with this gorgeous grassy field, framed by massive granite cliffs. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, welcome to something special.”

You can even pull over on the side of the road and just soak it all in. We definitely did. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

The Hike to Glacier Point

We decided to hike the Four Mile Trail, which—plot twist—is actually 9.6 miles round trip. When it was created back in 1872, it really was four miles. But now? Not so much.

Let me warn you: it’s not just a long walk. This trail has a 3,200-foot elevation gain, which is no joke. My calves were screaming.

But the payoff? Unmatched. You get incredible views like the Tunnel View (aka Reverse Tunnel View) on your way up, and once you reach Glacier Point, the full panorama hits you. There’s also a stop about three miles in called Union Point, which makes for a great snack break and photo op.

The trail is well-marked and paved, so you won’t get lost unless you try. You’ll probably spot deer, chipmunks, and other forest friends along the way depending on the season.

This is the Reverse Tunnel View!

Here is a picture of Glacier Point at sunset!

What Not to Do

Let me tell you what we did: we started hiking at 4 PM. And we didn’t finish until 11:30 at night.

Only two out of the five people in our group were even remotely in shape (Don’t count me as the two). So yeah, it was rough. We also didn’t realize that the shuttle to the top of Glacier Point wasn’t running due to road construction. So hiking up (and back down) was our only option.

If you’re more about the views than the workout, I highly recommend taking the shuttle to the top and hiking down instead—if the shuttle’s open. Otherwise, be honest with yourself and your group about your fitness level. This hike is no joke.

32,650 Steps Later

That’s how many steps I took that day. I checked. It was a personal record.

By the end, my legs were basically moving on autopilot. I didn’t sit once. I felt like I had walked Disneyland three times without a single ride. But here’s the thing—I did it. And I’m so proud.

This was the hardest hike I’ve ever done. I don’t even love hiking. But I love travel, and sometimes that means doing hard things just for the story. Everyone in our group has their own version of how they survived that hike, but we all agree: it changed us a little bit. It reminded us how strong we actually are.

We got back to our hotel that night, collapsed into bed, and it was the best sleep of my life.

My Advice to You

Here’s what I wish I had known before taking on Yosemite:

1. Start early. I cannot stress this enough. Daylight is your best friend.

2. Bring at least two liters of water—yes, per person. You’ll need it.

3. Don’t hike alone. Always go with a buddy.

4. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Just in case you end up hiking after dark (like us).

5. Watch for wildlife from a distance. Be kind and stay safe.

6. Wear real hiking shoes. Your ankles will thank you.

7. Check if the Glacier Point road is open for shuttle access. It might save you the hardest part of the hike.

Anything Else?

Thinking about going to Yosemite but don’t know where to start? I’d love to help! You just show up ready to hike (or not hike—no judgment).

Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help planning your own Yosemite adventure. 🌿