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Pohono Trail

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 13/100 · Easypoint to point#south-rim#valley-views#waterfalls#point-to-point
Distance
13.7 mi
Total gain
1,100 ft
Net gain
1,100 ft
Net loss
1,100 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Pohono Trail walks the entire south rim of Yosemite Valley: 13.7 miles from Glacier Point to Tunnel View, past the overlooks of Taft, Dewey, and Stanford Points, with the Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome constantly in view. The gentle, descending grade makes it one of Yosemite's most pleasant two-day traverses.

Highlights

  • A full day of rim walking with the Valley 3,000 feet below
  • The classic viewpoints — Taft, Dewey, Stanford — each a postcard
  • El Capitan's face across the canyon at golden hour
  • Wildflower meadows along the rim in early summer

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Glacier Point Trailhead · parking: Glacier Point parking (road opens ~June); shuttle to/from Tunnel View
  • Water: Seasonal creeks only — the rim dries by late summer; carry water for camp.
  • Resupply: None; Glacier Point has a snack stand in season.
  • Shuttle: Point-to-point — arrange transport between Glacier Point and Tunnel View.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Glacier Point entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September, October.

Snow: Glacier Point Road is closed by snow roughly November through May.

Heat: The rim is exposed and dry in summer.

Bugs: Minimal on the rim.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Water on the rim is scarce by late summer — carry generously
  • No public transport runs between the trailheads; arrange a shuttle
  • The rim is exposed to afternoon thunderstorms in July and August

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Yosemite Valley Trails — Pohono Trail (east to west). Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yosemite-valley-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (13.7 mi one way) and elevation gain (1,100 ft) from Glacier Point to Tunnel View.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.