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Snow Creek to the North Rim

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 16/100 · Easyout and back#north-rim#half-dome-views#steep#sunrise
Distance
7.1 mi
Total gain
2,750 ft
Net gain
2,750 ft
Net loss
2,750 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Snow Creek Trail is the steepest way out of Yosemite Valley — 2,750 feet in 3.5 miles of exposed switchbacks from Mirror Lake to the North Rim. The reward is a front-row view of Half Dome across Tenaya Canyon and a quiet camp on the rim above the crowds.

Highlights

  • Half Dome's east face across Tenaya Canyon from the rim
  • A steep, sunny climb that empties into real solitude
  • The North Rim trail network for day loops above the Valley
  • Views down into Yosemite Valley from above

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Snow Creek Trailhead (Mirror Lake) · parking: Mirror Lake trailhead, end of the shuttle road in Yosemite Valley
  • Water: Snow Creek above the rim and Mirror Lake below; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Yosemite Valley stores are at the trailhead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Snow Creek 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: May, June, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free May through October; the switchbacks hold snow late in spring.

Heat: The exposed switchbacks are hot by mid-morning.

Bugs: Moderate in the forest.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Start early — the switchbacks are fully exposed to afternoon sun
  • Water is scarce on the rim; carry plenty
  • The route gains 2,750 feet in 3.5 miles — steep by any standard

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 — Snow Creek. 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 (7.1 mi round trip) and elevation gain (2,750 ft) from the Mirror Lake trailhead.
  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.