Experience the stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley from the vibrant South Rim!
The Pohono Trail is a backpacking route covering a distance of 12 miles along the southern rim of Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park. Generally, hikers embark on this trail starting from Glacier Point and concluding at Inspiration Point, located near Tunnel View. The trail entails a total elevation gain of 2,020 feet.
Trip · 2 day backpacking trip
Distance ~16 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,020′
Permits · Secure your spot ahead of time by reserving through rec.gov and collecting your permit at one of the wilderness permit centers in Yosemite on the day of or before.
Permit Collection - The Yosemite website provides complete information on permit collection times. Although the rangers are helpful, there is a likelihood that unclaimed permits will be made available to walk-ins after 11 AM.
Ideal Time · June to September (once the snow has melted!)
Pets · Not allowed on trails
Where to set up camp - Day 1 - Bridalveil creek ; Day 2 - Dewey Point
Backpacking Pohono Trail at Yosemite National Park - Glacier Point to Tunnel view
While most backpackers like to hike it point to point you can catch the trail at different point based on your entry/exit details on the permit. In case you are doing this point to point keep the below things in mind
Use two cars, one parked at Tunnel View and the other at Glacier Point (large parking lot) or Taft Point ( enough parking)
In case two cars is not an option - Park shuttles run between these two points, make sure to note the timing of the same
Important Information to note when backpacking Yosemite
Bear Cans - anything that has a smell, including all food items should be secured in the bear can. In case you do not have one, there is a option to rent at the visitor centre
Park Entry - Reservations to enter the park exists, but with wilderness permit you need to pay for entry while no reservation is required.
Backpackers Campground - You can stay one night before and one night after at one of the backpackers campground.
Pack in pack out - Its important to leave the place as you found it, pack in and pack out everything that you brought with you
Camp fire 🔥 - always check with the ranger when picking up permits. Generally speaking fires are allowed in established camp rings, must always be attended and put out completely with water when not attended (do not let them smolder). Only downed tress can be used as fuel
Water sources - make sure to check water levels and snow levels. In a dry year, several of the water sources may dry up by early summer (if not earlier), and in a wet year, snow can linger in shaded areas well into July. Either way there is limited water sources of this trail, hence important to check and make judgement on where would be best camp location for your group
Embark on this trail to enjoy a panoramic view of the key landmarks in Yosemite Valley, including Sentinel Dome, Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Artists Point. This hike has consistently been highly rated by hikers. Expect crowds at the busiest spot along the trail in the mid-afternoon. As you wander into the forest, the scent of pine and the chirping of birds transport you to a completely different world.
Exploring Yosemite National Park through backpacking is an excellent way to immerse yourself in its stunning beauty.
The Taft Point fissures are natural rock fractures that have opened up but have not yet moved apart, offering a direct descent to the valley floor, dropping a few hundred feet. The erosion over these rocks tells years of geological stories.
The trail very clearly marked by metal signs, so be sure to watch out for them. Our tribe started at Taft Point and set up camp near Bridal Veil Creek, provided ample shade and was a fantastic location. We were visited by some deer that evening and refreshed ourselves with a dip in the creek.
Most of the hike is shaded as it passes through the forest, with beautiful meadows adorned with wildflowers. The next few points along the way, including Dewey Point, Crocker Point, Stanford Point, and Old Inspiration Point, will leave you in awe. It is quite easy to spend a couple of hours simply marveling at the vastness and enormity of this majestic valley.
The initial plan was to camp at Dewey Point the following night, but after speaking with a ranger, we discovered that Dewey Point does not have water supply and the nearest water streams were approximately 1 mile away, weather was warm and water consumption on the higher side. As a result, the group opted to spend the second night at Bridalveil Creek and hike to enjoy all the breathtaking views.
Lessons from the tribe - It is wise to maintain flexibility in your plans as wilderness conditions can be unpredictable, with factors such as weather and water sources availability that can greatly influence the situation. You are there to appreciate nature and not burden yourself with unnecessary logistics.
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