There are a number of different ways to hike up and out of Yosemite Valley, but the most popular might be the trail to Columbia Rock. Eventually ascending all the way to Upper Yosemite Falls and the North Rim beyond, this trail is a real leg burner that makes you earn the views!
While it’s only about 2 miles round trip, this hike is not easy! Over the course of the 1 mile climb, you’ll ascend nearly 1,000 vertical feet on a rough and slippery trail, but the views overlooking the greatest valley in the world make it worth it!
Miles/Elevation:
1.9 miles
974 feet vertical gain
About Yosemite National Park:
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the entire National Park System.
Steeped in history, Yosemite has played a major role in the development of environmentalism and conservation in the United States since the late 1800’s. In 1864, President Lincoln created the Yosemite Grant, which did not make Yosemite a national park, but did set the precedent that would lead to the creation of Yellowstone National Park.
Yosemite was ceded to the State of California and ran by the state for much of the late 1800’s. Eventually, in 1890, Yosemite National Park was created, and stronger protections were put in place to preserve the park.
Beyond the National Park Service, the legendary naturalist John Muir is perhaps best known for his advocacy in favor of preserving Yosemite National Park. A giant in the history of conservation, Muir, who fell in love with the mountains after a serious industrial accident, became arguably the most influential figure in preserving the natural landscapes of the west. His relationship with President Theodore Roosevelt and the expansion of federally protected lands may be the greatest achievement of this era of conservation!
Getting To Yosemite:
Located in Central California, Yosemite is fairly remote, but can be reached from a number of major cities. The closest large city is Fresno, and Fresno’s airport is the best choice if you are flying in. Other cities located within a three hour or so drive with major airports include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento.
From these cities or any others, you’ll then likely need to drive to the park. There is a regional public transit system called YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System), and can be useful if you are trying to get to Yosemite Valley. However, I generally advocate having your own car when exploring the mountains. It just makes it easier to explore and get around.
Once you’re in Yosemite, there is a transit system that can get you around the park, however it is not running in 2021. Go to the Yosemite NPS website for more information on public transit in Yosemite. When it is running, the public transit can get you to many of the major trailheads in the park.
Getting To The Trailhead:
Inspiration Point is another short and steep Yosemite Valley hike!
Once in Yosemite Valley, the best parking area is around the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Follow the Valley Loop Road all the way around the valley. It’s one way, so you’ll take Southside Drive all the way to Curry Village, then take a left to continue onto Northside Drive towards Yosemite Village. Continue past the village until you reach Yosemite Lodge. Make sure you don’t park in the dedicated lodge parking areas, but there are plenty of parking areas for hikers on the left. The trail begins to the right of the road at Camp 4.
Tips:
- This is a really difficult hike, especially if you aren’t in good shape. For an easy trail, hike to Mirror Lake instead. You can drive to Glacier Point for a top down view.
- Be really careful on the descent. I’ve fallen on this trail, and rolled my ankles multiple times.
- At this elevation, it gets really hot in summer. Bring water and hike early!
The Columbia Rock Trail:
From the trailhead, walk directly towards the south wall of the valley, and then begin the climb. The initial climb up from the valley floor takes you through dense forest as you ascend through the boulder strewn woods. Through the forest, the trail is extremely rough and rocky. Definitely watch your footing here. Not only can you hurt an ankle on the rocks, they are also often covered in a fine layer of sand which makes them extremely slippery!
Continuing through the woods over the rough trail, the trail quickly begins the extremely steep climb up to Columbia Rock. In just under a mile, you will climb over 1,000 vertical feet! If you thought this was an easy 2 mile hike, think again!
A Great Nearby Hike Is The Sentinel Dome And Taft Point Loop
After climbing through the forest through an endless series of extremely tight switchbacks (literally the switchbacks go almost straight up) you’ll eventually reach more open terrain. Here, ther views really begin to open up!
Once you’ve climbed 600 feet or so, the trail finally leaves the incessant switchbacks and traverses east along the wall. Once at this point, you will finally be able to look out and enjoy the views your sweat has earned! Keep going though, the higher you get the better the views!
You should seriously consider hiking the Mist Trail, Yosemite’s best moderate hike!
Once out of the dense forest, the trail changes dramatically from a rock strewn mountain path to steep ramps of loose slippery gravel. Over a base of packed dirt and gravel, there is a layer of loose sand that makes descending extremely tricky. Going uphill it isn’t great either, but definitely be wary on the descent!
Once you’re hiking on the sand, Columbia Rock is only a few hundred vertical feet away. Climb up through a final set of switchbacks, and Columbia Rock will emerge in front of you!
Looking for even more of a challenge? Try the 4 Mile Trail!
Columbia Rock itself isn’t really all that noteworthy. I was kind of expecting a big rock you could climb on, or at least a vertical ledge you could peer over, but really it’s just a viewpoint with a railing protecting hikers from the drop.
It’s definitely a great view though! Looking up the valley you’ll have amazing views at Half Dome, and looking down the valley you get a clear look at all the major features of the South Rim! It’s 100% worth it to do a hike that climbs out of the valley at some point: the vantage from up high gives you a totally different look at the walls, and a completely different feel!
Check out our list of Yosemite’s best easy hikes!
Once you’ve enjoyed Columbia Rock, the hike back down is a straightforward return on the same trail. Usually descending is quite a bit quicker than ascending, but on this trail you do need to take your time. It’s really steep, and your knees will likely feel it. The trail is just rough. Near the top, it’s steep and slippery; near the bottom it’s rough and rocky and slippery!
Take it slow though and you’ll make it down! After an hour or two of hiking, you’ll be back down at the bottom ready to explore more of Yosemite Valley!
Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 9/10
There are very few 2 mile hikes in the entire world that provide better views than this, so if you’re looking for a short (but tough) trail with the best views around, this is it. However, because this trail is so steep and it’s extremely rocky and slippery, it isn’t a perfect 10. Do this hike if you can handle it, but it’s tough!
Pros:
- World class views
- Easily accessible in Yosemite Valley
Cons:
- Extremely busy
- Really steep
- Rough and slippery trail
Alternative Hikes:
The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
When To Hike To Columbia Rock:
Be Sure To Check Out Our Full 7 Day Yosemite Itinerary Too!
Hiking in Yosemite is a three season activity. Winter usually brings quite a bit of snow, and the entire park is liable to experience winter storms. While lower elevation areas of the park may be hikable in winter, I really wouldn’t say Yosemite is a four season hiking destination.
Purely in terms of weather, fall and spring are the best times of year to hike in Yosemite. Summer can get extremely hot, and hiking in 95 degree heat isn’t fun for most people! The one issue with fall is that fire season can either close down areas of the park, or more likely will blanket the park with smoke. In good years, it’s hardly an issue, but some years it’s harmful to even be outside.
It is also worth considering when Yosemite is busiest. This is one of the busiest parks in the country, so be ready for crowds if you visit in peak season, namely summer. Some people are really turned off by the crowds, and I agree if you only visit the valley, but there are always places to get away from the big crowds. This can cause issues with finding campsites in the park though.
Overall, I would say that late spring is probably the best time of year to visit Yosemite. The temperatures are comfortable, rain is rare, and the crowds are lighter than summer. Late autumn is also a great time to visit as spring may still have snow lingering on the trails.
The last thing to consider when planning your visit is that the high elevation roads through the park close for snow. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road both close from winter to whenever the snow melts (usually May or June but it varies). Spring will limit where you can go in the park, so if you really want to explore the high country, wait at least until late June!
Links For Further Reading:
Columbia Rock Trail | Map, Guide – California | AllTrails
How To Hike The Columbia Rock Trail In Yosemite National Park (Epic!)
