"What an incredible hike! We started early, around 4:30 am, to make the most of the day. If you're tackling the Mist Trail up and Muir Trail down, definitely bring a rain jacket or a change of clothes — you'll get wet on the Mist Trail. I found it helpful to mentally break the hike into sections: Trailhead Vernal Falls – lots of steep, wet steps! Nevada Falls – the last bathroom stop. Little Yosemite Valley – the final chance to filter water from the Merced River. Subdome – more challenging than the cables, with steep switchbacks and limited shade, but small rest stops under rocks. Cables – bring a climbing harness, via ferrata set, and gloves — they’ll make the final push much easier! I didn’t have a permit, but after trying the lottery and not getting lucky, I hiked to Subdome and politely asked fellow hikers if they had an extra spot. It took about an hour, but I finally got on someone’s permit. If you're having trouble with permits, don’t worry — with a little patience and a friendly ask, you’ll likely find a spot!" — BrotherGoldenHair • Jun 24, 2024

"A nice long hike on the 4 Mile Trail. I started at 6 AM and ended the hike at 11 AM. I saw the iconic trailhead sign and hiked up the switchbacks. After a little bit I saw my first views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls and the first stream on the trail with a small waterfall. Then I climbed up the trail and saw insane views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls. Then I climbed past a rockfall danger gate and passed through my first pine forest. Then I visited Union Point. Union Point has an epic view. Then I went up the switchbacks and then got insane views of Half Dome. Then I summited Half Dome while crossing a raring small stream near the summit. The summit has plenty of cool buildings and the views are INSANE!!! Great hike. " — lc444 • Jul 10, 2023

"Very nice hike . As soon as you pass the falls junction the crowd disappears and I only saw one other person the whole time . Eagles peak is a nice a little side trail off from el cap that is worth taking . El cap itself is very beautiful with a great view of half dome . Hardest part is definitely just getting to the falls junction with all the switchbacks once you get past that it’s quite easy. Saving north dome and Yosemite point for another trip but bagging all four of those ina day would be a killer line" — joshortman • Oct 23, 2022

"Very nice hike . As soon as you pass the falls junction the crowd disappears and I only saw one other person the whole time . Eagles peak is a nice a little side trail off from el cap that is worth taking . El cap itself is very beautiful with a great view of half dome . Hardest part is definitely just getting to the falls junction with all the switchbacks once you get past that it’s quite easy. Saving north dome and Yosemite point for another trip but bagging all four of those ina day would be a killer line" — joshortman • Oct 23, 2022

"Started from Tenaya Lake, over Clouds Rest and into the Valley. Long day, but worth every step! The view is one of the best in the Yosemite Valley. This is the perfect kick-a$$ hike, and will wipe away any stresses you may have carried when starting." — colleenmarie512 • Jul 2, 2022