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An east-west journey filled with panoramic viewpoints and few people.


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Map Key

12.9

Miles

20.7

KM

78%

Runnable

7,753' 2,363 m

High

4,424' 1,348 m

Low

1,874' 571 m

Up

4,736' 1,443 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Glacier Point Road closes due to snow, usually from sometime in November through late May or early June. There is no overnight parking on the Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass after October 15; please plan accordingly.

Runner Notes

The final descent on this route is quite steep - watch your step!

Description

Runners can access the southern rim of the Valley with destinations like Bridalveil Creek and Taft Point from the Wawona Tunnel or Glacier Point. This trail travels west along the south rim of the Valley, leading to beautiful vistas, such as Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Dewey Point, and Inspiration Point.

Pohono is perfect for those interested in running a trail with fewer people AND stunning views. The spectacular peaks of the Clark Range are the backdrop to these vistas.

An optional 0.5 mile (0.8 km) side trail gains the summit of Sentinel Dome after approximately 1 mile of running from Glacier Point.

Most commonly used as a one-way (downhill) from Glacier Point, the Pohono Trail rewards runners with several viewpoints of Yosemite Valley from the south rim. East to west, these views include Taft Point, Dewey Point, Crocker Point, and Stanford Point.

Starting from Glacier Point, head west on Pohono Trail. From here there is a short rise to an intersection with Sentinel Dome Trail (take that if you're interested in a side trip). From Sentinel Dome, Pohono undulates often, generally trending downhill, however.

Bypass the intersection at ~2.7mi with Taft Point Connector and continue west. Be sure, however, not to miss Taft Point itself. The views are stunning. From there, only McGurk Meadow Trail and Dewey Point Trail intersect Pohono.

Of course, in classic Yosemite fashion, this run's crescendo culminates at its end - Tunnel View. Even though this trailhead is a crowded parking area it hosts absolutely stunning vistas of the surrounding Yosemite Valley.

Flora & Fauna

Longer trips such as this are generally characterized by rolling, forested terrain, meadows, wildflower extravaganzas, and fewer crowds.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 22 votes

#162

Overall
  4.7 from 22 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
5%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#15

in California

#162

Overall
5 Views Last Month
13,266 Since May 7, 2015
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Photos

Yosemite Valley
Aug 25, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Yosemite Valley as seen from Tunnel View.
Oct 26, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Tunnel View Sunset
Aug 16, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
A view from Crocker Point over the edge. You can see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, 3 Brothers, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and other famous formations. It's a great view looking back up the valley.
Mar 5, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View.
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
The panoramas from Pohono Trail are pretty nice...
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA

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