Where is the Columbia Rock Trailhead?

The Columbia Rock Trailhead is located at Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. You can reach it by walking a few minutes from Yosemite Valley Lodge, taking the free green shuttle bus to stop #7, or parking at the small lot by Yosemite Lodge. The trailhead is accessible from the Camp 4 camping area.

What gear is recommended for the Columbia Rock Trail hike?

The Columbia Rock Trail is a steep hike, so it's recommended to wear proper hiking gear, including sturdy footwear. If you don't have hiking gear, fitness clothes or casual wear will suffice. Be sure to bring at least 1L of water, as there is no water available along the trail.

How difficult is the Columbia Rock Trail hike?

Although the Columbia Rock Trail is only 2 miles round-trip, it is a steep hike, gaining about 1,000 feet in elevation. It can take about an hour to complete the climb, depending on your pace. The trail is a bit challenging, but it's manageable for beginners if you take your time.

What can I expect to see on the Columbia Rock Trail hike?

On the Columbia Rock Trail, you'll enjoy expansive views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. The trail features iconic switchbacks, scenic overlooks, and a climb up the valley wall. At the top, you'll reach Columbia Rock, where you can take in the stunning views of Yosemite Valley.

How do I get to the Columbia Rock Trailhead from Yosemite Valley?

To get to the Columbia Rock Trailhead from Yosemite Valley, you can walk a few minutes from the Yosemite Valley Lodge, take the free green shuttle bus to stop #7, or park in the small parking lot near Yosemite Lodge. The trail starts at the Camp 4 area, and you'll follow the Upper Yosemite Falls trail.

How long is the Columbia Rock Trail?

The Columbia Rock Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike, offering an accessible way to experience Yosemite's iconic landscapes and views, without requiring the strenuous effort of longer trails.

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Hike Columbia Rock (Yosemite)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 18, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
Total Climbing: 1050 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Crowded
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Yosemite National Park

If you're not a big hiker but still want to get a taste of what the epic hikes of Yosemite are like, this short, yet specular, hike to Columbia Rock is for you. In just 2 miles (round-trip) you'll get to hike the iconic switchbacks, up the walls of Yosemite Valley, on a trail built by Yosemite's master trail-builder, John Conway. And at the top, you reach Columbia Rock, a scenic overlook with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. The hike is just minutes away from the popular Yosemite Lodge and tourist attractions of the valley.

Getting to the Columbia Rock Trailhead

The hike to Columbia Rock uses the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, which is located at Camp 4 in the Yosemite Valley. To get to the start of the hike, you can

Walk a few minutes from the Yosemite Valley Lodge area
Take the free green shuttle bus to stop #7
Park in the small free lot by Yosemite Lodge
Walk from the Camp 4 camping area if you are staying there

When he was getting his start in the 1960s, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, made and sold climbing gear in the parking lot of Camp 4.

Upper Yosemite Falls Hike Parking — Here are your options to get to the trailhead in Camp 4.

Here's the trailhead address for Camp 4 if you're driving there:
Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

Upper Yosemite Falls Hike 1 — Look for the road conditions sign that marks the entrance to the Camp 4 parking lot. The trailhead is on the other side of the lot.

Upper Yosemite Falls Hike 2 — Once you're in the Camp 4 area, find the camping check in area where you can get water and use the bathrooms, which are the only ones on the hike. A sign points the way from the Camp 4 registration area to the trailhead close by. You're taking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail to Columbia Rock

Gear for the Hike

Don't let the short distance fool you, this is a tough hike, and having proper hiking gear will help. If you don't have hiking gear, use fitness clothes, and in a pinch, you can do this is casual wear. You'll want sturdy footwear no matter what you do to navigate the steep trail. Bring at least 1L of water with you. There is no water available on the trail.

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Columbia Rock Trail Maps

Although the trail to Columbia Rock was first built in 1877, it's actively maintained and popular, and is safe to hike on. It's also easy to follow after a few twists and turns in the beginning. Overall the trail is great for beginners.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Columbia Rock Hike Directions

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 3 — Start at the sign for Upper Yosemite Falls by the Camp 4 registration area.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 4 — The trail gently heads uphill, but the real climbing hasn't started yet.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 5 — When you reach the Valley Loop Trail, make the left.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 6 — And then the quick right onto the upper Yosemite Falls Trail.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 7 — There's a cool trail sign at the beginning of the hike that's a great place to take a photo.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 8 — And now you start climbing. The trail is steep, climbing about 1000 feet in a mile from where you started. Just take your time, don't try to go fast, and enjoy the journey. The climb to Columbia Rock can take about an hour because of the steepness of the trail.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 9 — Some parts of the trail level out and cross rock slides.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 10 — In general there are many switchbacks that take small bites out of climbing the wall of the valley.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 11 — When you get to this point just before Columbia Rock, there's a small (unofficial) trail to a viewpoint down to the right. Many people mistake this for Columbia Rock, but it's not. Continue up the main trail. As you can see, the views start opening up here.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 12 — When you get to this wide-open section, about a mile in, Columbia Rock is off to your right, while the main trail continues going up to the left. Head to the right where the fence is.

Hike Columbia Rock Yosemite Directions 13 — Here you are, Columbia Rock! Enjoy the expansive views up Yosemite Valley and of Half Dome.

When you're done at Columbia Rock, just return the way you came. You can also keep hiking for another 15 minutes or so (uphill) for some great views of Upper Yosemite Falls. Check out my guide to the Upper Yosemite Falls hike to see what that looks like.