Hike Columbia Rock (Yosemite)

2 miles - Moderate Effort
1.5-2.5 Hours (Total)
1,050 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 5,031 feet
No Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn by Turn Directions to Hike to Columbia Rock
How to Get to the Columbia Rock Trailhead
Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Snag Permits - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

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.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

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.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

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.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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Upper Yosemite Falls Hike

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Sentinel Dome Hike

Yosemite Hiking Tips

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.