Yosemite Valley’s popular trails allow access to spectacular views of the park’s iconic features. Through this grant, Conservancy donors supported restoration and repairs on many of these legendary trails, which are affected each year by heavy use and damaging winter weather.

In 2016, work included:

  • completing critical seasonal work on the Mist, John Muir, Four Mile, Yosemite Falls and Valley Loop trails to create safe, enjoyable hiking experiences for visitors;
  • restoration and construction of walls, tread, switchbacks, terraces and other features on the Four Mile Trail, to repair damage from rockslides and prevent erosion; and
  • improvements to the popular trailhead near Happy Isles that provides access to the John Muir and Mist trails, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Half Dome, with work focused on enriching visitors’ experiences by upgrading trail surfaces, constructing a new multi-tier wall, and other activities.

Your gifts supported crucial restoration work to create safer, more enjoyable hiking experiences and protect natural resources. Thank you for supporting your park!

Completed in partnership with Yosemite National Park.

 

Brian Mattos

Facility Management, Roads & Trails, Yosemite National Park

Project Notes

Every year, a crew of NPS trails employees assesses, maintains and repairs the Valley Trails after a winter of snow fall, falling rocks, tree falls and other damage. In addition to work on the popular Valley trails, critical repairs will take place on the historic John Muir Trail, one of the most heavily utilized in the park, with an average of over 85,000 visitors each month during the summer.