INFORMATION AND PERMITS: This trip is in Yosemite National Park: wilderness permits and bear canisters are required; pets and firearms are prohibited. Quotas apply, with 60% of permits reservable online up to 24 weeks in advance and 40% available first-come, first-served starting at 11 a.m. the day before your trip’s start date. Fires are prohibited above 9,600 feet. See nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm for more details.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: This trailhead is in Yosemite Valley at the entrance to Camp 4, a campground, and is located approximately across Northside Drive from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Overnight hikers must park in the hiker parking lot, located along the road to Happy Isles, or in the large Curry Village parking area. To reach the hiker lot you continue briefly past the NO ACCESS signs at the start of the Happy Isles Loop Road and then turn to your right at the trailhead parking signs. From here, you must retrace your steps to Curry Village to catch the shuttle bus. Take the bus to stop 7, Camp 4. There are toilets and water faucets in the campground.