Columbia Rock Trail Hiker Reviews

Date: February 2018

So this was our last hike of our first visit to Yosemite and it was definitely a great way to go out on a high. As it was winter we had spent the majority of our stay nearer to the valley floor. The only bits of elevation gain we attempted were this and Vernal Footbridge.

Switchbacks are the name of the game here. It's pretty constant and reasonably steep. The path is in pretty good condition overall but requires attention in some parts. There are a few parts where the trees open out and you get some good views but it's mostly behind the tree line (probably a help in the summer) and wow, it's nothing compared to the view at the destination. You don't really get much preparation for it either. Just a sudden opening and then a few more corners and WOW amazing and BIG views.

Although we're both reasonably fit, my wife and I needed a few stops on the way up, even in the pleasant winter temperatures. Ok, me more than her...

But it was absolutely worth the effort. A clear unobstructed view out across the valley with Half Dome directly in front of you. We had a really cool looking bird of prey circling around us for a while. I got an amazing photo of it just above my wife while she looked out at the view.

It's a reasonably tough walk up but definitely one you should do. I just wish I'd have known about hiking a little further after Columbia Rock to get the view of Yosemite Falls too.

Next time...

Tough hike, but the views are worth it! But don’t stop at Columbia Rock. Hike 15-20 minutes more and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Upper Yosemite Falls!

A great walk. As long as you are in reasonable condition and take it at a pace that suits you then the climb is achievable. As a lot of it is in trees the autumn colors were lovely and the views for the last quarter are great. We were delighted to see a large Bobcat from a distance of 10-15 meters and got some good photos of it. We had a picnic lunch on the rock, which is identifiable by small metal railings. The descent was quicker but watch your footing as much of the path is stone steps and rocks which were covered in dust/loose earth. Our round trip, which included many stops to rest and look at the views took just under 3 hours.

I thought I could do this hike and wasn't having any problems until I got a little over 3/4 of the way up. There was a break in the trees and I noticed how high up we were, and I noticed that I soon began paying attention to how narrow the trail was and the steepness of the mountain side. Fearing that an anxiety attack was about to take over, I sat down where I could and tried to remain calm (and breathe) while my hubby went on without me. For those with a fear of heights, do not attempt this hike! Luckily I made it down without any problems, forcing myself to not look over the edge!

We went to Yosemite Valley with another family recently and we have 4 children ages 1.5-5. We carried the little one, but the other three (ages 3, 4, and 5) were able to do this hike with plenty of bribes and breaks. It was a highlight of our trip and the kids felt like they accomplished something BIG! I would recommend this hike if you have kids who are ready to go beyond Bridalveil and the meadows.

We did this hike around 9:30am in springtime, so we avoided crowds and had no problem with traffic on the path.

This is an honest-to-goodness mountain hike, and it will wear you out! The panoramic view of Yosemite Valley from Columbia Rock (or Columbia Point, as it’s also known) is definitely worth the effort, however.

We continued climbing beyond this vista until we could glimpse the top of Upper Yosemite Fall, and the extra distance was well worth it – quite a sight!

Trailhead isn’t particularly easy to find; walk through the Camp 4 parking lot ‘til you see the large sign. And don’t think that the hike back down will be much easier than the hike up – in some ways, it’s harder (especially on the knees)!

We couldn’t believe how many people were attempting to hike/climb this trail in inappropriate footwear (sections of the trail are quite rocky, so hiking boots that provide ankle support are advisable), very little water, etc. We seriously doubt most of those folks made it anywhere near Columbia Rock/Point – what a shame they missed such an awesome view!

Definitely do this hike; just be sure A) you’re in good shape, B) you’re wearing hiking boots (or at least hiking shoes), and C) you take plenty of water and energy snacks (nutrition bars, beef jerky, etc.) so you’ll have the physical stamina and mental concentration to make it back down safely. Also, sunscreen is a must – and bug spray isn’t a bad idea, either!

Plan this hike for early in the day (before it gets too hot), then head back to the lodge for a well-deserved nap!

You may be disappointed in the views from Columbia Rock. But if you climb a couple of hundred feet higher beyond the rock, the trail actually levels off and you can proceed easily toward the base of upper Yosemite Falls. Here you get spectacular views of the upper fall, well worth the extra effort. Don't forget your camera for this part, but be prepared for mist and wetness as you get to the base of the falls. Carry a plastic bag to protect that camera.

Lots of switchbacks that end with a good view of the Valley. Trouble is, the falls, in season, are roaring....and you want to go on. In fact you'll be strongly tempted to go on if you have the legs. Bring extra water and snacks because once half way at Columbia, you'll want more-- the ultimate that comes with the Upper Falls trail. That's what happened to me. VERY glad I continued on...but with only half a hike's worth of water, I was THIRSTY when I finally got back to the trailhead at the bottom.

And, to be balanced, if you stop at Columbia Rock, you will still have had a lovely, worthwhile hike and a nice workout for the legs & lungs.

A win/win hike!