Mount Watkins Hike: A Guide To The Best Trail in Yosemite National Park- The Mt. Watkins Hike is one of the must do hikes if visiting Yosemite National Park in California. This hike is great for any type of hiker looking for the best views of the Yosemite Valley. The Mount Watkins hike can be easy, family friendly, and a great alternative to some of the more difficult hikes in the park. This article will give you all the information you need to complete the mt. Watkins Hike, where to stay, how hard, how long, tips, tricks and much more.
Stats
Length: 6 -7 miles miles (9-11 kilometers) round trip
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
Trailhead: Small parking lot near Olmstead Point
Overview
Other Options to Hike to Mount Watkins
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
When To Go
The best time to go on Mt. Watkins hike is June through October. We went at the very end of September and a few weeks later there was a snowstorm that closed Tioga Road.
Tioga road can get snow before the valley and can close to visitors before the Yosemite Valley does.
Going in the shoulder seasons provides cooler weather and less crowds but you will need to keep an eye on storms.
Thunderstorms are another event you might want to avoid. There are not many areas for coverage as a lot of it is granite stone along the trail.
Where To Stay
We booked this trip just a few months out and had a hard time finding affordable accommodations. We ended up in Mariposa, California. We enjoyed our time there and there were many options for restaurants. It was about a 1 hour drive to the Yosemite National Park entrance and about 2 hours to the Parking Lot.
We stayed at the Gateway to Yosemite AirBnB.
How Hard Is The Hike?
I did not find this hike to be difficult. Yosemite has a lot of high incline and decline hikes. The Mount Watkins Hike was pretty smooth. I found it very enjoyable and brought us to some of the best views of our trip to Yosemite National Park. Make sure you check out what we brought, and tips for the hike below. The end has an option hike out to see the Valley closer, I highly recommend this. If you have a fear of heights you can still walk out farther and stop when you are uncomfortable. But it is a very wide area to stop and rest at.
How To Get There
To get to the trailhead you will need to go on Tiago Road. This road is above the Yosemite Valley and typically takes longer from the main entrances to get to.
We used the Yosemite Valley Central Entrance since we were coming from Mariposa, CA. From the entrance it took us about another 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to the trailhead. So make sure you plan for that extra time.
From the West Entrance it may take 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From the East Entrance it may take only 25 minutes.
You will need to get a National Park entrance pass or use an America the Beautiful Park Pass for this hike as it is in park grounds.
When we went in the Fall of 2021 they were still using the reservation system during the busy season. They ended reservations in October and used them again in the winter for the famous Horsetrail Fall glow.
I would believe that they would continue to use the reservation system in the high season, check their website to see if you need one.
The Route
Parking
When we went on this trail in the Fall of 2021, there were a few parking spots at this parking lot. And a few spots across the road. We went early in the morning and there was only one other car in the parking area.
Some people even hike this from Olmsted Point.
There are no restrooms located at this trailhead or along the hike. There are bear bears located at the trailhead though.
Start
The beginning of the trail was a little confusing for us as there was some construction going on when we went. We started at the sign stating ‘Yosemite Valley 8.7 miles’. The best way to stay on the correct trail is to look for the license plate marks on the trees.
From the small parking lot facing the Yosemite Valley you will immediately head right up a small hill. Then it will turn towards the left towards the Valley.
The trail dips into pine trees and has some open areas of sun exposure to make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen.
The trail is a pretty easy trail to hike, there are not too many big elevation climbs or descents. It is well maintained and easy to follow once you are on it. I thoroughly enjoyed this hike ion the brisk morning.
We only saw a handful of people on this trial the entire time.
Mount Watkins Peak
You will actually reach the peak of Mount Watkins soon out of the woods, but I would recommend walking the extra half mile to see the best views of this hike, the Yosemite Valley below.
Once through the trees you will have a slight incline and it will open up to the Yosemite Valley. You will be able to see Cloud’s Rest on your left. And as you walk further you will see Half Dome on your left after Cloud’s Rest.
Hike Extension
As you walk closer to Half Dome the Yosemite Valley will come into view. We could point out some places we went the days before, Sentinel Dome, Washburn Point, Taft’s Point and more.
This is a great place to eat lunch, take some photos and rest your feet before heading back.
Once ready you can take the same trail back to your car.
This hike is truly a great hike for any novice hiker.
Other Options to Hike to Cloud’s Rest
A Through Hike
You can actually hike from Mt. Watkins down to the Yosemite Valley Floor, or vice versa. Which would be a steep 2,500 vertical full of switchbacks and is very exposed. You can read on Summit Post for more about hiking to Mount Watkins from the Yosemite Valley floor
Split it into a Two Day Hike
We saw a few people setting up camp along the hike. It would be awesome to spend the night here checking on the dark sky and stars at night.
Tips For The Hike
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part in Yosemite. We did not carry bear spray while on any hikes in Yosemite. We did not see any moose or bear along these hikes. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on any of these hikes.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that. Going early also helps you secure a parking space as well.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle on most longer hikes.
Hiking Poles– my husband never used hiking poles but I find them very valuable to me knees for those uphills and downhills at the beginning of the high elevation hikes.
Layers– You never know what the weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential, being on the rock face with not much shade can be a bad combo on a sunny day.
Bear Spray– We did not bring any during this trip but some people like to, and I had attached a bear bell on to my backpack.
Bug Spray– Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much during this time of year it is always smart to carry some with you.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top of some wide open areas. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Cloud’s Rest Hike– One of the more difficult hikes in Yosemite, but some of the best views. If looking for a more difficult, all day trek check out Cloud’s Rest. This is a great alternative if you were not able to hike Half Dome.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
One Week Out West: Exploring Utah National Parks
10 Days in Washington State: A National Park Guide
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The Cloud’s Rest Hike in Yosemite National Park
