Yosemite trails Hike this lesser-known trail to discover Chilnualna Falls with a wading pool and cascades waiting at the top. Whatever your riding experience level, don’t miss the chance to set out on horseback and experience Yosemite the way it was meant to be seen. Pacific Time seven days in advance of a trip start date. Now some 50 years later we have shortened our name to Yosemite Trails but very little else has changed. Nov 8, 2024 · Find out how to hike in different areas of Yosemite, from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows. The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trail to explore with a great range of elevation, ecological zones, and solitude. 1 mi / 1. This is a land of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs. Dec 5, 2023 · Distance: approximately 1. 8 mi (7. 7 km) one way to Glacier Point. Fish Camp, CA 93623 Jun 2, 2025 · The Four Mile Trail starts on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, with the Four Mile Trailhead located off Southside Drive between Swinging Bridge and Sentinel Beach. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is Yosemite’s most popular hike, but it shouldn’t be missed. 0 miles). With alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and numerous granite domes similar to the ones you find hiking in San Diego, it’s a high-altitude wonderland. com Summaries and links to detailed reviews for more than 60 day hikes in Yosemite and nearby areas Apr 25, 2025 · There are 750 miles of trails, from short paved paths leading to valley views to epic trails that take you up to waterfalls or along the valley floor. Nov 25, 2024 · Trail. Lower Yosemite Falls . See full list on alltrails. 5 miles (18. Picture waterfalls cascading down cliffs sculpted over millennia. It’s always a good idea to check the park website or talk to a ranger at a visitor center to find out if the trail you want to hike is open or closed because of trail maintenance, wildlife sightings or weather-related damage. Easy. The top of Nevada Fall may be reached by continuing 1. Feb 18, 2018 · Mirror Lake is great in all seasons! Bridalveil Fall* A short, paved trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall. Mar 10, 2022 · The best hike for casual hikers in Yosemite National Park is Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail (6. Explore the most popular trails in my list Hikes for all Yosemite with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Learn about the distance, elevation, difficulty and guides for each trail, and book a place to stay after your hike. 7338125,-119. Donor gifts help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, inspire the next generation of nature-lovers and more. 5 mi / 0. 4 days ago · Imagine a cathedral carved from granite, where sunlight streams through ancient sequoia groves. My biggest gripe with this trail is the downhill portion — the rock/sand made coming downhill feel treacherous, and my knees were feeling quite strained by the end. Each map will provide different information about the park. With over 800 miles of trails, Yosemite National Park invites you to explore stunning peaks, cascading waterfalls, and scenic valleys. 25 miles/3. Trailhead Coordinates: 37. 2 miles, round trip Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet Difficulty: Strenuous This is one of the oldest trails in the park. Learn about trail mileages, wildflowers, snowshoe and cross-country trails, and tips for staying safe and respecting the environment. Yosemite was the favorite stomping ground for John Muir, the father of the modern-day outdoors movement. pery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Check weather and trail conditions before you start. It is believed the first white men who used the Indian Trails were Captain Boling and soldiers of the Mariposa Battalion in search of Teneiya’s band of Indians. The ascent was tedious but rewarding, with great/unique views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls at the top. 6039596, map Distance: 7. Yosemite Hikes. We put together this list of Yosemite hikes so you can maximize your time among the park’s granite monoliths, waterfalls, lakes, and towering sequoias. Congratulations on reaching this page! Your presence here indicates an interest in knowing where you're going, a trait that gives you a survival edge over many Yosemite visitors. Bridalveil Fall Trail. Mar 22, 2023 · Trail Tips:. This nearly flat hike takes you through two meadows in the heart of Yosemite Valley, crosses the Merced River twice - including a trip over the iconic Swinging Bridge (at left) - and provides multiple views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Related Guides; How To Hike Half Dome – The hike up to Half Dome, towering over the Yosemite Valley at 8846 feet, is one of the great bucket list hikes. Sep 23, 2024 · Tackling the best hikes in Yosemite National Park is really the only way to get even a small sense of its grandeur. Sep 6, 2024 · Yosemite is well-known for its epic hikes and viewpoints, but have you ever thought of opting to explore the park via bike? Yosemite Valley hosts 12+ miles of paved bike/pedestrian paths that offer visitors a unique type of adventure. May 21, 2025 · Here are some of our favorite trails to explore in Yosemite National Park. Top Hikes in Yosemite National Park. In order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips. 6 km round trip):. 6 km (entire loop) Apr 21, 2025 · While park rangers can provide general guidance, they will not plan a wilderness trip for you; you must plan your own trip. Difficulty. Mar 11, 2024 · Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls as viewed from halfway up the trail Trail Overview. Permit Demand: High. Top Experiences in Yosemite National Park. There is one road that loops through the Valley, linking car parks and villages to the hiking trails and viewpoints. Choose from guided hikes, custom group treks, or the iconic Half Dome climb for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For the best day hikes in Yosemite, stay for one to three days and experience popular trails like Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, or Sentinel Dome. 0. Talk to a ranger or one of our volunteers to get the latest information, and respect any trail closures or restrictions. The heart of Yosemite is Yosemite Valley. Many of the things Yosemite is famous for are here: El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls, the Mist Trail, the tunnel view. Jun 5, 2017 · Mist Trail. Aug 6, 2023 · Yosemite National Park, a true gem of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Distance: 1. Is this The Amazing Race or Yosemite?” – @HaleyFenner True to its name, Mist Trail provides refreshing sprinkles of Sierra Nevada mountain water as hikers climb what’s known as nature’s “giant staircase” alongside the 317-foot Vernal Fall. The Mist Trail, a popular short hike in Yosemite, follows the Merced River, starting at Happy Isles, past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool, to Nevada Fall. Hike the Mist Trail. Yosemite Trails is located 2 miles outside of Yosemite's south entrance, near the small community of Fish Camp. Feb 24, 2025 · Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest. Explore one of 32 easy hiking trails in Yosemite Valley or discover kid-friendly routes for your Buy Tickets Online for our 1 & 2 hour Western Horseback Rides or join us for our exclusive day ride to the giant redwoods inside Yosemite's Mariposa Grove. We still bring our American Quarter Horses and Black Angus cattle to the mountains in the spring and gather them from the high country every autumn before the snow fall. Looking for the best hiking trails in Yosemite Valley? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 226 scenic trails in the Yosemite Valley area. From the roaring waterfalls of spring along the Mist Trail to the golden hues of autumn along the Valley Loop Trail, each hike offers a unique perspective on the park’s stunning landscapes. The John Muir Trail passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. 2 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 55 feet Trail Info. 1 mile. 5 km) one way. m. Probably the best way to experience the grandeur of Yosemite National Park is by hiking or backpacking through it’s fields, forests, and paths. Chilnuala Falls is a well-kept secret in Yosemite, simply because the majority of visitors to Yosemite National Park don't venture out of the Valley. Some brochures also have maps (including hiking maps for some areas of the park). Even in late spring, snow and ice may linger on some open trails. Photo Cred: @HaleyFenner “Biked 15 miles, climbed up a waterfall & even river rafted 12 miles. Distance: 11. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park year-round with our guide to the top hikes for every season. This 2. As you walk towards This is a short steep hike to Columbia Rock with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley along the Yosemite Upper Falls Trail. It can be hard to pick which to tackle. Distance: 4. He would bring contemporaries like Jul 15, 2019 · Keep in mind that many of the best hikes in Yosemite listed here are in higher elevations, above 8,000 feet. gov at 7 a. 6 mi (15. Nov 13, 2019 · Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. 5. High elevation hiking can cause altitude sickness with symptoms like light-headedness, shortness of breath and headache. Elevation: 3,200 ft (975 m) elevation gain Yosemite Hikes Home » Trail Maps Yosemite Trail Maps. Open year-round, this trail is easy but icy in the winter. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Sentinel & Cook's Meadow Loop (2. There are over 800 miles of Yosemite hikes in the park, and there's something for everyone. Yosemite hikes are an unrivalled experience, and it seems that most outdoor enthusiasts agree, as this iconic Californian pearl is one of the United States’ most popular national parks, attracting over four million visitors each year. 9. Sharing a trailhead with Upper Yosemite Falls, Columbia Rock Trail is located in the Sunnyside campground (Camp 4). Learn more about the Mist Trail with maps, photos and more. Look for signs labeled “Four Mile Trail. Apr 15, 2025 · A dramatic area crammed with goose-bump-inducing vistas, shimmering lakes, towering waterfalls, soaring striped granite boulders and vast emerald-green forests, Yosemite National Park is a beacon for the world’s hiking community. 9 km), loop ⏱️ Time: 25 minutes Difficulty: easy Starting point: the trailhead is located near the Yosemite Valley Lodge One of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park due to its easy path and scenic beauty, you’ll love this 30-minute loop out to Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (see trail map). I like to get away from the crowds as much as I can, but this hike was 100% worth the trail traffic! Explore the most popular trails in my list Yosemite Hiking Trails with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Buy Tickets Online for our 1 & 2 hour Western Horseback Rides or join us for our exclusive day ride to the giant redwoods inside Yosemite's Mariposa Grove. Bring plenty of water. That is Yosemite. The Mist Trail takes you to two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. While the park offers a plethora of challenging trails for experienced hikers, there are also plenty of options for those seeking a more leisurely exploration. 2 miles (1. Stretch your legs on this hike to Lower Yosemite Falls. Can be accessed via the parking lot or on the side of Southside Drive across from the El Capitan viewpoint. ” Dec 23, 2023 · May Lake Trail and Mount Hoffmann May Lake . 3 osemite National Park A quick stroll to see Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northern America and 5th in the world, crash down on the rocks below. The number of days you need for Yosemite National Park hiking depends on the specific trails you plan to explore. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Trailhead Dec 29, 2024 · View of Upper Yosemite Fall and Half Dome from trail Trail Overview Columbia Rock. If you're looking for a short but scenic hike along the Tioga Road, May Lake Trail is the perfect option. Our Impact Thanks to supporters, we’ve provided over $172 million to Yosemite for more than 900 completed projects. Ready to discover the best Yosemite horseback riding options? Here’s a comprehensive guide to horseback riding in Yosemite. 5 km) round trip. May 27, 2025 · Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or when they are impassable due to rockfall, snow, ice, or fire. May 26, 2022 · Picking a map for a national park trip can be a personal choice. Distance. Highlights: Valley Views. Apr 28, 2025 · A variety of digital map files is available via the NPS Data Store. 2 km) round trip Elevation: 1,000 ft (328 m) elevation gain Difficulty: Moderate Yosemite Valley: This is the place people are usually thinking of when they think about Yosemite. For some Yosemite adventures, it is essential to have the right kind of map – and to know how to use it properly in the field. Jun 7, 2018 · 5. Of all the hikes on this list, maybe one other begins with a view as soul stirring as the one you get standing on the beach at the southwest corner of Tenaya Lake, gazing across its waters—often mirror-like in the calm of early morning—at a turbulent sea of granite domes and cliffs. 14 miles, 1,800 feet up and down. 7910 Jackson/Big Sandy Rd. 8 km (round trip) 80 ft / 24 m. CHAPTER V Yosemite Trails. Fish Camp, CA 93623 May 9, 2024 · Trail Description. So, we have made it a little easier for you to narrow down the best hikes in Yosemite! Find the best hikes in Yosemite National Park and Mariposa County, from Half Dome to lakes and waterfalls. In addition to the paved roadside attractions, there are short yet iconic hikes, medium-length adventures into the wilderness, and classic bucket-list day hikes. If you’re looking for Yosemite with more alpine views and fewer crowds, Tuolumne Meadows is my favorite place in the park. You'll pass iconic waterfalls, hike through majestic sequoias, and then pull yourself up steel cables to stand at the summit. Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet (335 m). Distance: 2 miles (3. Aug 25, 2017 · Best Things to Do in Yosemite Famous Yosemite Landmarks. Hiking is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this natural wonderland. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards. May 31, 2025 · The remaining 40 percent of permits are made available at recreation. Popular trailheads—including Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley and most of the trailheads in the Tuolumne Meadows area—fill very quickly after becoming available. . In this post, I’ve detailed 27 of Yosemite's best hikes, ranging from difficult to easy, that give you epic views of Whether you are looking for a few easy day hikes or planning a multi-day backpacking adventure, nothing feels quite like the satisfaction you experience when you ascend your final switchback and reach the wide-open vantage points that overlook the Yosemite Valley – like Glacier Point, Upper Yosemite Fall s and Artist Point. Jan 18, 2024 · Almost 95% of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and connection. Apr 11, 2025 · Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire United States, and one of the best ways to tour the park is via one of its many amazing hiking trails. Elevation Gain. It’s a tough 7+ mile round trip hike to see both waterfalls. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. 5-mile round-trip hike gains about 500 feet in elevation, and it's a steady climb up to the lake. This also happens to be one of the most popular loop hiking trails in Yosemite, largely because of the moderate distance (expect a 3-4 hour hike) and incredible views you’ll access from the top of the two waterfalls along the trail. rhe bksyak rnm kzed zsnie qiyhftp nyjbs axge tyrnc igsq