Yosemite is the 3rd oldest national park in the United States (Established October 1, 1890), and one of the favorite parks in the world. With over 800 miles of trails, it's a nature-lover's dream. Most visitors spend all of their time in Yosemite Valley, where the most popular sights are, but there are several more amazing areas to discover if you have the time. The park's elevation ranges from 2000ft to 13,114ft (600m to 4,000m), stretching from Giant Sequoia groves housing 200ft trees over 2,000 years old, to breath-taking valleys carved by glaciers, and home to the highest waterfall in America, to high meadows filled with rivers, lakes, and wildflowers. Over 3.5 million people from around the world visit Yosemite each year. The park offers lodging reservations up to 1 year in advance, which are usually booked only a few minutes after the phone lines open up each day.
Many people visit the part to experience the amazing geological features in person, including Half Dome, El Capitan, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Falls and more.
Many people visit the part to experience the amazing geological features in person, including Half Dome, El Capitan, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Falls and more.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Turtleback Dome
Treat yourself to views of Half Dome and the Valley below with no crowds and the view to yourself.
Treat yourself to views of Half Dome and the Valley below with no crowds and the view to yourself.
Easy
1.3 mi/
2.1 km
2.1 km
May Lake
An easy day hike or overnighter to a popular and beautiful subalpine lake.
An easy day hike or overnighter to a popular and beautiful subalpine lake.
Easy
1.3 mi/
2.1 km
2.1 km
McGurk Meadow
An easy hike through a beautiful meadow full of wildflowers in Yosemite National Park
An easy hike through a beautiful meadow full of wildflowers in Yosemite National Park
Easy
2.0 mi/
3.2 km
3.2 km
Inspiration Point, Yosemite NP
Be inspired to swap the Tunnel View crowds for a serene way to experience Yosemite's signature vista.
Be inspired to swap the Tunnel View crowds for a serene way to experience Yosemite's signature vista.
Easy
2.5 mi/
4.0 km
4.0 km
North Dome, Yosemite
A great day hike to the best viewpoint in Yosemite or a perfect overnighter on a granite dome.
A great day hike to the best viewpoint in Yosemite or a perfect overnighter on a granite dome.
Moderate
4.5 mi/
7.2 km
7.2 km
Rancheria Falls
A great early-season dayhike or overnighter past and to some wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite Valley's twin.
A great early-season dayhike or overnighter past and to some wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite Valley's twin.
Moderate
14.0 mi/
23 km
23 km
Ostrander Ski Hut, Yosemite
An exciting winter adventure from the Horizon Ridge Approach in Yosemite National Park
An exciting winter adventure from the Horizon Ridge Approach in Yosemite National Park
Difficult
9.1 mi/
14.6 km
14.6 km
Ostrander Lake
A 12-mile our and back hike to Ostrander Lake in Yosemite National Park
A 12-mile our and back hike to Ostrander Lake in Yosemite National Park
Difficult
12.4 mi/
20.0 km
20.0 km
Clark Range Circuit
A multi-day loop in Yosemite's High Country without the crowds.
A multi-day loop in Yosemite's High Country without the crowds.
Difficult
40 mi/
64 km
64 km
Yosemite Valley
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Bridalveil Fall
A quick walk to a stunning waterfall, believed to be the home to the protector of Yosemite Valley
A quick walk to a stunning waterfall, believed to be the home to the protector of Yosemite Valley
Easy
0.2 mi/
0.3 km
0.3 km
Glacier Point
Drive to the best view in all of Yosemite. This 270-degree view of the Valley, Half Dome, and 3 Falls will amaze you.
Drive to the best view in all of Yosemite. This 270-degree view of the Valley, Half Dome, and 3 Falls will amaze you.
Easy
0.3 mi/
0.5 km
0.5 km
Lower Yosemite Falls
A quick stroll to see the tallest waterfall in Northern America crash down on the rocks below
A quick stroll to see the tallest waterfall in Northern America crash down on the rocks below
Easy
0.3 mi/
0.5 km
0.5 km
Mirror Lake
An easy walk in Yosemite National Park with reflections of Half Dome and wildflowers all around.
An easy walk in Yosemite National Park with reflections of Half Dome and wildflowers all around.
Easy
2.5 mi/
4.0 km
4.0 km
The Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Falls
Hike to two breath-taking waterfalls along Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails
Hike to two breath-taking waterfalls along Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails
Moderate
6.5 mi/
10.5 km
10.5 km
Pohono Trail: Glacier Point to Dewey Point
Excursion above Yosemite Valley with spectacular views all around.
Excursion above Yosemite Valley with spectacular views all around.
Moderate
18.2 mi/
29 km
29 km
Sierra Point
Sierra Point is an old viewpoint on the eastern end of Yosemite Valley from which you can see four waterfalls.
Sierra Point is an old viewpoint on the eastern end of Yosemite Valley from which you can see four waterfalls.
Difficult
1.4 mi/
2.3 km
2.3 km
Upper Yosemite Fall Hike
Enjoy the thrilling views of looking down from the top of Yosemite Fall.
Enjoy the thrilling views of looking down from the top of Yosemite Fall.
Difficult
6.1 mi/
9.8 km
9.8 km
Yosemite Point
A great viewpoint to provide fantatisc views of Yosemite Valley land features, including Half Dome and Lost Arrow Spire.
A great viewpoint to provide fantatisc views of Yosemite Valley land features, including Half Dome and Lost Arrow Spire.
Difficult
8.4 mi/
13.5 km
13.5 km
The Panorama Trail
A mostly-downhill hike with views of Half Dome, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls and the Yosemite Valley
A mostly-downhill hike with views of Half Dome, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls and the Yosemite Valley
Difficult
8.9 mi/
14.3 km
14.3 km
Trailspotting Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's world-class hike. Equal parts challenging and breathtaking, this is the one trail you'll never forget.
Yosemite's world-class hike. Equal parts challenging and breathtaking, this is the one trail you'll never forget.
Difficult
15.5 mi/
25 km
25 km
Half Dome Hike
Yosemite National Park's iconic day hike, with stunning views over Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome.
Yosemite National Park's iconic day hike, with stunning views over Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome.
Difficult
15.7 mi/
25 km
25 km
Wawona and Mariposa Grove, Yosemite
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Wawona Swinging Bridge
A short flat hike to the swinging bridge over a slow-moving river with perfect pools for swimming.
A short flat hike to the swinging bridge over a slow-moving river with perfect pools for swimming.
Easy
0.8 mi/
1.3 km
1.3 km
Wawona Meadow Loop
Take a relaxing stroll around a beautiful meadow with this easy 3.5-mile loop
Take a relaxing stroll around a beautiful meadow with this easy 3.5-mile loop
Easy
3.5 mi/
5.6 km
5.6 km
Lower Chilnualna Fall
A short but steep hike up to the base of Chilnualna Fall in Yosemite National Park
A short but steep hike up to the base of Chilnualna Fall in Yosemite National Park
Moderate
0.9 mi/
1.4 km
1.4 km
Mariposa Grove to Wawona Lodge
Take a closer look at the Wawona wilderness while escaping the crowds on this downhill hike in Yosemite National Park
Take a closer look at the Wawona wilderness while escaping the crowds on this downhill hike in Yosemite National Park
Moderate
5.5 mi/
8.9 km
8.9 km
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Walk among the giants of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite and see some of the biggest and oldest sequoias in the world
Walk among the giants of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite and see some of the biggest and oldest sequoias in the world
Moderate
7.5 mi/
12.1 km
12.1 km
Chilnualna Falls
Hike this lesser-known trail to discover Chilnualna Falls with a wading pool and cascades waiting at the top.
Hike this lesser-known trail to discover Chilnualna Falls with a wading pool and cascades waiting at the top.
Difficult
8.4 mi/
13.5 km
13.5 km
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Tuolumne River
Enjoy a relaxing break to the sounds of the Tuolumne River after this short hike through the meadow
Enjoy a relaxing break to the sounds of the Tuolumne River after this short hike through the meadow
Easy
1.6 mi/
2.6 km
2.6 km
Tuolumne River Loop - Dana and Lyell Forks
An easy 4 miles long loop hike traverses both forks, Dana & Lyell, of Tuolumne River and provides great scenic views.
An easy 4 miles long loop hike traverses both forks, Dana & Lyell, of Tuolumne River and provides great scenic views.
Easy
4.0 mi/
6.4 km
6.4 km
Elizabeth Lake - Yosemite National Park
An glacier-carved alpine lake located at the base of Unicorn Peak offers scenic views and tranquility.
An glacier-carved alpine lake located at the base of Unicorn Peak offers scenic views and tranquility.
Easy
4.6 mi/
7.4 km
7.4 km
Gaylor Peak
A short and enjoyable peak with incredible views near Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park.
A short and enjoyable peak with incredible views near Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park.
Moderate
2.2 mi/
3.5 km
3.5 km
Lembert Dome
Enjoy scenic views of Tuolumne Meadows from the top of the dome.
Enjoy scenic views of Tuolumne Meadows from the top of the dome.
Moderate
2.4 mi/
3.9 km
3.9 km
Tioga Peak
Tioga Peak is a nice and easy peak found near Tioga Pass just east of the Yosemite boundary.
Tioga Peak is a nice and easy peak found near Tioga Pass just east of the Yosemite boundary.
Moderate
2.9 mi/
4.7 km
4.7 km
Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite NP
Worship the great outdoors from the heart of Yosemite National Park.
Worship the great outdoors from the heart of Yosemite National Park.
Moderate
8.0 mi/
12.9 km
12.9 km
Twenty Lakes Loop
A day hike around beautiful lakes in the eastern sierra, just outside the east entrance to Yosemite on Tioga pass.
A day hike around beautiful lakes in the eastern sierra, just outside the east entrance to Yosemite on Tioga pass.
Moderate
8.1 mi/
13.0 km
13.0 km
Upper Young Lakes Loop
Loop trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Upper Young Lake and return.
Loop trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Upper Young Lake and return.
Moderate
14.9 mi/
24 km
24 km
Lyell Canyon-Vogelsang Loop
A tramp through the heart of Yosemite's Cathedral Range.
A tramp through the heart of Yosemite's Cathedral Range.
Moderate
20 mi/
32 km
32 km
Ten Lakes at Yosemite National Park
A three-night, 22-mile hike in the Ten Lakes area of Yosemite National Park
A three-night, 22-mile hike in the Ten Lakes area of Yosemite National Park
Moderate
22 mi/
35 km
35 km
Mt Dana, Yosemite NP
Gaze upon Yosemite National Park from atop the 13,000 foot summit of Mount Dana.
Gaze upon Yosemite National Park from atop the 13,000 foot summit of Mount Dana.
Difficult
5.0 mi/
8.0 km
8.0 km
Day hike to Mt. Dana.
A day hike to Mt. Dana, the second highest mountain in Yosemite National Park, at an elevation of 13061 feet.
A day hike to Mt. Dana, the second highest mountain in Yosemite National Park, at an elevation of 13061 feet.
Difficult
5.2 mi/
8.4 km
8.4 km
Mount Conness
A classic Yosemite peak, highest in the Sierra north of Highway 120 and holding the second largest glacier in Yosemite.
A classic Yosemite peak, highest in the Sierra north of Highway 120 and holding the second largest glacier in Yosemite.
Difficult
9.0 mi/
14.5 km
14.5 km
John Muir Trail: Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows
"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir
"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir
Difficult
21 mi/
34 km
34 km
Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley
A strenuous 2-4 day backcountry trip full of meadows, mountains, and waterfalls
A strenuous 2-4 day backcountry trip full of meadows, mountains, and waterfalls
Difficult
28 mi/
45 km
45 km
Guides
Yosemite National Park's iconic day hike, with stunning views over Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome.
Hike to two breath-taking waterfalls along Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails
Enjoy the thrilling views of looking down from the top of Yosemite Fall.
A mostly-downhill hike with views of Half Dome, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls and the Yosemite Valley
A quick stroll to see the tallest waterfall in Northern America crash down on the rocks below
The best place to enjoy the view of Half Dome from the top.
Gaze upon Yosemite National Park from atop the 13,000 foot summit of Mount Dana.
Worship the great outdoors from the heart of Yosemite National Park.
An easy hike through a beautiful meadow full of wildflowers in Yosemite National Park
Experience deep valleys, sheer cliffs and some of North America's best waterfalls in the country's 3rd National Park
Take a relaxing stroll around a beautiful meadow with this easy 3.5-mile loop
A quick walk to a stunning waterfall, believed to be the home to the protector of Yosemite Valley
Community Trips
Finally... after 4 years in California I had a chance to do the classic Half Dome Hike!We started early, 5.45 AM, went up via the Mist Trail, and got on top 9.30 AM. There was hardly anyone (only one other hiker on top, passed a couple more on the way up).On the way down the herds were coming up, so we were...
Upper Yosemite Fall Hike - Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Village, California, United States
6.1 miles
6.1 miles
Yosemite Valley possesses one of the most beatiful scenary in the world and is particularly renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and giant rocks. Among them, Yosemite Fall is probably the most vistied place in the valley. While most people visit Lower Yosemite Fall only, Upper Yostemite Fall is definitely worthy to pay a visit at least once in a lifetime for its great views on the valley and surroundings. The hike to Upper Yosemite Fall...
On Friday we drove from Wawona down to the Valley and stopped at Glacier Point. The sky was clear and the views were amazing, as expected. A few of us (Me, my Dad, brother, Susan, and Cara) decided to hike down to the Valley along the Panorama Trail and meet the others down there. We started off on our 8.5-mile hike and immediately stopped every few seconds to take another picture, the views were...
If Granite turns you on, Yosmite National Park is the place to be, and the trail to Clouds Rest is one to be on. Clouds Rest (elevation 9926 feet) is one of those summits in
Yosemite National Park from where one can "look down" on Half Dome (elevation 8800 ft) and enjoy a 360 degree panaromic view of Yosemite high peaks. The hike from Tenaya Lake to Clouds rest is a...
Hike up Mist trail, down Muir trail. Long day!
A nearly 13 mile trail, on the Mist Trail, Panorama Trail, and Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park. Full write up at Modern Hiker.
The Ten Lakes hike is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The hike begins at 7500 feet. The walk in is a steady climb, until you reach 9000 feet or so, and then the trail climbs steeply to 9600 feet Ten Lakes Pass. The panoramic view from up there is breathtaking with a view of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and 4 of the 10 lakes. Then one descends...
On Friday October 2nd, my friend and I drove from the Bay Area to Yosemite National Park for a day hike to North Dome. We stayed on North Dome for the sunset on a full moon night. The hike itself was easy and the side trip to Indian Rock arch was good. Total trip time 7 hours and 53 minutes. Hiking time was about 4 hours.
What more could you ask for on a hike up Yosemite falls? Clouds? Wind? Rain? Hail? Snow?! Well, we got it all. It isn't the best idea to hike in shorts and a sleeveless shirt while it's snowing. Despite the poor conditions, the hike was great. There were 2 very steep climbs, but the wonderful views of upper Yosemite Falls and the valley were well worth it....
Easy trip from Tuolomne Meadows, out the Glen Aulin trail down to see the waterfalls. The winter was pretty snow-heavy, so the water levels were awesome. Part of the trail heading out was flooded, but besides the mosquitoes, it just made it that much more of an adventure.Though I believe this is considered a fairly popular route, we saw about 10 or so day hikers on the way to the High Sierra...
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