Yosemite National Park. Home to some of the most iconic landscapes, intricate wildlife dynamics, and epic hikes.
Most people picture Yosemite Valley when they think of Yosemite National Park. Which makes sense – over four million people a year visit Yosemite National Park, and the most popular destination for visitors from around the world is the iconic Yosemite Valley. Incidentally, do not be surprised if you encounter not only crowded trails, but also road traffic leading into the Park.
However, there are other aspects of the park that attract less visitors, offering hikers a more isolated experience even during the busiest months at Yosemite (which, by the way are May through October – even though Yosemite National Park is open all year).
At nearly 1,200 square miles in total, the best hikes in Yosemite bring upon beautiful imagery, high waterfalls, deep meadows, and miles and miles of landscape. Yosemite attracts everyone from pleasant hikers to hardcore climbers.
Here we will break down some of the top-rated hikes in Yosemite National Park. Regardless of what you are looking for, one of these hikes will have it for you.
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Day Hikes
Day hikes might often be on the “easier” side of the spectrum when it comes to hikes in Yosemite, but that does not mean they should be overlooked – these day hikes offer some of the best views while hiking Yosemite. Whether you are camping or just visiting for the day, strap on your hiking boots and let’s go:
1. Bridalveil Fall Trail
Although the hike at the Bridalveil Fall Trail might be the shortest, this half-mile round-trip hike offers a stunning view of the first waterfall you will see in Yosemite National Park. The 620-foot waterfall, Bridalveil Fall, flows year-round. And, chances are, you will get sprayed from the “bridal veil” fog that the fall emits, year-round (but especially during spring). This may cause slippery rocks, but other than that hazard, the trail is easy and safe for most people. This hike is accessible to nearly everyone, but it is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
If you are interested in seeing this epic waterfall, but are not keen on crowds (or short hikes), then no need to worry or compromise your plans – Bridalveil Fall is visible from several areas of the park, including Southside Drive, Northside Drive, the Tunnel View, and the Gates of the Valley.
2. Mirror Lake Trail
It is true that Yosemite National Park is most known for its waterfalls – however, that does not mean that you would not be impressed by other views Yosemite has to offer.
For example, take the Mirror Lake Trail – this 2-7 mile hike is great for those people who want a longer, but still pleasant, hike. The trail to Mirror Lake begins at the Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17), and offers an out and back trail to Mirror Lake. This trail is 2 miles round-trip, but visitors have the option to hike further along the Mirror Lake Loop Trail, adding roughly 5 miles.
Despite the length of this hike, the Mirror Lake Loop Trail is relatively easy. This trail gains elevation of 100 feet as you stroll around the lake.
Although the Mirror Lake Loop trail is accessible (and beautiful) all year-round, the Lake is most filled during spring, as it is snow melt season. During the summer, Mirror Lake can be dry – but do not let this stop you from taking this hike. Mirror Lake is the name of the trail, but not the only scenic view – the Mirror Lake Loop Trail offers a holistic vista of Yosemite National Park, giving you sights of meadows, trees, and the iconic Mount Watkins in the distance.
3. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
Did you know Yosemite Falls is North America’s tallest waterfall? Yosemite Falls stands high at over 2,400 feet – and falls in staggering steps.
The good news is you do not have to hike far to see part of the majestic Yosemite Falls. The Lower Yosemite Fall (or bottom step, still towering at 320 feet) is accessible via a one-mile round-trip hike – and with minimal elevation gain (50 feet).
Like the Bridalveil Fall Trail, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is highly accessible for most people. There is a wheelchair accessible path, which leads from the main parking lot.
The only thing that might stop you from hiking this trail would be the time of year – Yosemite Falls stops flowing mid- to late- summer, depending on the snow melt rate of that year. We recommend that visitors to Yosemite complete this hike if they are present during winter or early spring to truly appreciate the Yosemite Falls in all of its glory. Pro tip – during the winter, the Lower Yosemite Falls trail is exposed to direct sunlight – making this hike a great option compared to other trails that might be icy and inaccessible to you.
4. Sentinel Dome Trail
The Sentinel Dome is one of the most enjoyable Yosemite trails to hike. It offers incredible views and doesn’t require that much physical effort to get to enjoy them. At about 4,000 feet from the valley you’ll be able to look miles into the distance and see other sites like the Half Dome and many of the Yosemite National Park waterfalls.
If you’re looking for some of the best backpacking in Yosemite, this is a great place to find it as well. The hike is barely more than two miles long and you only gain about 400 feet in elevation during it. This trail also has some historical significance if you’re into that type of thing.
Apparently it has one of the most historic Yosemite National Park pics ever taken. Ansel Adams’ picture of the Jeffrey Pine was taken on this trail and you can actually still see the tree to this day.
The trail starts at Glacier Point Road and runs south to Yosemite Valley. If you’re in Yosemite Village, it will take about an hour to drive but this trail is usually less crowded than some of the others.
5. May Lake Trail and Mount Hoffmann
If you only have a little time but are still looking for a Yosemite day hike, the May Lake Trail and Mount Hoffmann is a great one. Keep in mind that Tioga Road needs to be open for this hike to be available. It’s a 2.5-mile round trip hike that’ll take a few hours. You only gain approximately 500 feet in elevation during the hike and it’s a steady climb that stays consistent throughout.
Once you reach Lake May you can relax, sit back, and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of Yosemite. If you’re interested in taking things up a notch you can tackle an additional 3.5.miles by hiking up to Mount Hoffmann. You’ll get some breathtaking views from up there making it a top Yosemite hike and popular tourist destination.
If you’re a photographer, frequent traveler, or drone operator, you’ll want to capture images of Yosemite National Park from Mount Hoffmann. They surely will not disappoint.
Moderate Hikes
6. Upper Yosemite Falls
If you are looking for a slightly more challenging (and therefore, slightly less crowded) opportunity to view Yosemite Falls, you can continue from the Lower Falls Trail to the top of Yosemite Falls. This hike is roughly 7.2 miles with 2,700 feet in elevation gain, which makes this a more moderate- to difficult- ranked day hike.
The trail begins behind the wooded Camp 4 (Sunnyside Campground, along the Valley Loop Trail), which is about a quarter of a mile from the Lower Yosemite Falls trail. However, if you are not camping at this site, you might have to walk from the Lower Yosemite Falls main parking area (which, of course, would merely inconvenience you with a majestic preview of Yosemite Falls, as you pass the Lower Yosemite fall).
The hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is exposed over the treeline, so be prepared for lots of sun, and a lot of steep climbing as you ascend. The hike is rated for this steep incline, which leads to a stream crossing. Be sure to check the weather conditions before you hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, because the time of year (and snow melt) could affect the levels of the stream – and, as such, the hazards associated with crossing it.
The trail continues for several miles, and features switchbacks, granite steps, and sandy surfaces. Once at the top, you will certainly understand the magnitude of Yosemite Falls – the peak offers you cliff-edge views of Yosemite Falls, from the very top, which was certainly worth the climb.
Credit: Yosemite.com
7. The Panorama Trail
The Panorama Trail is aptly named, as it offers a stunning panoramic view of Yosemite National Park and all of its magnificence.
The trail begins at Glacier Point Road, and continues for 8 and a half miles – one way. It also includes a 3,700 foot gain in elevation, making this hike moderate- to difficult- ranked. However, the hike is mostly downhill (if you start from Glacier Point) – giving some of your muscles a “break” compared to other hikes at Yosemite.
The Panorama Trail is pocketed between the Glacier Point Trail and the Mist Trail (see below), which makes this trail slightly crowded at times. The views, however, are totally worth it.
Again, the best time to see the falls along the Panorama Trail is during the busiest season – late spring, early summer, during the snow melt. However, the falls along the Panorama Trail peak for a longer duration than other falls in Yosemite National Park, making this hike a great option during the off season as well.
8. Cathedral Lakes
If you asked experts what the best hiking trails in Yosemite are, they would likely tell you the Cathedral Lakes. You’ll find incredible beauty here spanned across and 8-mile round-trip if you hike both the Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes. Most people tend to hike the lower lake because it offers better views and places to relax, eat, and refresh before moving on.
You’ll find incredible grey granite shorelines, mountains all around you, and calm water that reflects the sun and sky back at you as you enjoy the tranquility. You’ll be around 10,000 feet in elevation with a total gain of 800 feet as you’re hiking. It’s not for the faint of heart but if you’re looking for one of the more challenging Yosemite Valley hikes, this is a solid option.
9. The Pohono Trail
When you’re looking for the best day hikes Yosemite has to offer but you still want something with a bit of a challenge, The Pohono Trail is the way to go. You’ll hike along the southern rim of the valley as you pass through two of the most beautiful areas in all of the valley; Tunnel View and Glacier Point.
As you make your way around the rest of the park you’ll pass through many of the other hikes outlined in this article including Taft Point and Tunnel View. The total length of the hike will vary based on how long you go but you’ll also need to plan accordingly with two cars at each trail head. If you travel the length of the trail without Sentinel Dome you’ll increase by 3,400 feet in elevation so once again, this hike is a serious challenge for those willing to take it on.
Difficult Hikes
If all of the hikes above (located in the Yosemite Valley) sound like child’s play to you, then perhaps you are ready to venture off into the Yosemite Backcountry. The backcountry includes the trail to Half Dome Rock (which begins in the Valley) and the relatively accessible (but still difficult-to-moderate) Young Lakes Trail.
Credit: YouTube.com
10. Young Lakes Trail
This backcountry hike is best for casual (but experienced) backpackers. The hike is 6.6 miles to Young Lake, which is north of Tuolumne Meadows. Young Lake offers one of the most popular camping destinations in the park for backpackers, but there is still plenty of privacy – the area is divided into the lower, middle and upper lakes (the latter of the two which are less populated). The camping sites are located to the north shore of the lower and middle lakes, and the northwest shore of the upper lake.
Camping conditions are ideal summer through fall, but this hike is accessible year-round. The backcountry is (obviously) well-known for bears, and these campsites do not include bear boxes – so bear spray is required (not just merely recommended).
11. Half Dome Rock, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls (The Mist Trail)
Half Dome Rock is another one of the most popular destinations in Yosemite National Park. Some say that Half Dome Rock is the most iconic landmark in Yosemite. There is good news and bad news regarding crowds – the good news is that you need a permit to hike at Half Dome Rock, which alleviates crowding; the bad news is that you need a permit to hike Half Dome Rock, which could sell out weeks (or months, depending on the season) in advance.
Half Dome Rock is accessible via the Mist Trail, which also gives hikers views of Vernal Falls and The Nevada Falls.
One of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park is the Mist Trail, largely due to its diversity. However, this does not mean it is necessarily the most accessible – the Mist Trail to Half Dome Rock is 14.2 miles round-trip.
If you are looking for a day hike, you could stop at some of the falls on the Mist Trail and make it a 3 mile (to Vernal Falls) or 7 mile (to Nevada Falls) day hike, without going to Half Dome Rock. If you do decide to take the Mist Trail to Half Dome Rock, you are facing an elevation gain of 4,800 feet – making this hike pretty difficult.
A portion of the Mist Trail (along the hike to Half Dome Rock) includes cables designed to assist hikers with the ascent and descent of the steep terrain. The climb is about 600 feet, but is secure and offers assist from wooden foot boards. So, don’t be surprised if you encounter a line to climb – as emphasized, Half Dome Rock is one of the most popular landmarks in Yosemite (and also as emphasized, totally worth the trip). The view from the top offers a spanning spectacle of Yosemite Valley, and the surrounding peaks.
Even if you decide to take the 3 or 7 mile hike to the Vernal Falls or Nevada Falls, respectively, hikers still gain over 1,000 feet in elevation – making this a more moderate hike.
The best time to take the hike along the Mist Trail would be during the peak runoff of the Vernal and Nevada Falls – ranging from April to June, which is during the snow melt.
If you decide to visit during this time, however, keep in mind the signature status of this hike and the popularity it attracts during the most busy season at Yosemite National Park. Still, this hike is worth it regardless of the time of year, and the natural landscape will still impress you and offer you awe-some sights and sensations.
12. Glacier Point (Four-Mile Trail)
Glacier Point is a total of 4.7 miles but 9.4 miles if you take the whole thing. If you’re willing to tackle a serious “hiker’s hike” we recommend going for the whole thing. It offers the best backpacking the Yosemite Valley could possibly offer and it really doesn’t get much better than this.
Not to mention the fact that you’ll pass through many of the other hikes outlined in this article so you’ll really be able to make the most of your trip and see as much as you can in one shot. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time because the hike in total can take as long as 10-hours.
Yosemite Hiking Tips
Before you hit some of the best Yosemite hikes, let’s take a step back and plan for your trip. Most people who are flying or driving here will come from one of two places. You’ll likely start in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
From San Fran, there are a few ways to get to Yosemite. You can drive, take a tour bus, or use public transportation. It’ll take you about four hours if you drive across Highway 120 and that depends on traffic.
If you’re coming from the Los Angeles area, you’re in for about a 10-hour drive if driving yourself. We recommend trying to find a tour company that sponsors bus trips and provides accommodations as well. It’ll make the whole trip that much better and you won’t have to stress or worry about getting there.
One way to make the most of the best hikes in Yosemite is to camp along them. There are plenty of tent campgrounds and cabins dotted all over Yosemite National Park. They’re convenient, easy to access, and can help you turn a hike into a memory you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
So there you have it – some of the most popular – and some of the most populated – hikes in Yosemite National Park. Regardless of crowds, you will find what you are looking for in this majestic landscape. And if you are responsible and experienced, you will even find solitude (especially on backpacking trips and backcountry hikes). Yosemite National Park is popular for one reason – it is one of a kind, and simply breathtaking. You have to see the sights – and take the hikes – to believe them!
Heading somewhere else? See our other favorite hikes:
Hiking in Glacier National Park
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