This comprehensive guide combines our firsthand knowledge with the most current information available, ensuring that you have access to reliable, trustworthy advice for your Yosemite adventure. We have personally tackled the trails mentioned in this guide from the challenging Vernal Falls ascent to the serene Bridalveil Falls Loop, providing us unique insights that go beyond what you'll find in typical guidebooks.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Yosemite hiker, you can trust our recommendations to help you make the most of your time in this iconic national park. So lace up your hiking boots and join us as we explore the best day hikes Yosemite has to offer!
Yosemite National Park, a crown jewel of the United States National Park System, offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse hiking opportunities in the world. From towering granite cliffs to cascading waterfalls and ancient sequoia groves, Yosemite's natural wonders are best explored on foot. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the best day hikes in Yosemite National Park, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this iconic destination.
Best Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park 1. Half Dome via the John Muir Trail 2. Yosemite Falls Trail 3. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls 4. Mirror Lake Loop 5. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop 6. Bridalveil Fall Trail 7. Mariposa Grove Trail 8. Trails Along Tioga Road 9. Tips for Hiking in Yosemite 10. Best Time To Hike in Yosemite |
Advertisement
1. Half Dome via the John Muir Trail
Distance: 16-18 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 5,300 feet
Trailhead: Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking
Estimated Time: 12 Hours
Trail Map: Here
The Half Dome hike is arguably the most famous and challenging day hike in Yosemite. This iconic granite formation offers stunning views of the Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. The trail takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls before ascending the steep eastern face of Half Dome. Note💡 this hike is NOT for those afraid of heights or those who are not in top physical shape. It requires 18 miles of intense hiking and 30-60 minutes of intense climbing. We chose to take this trail to Nevada Falls and back instead.
Key points:
Permits are required for the cable section of Half Dome
The cables are normally up the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and the last day to use the cables is the day after the second Monday in October
The application period for the preseason lottery is from March 1 through March 31
Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
Bring plenty of water and snacks
Wear sturdy hiking boots, gloves, and harnesses for the cable section
Insider tips for climbing the cables: - This hike is NOT for those afraid of heights or those who are not in top physical shape. You will essentially be climbing Half Dome with the assist of cables using your back, shoulder and core muscles. - Bring your own gloves (there may be old discarded gloves near the base of the cables, those are junk) - Focus on the immediate 10-feet in front of you - Stay to the right side, it is a 2-way system with people coming down on the left. It is recommended to use a single-cable rappel method. - Crouch and keep your feet flat to maximize friction as you ascend at a 45 degree angle - Go from board to board and rest. Pin yourself against the pole to brace yourself until the next board is available. - There are 68 pole pairs to the top - It takes anywhere between a half hour and an hour to reach the top depending on the crowds - For added peace of mind, some people come prepared with a mountain climbing harness (around the waist and between your thighs). You will want a "via feratta" rig with two carabiners and you will need to release and re-clip 68 times. |
Advertisement
2. Yosemite Falls Trail
Distance: 7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Trailhead: Camp 4 Parking Lot
Estimated Time: 5.5 Hours
Trail Map: Here
This trail offers close-up views of North America's tallest waterfall. The hike is challenging but rewards you with breathtaking vistas of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. For an easier version of this trail, take the 1.2 mile loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. For a moderate version of this trail, take it to Columbia Rock and turn around.
Key points:
Best hiked in spring or early summer when the falls are at their peak
The trail can be slippery near the falls, so wear appropriate footwear
Consider hiking to Columbia Rock (2.2 miles round trip) for a shorter option
Advertisement
3. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Distance: 6.5-8 miles round trip (to Nevada Fall)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Trailhead: Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking
Estimated Time: 5-6 Hours
Trail Map: Here
One of Yosemite's most popular hikes, the Mist Trail offers close encounters with two of the park's most spectacular waterfalls. This is a great alternative to Half Dome, allowing you to experience a challenging day-hike with exceptional views.
Key points:
The trail can be very wet and slippery, especially in spring
Consider returning via the John Muir Trail for different views and a less steep descent
Hike to Vernal Fall (3 miles round trip) for a shorter option
4. Mirror Lake Loop
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Trailhead: North Pines Campground (extra parking at Curry Village)
Estimated Time: 2 Hours
Trail Map: Here
This relatively flat trail offers beautiful reflections of Half Dome in the lake's calm waters, especially in spring and early summer.
Key points:
Accessible year-round, but the lake may be dry in late summer and fall
Great for families and those looking for an easier hike
Consider the shorter 2-mile paved trail to the lake and back for an easy option
Insider Tip: This 2-mile paved trail is perfect for a bike ride! Rent bikes at Curry Village and explore this part of the park on 2 wheels 🚴 |
5. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
Distance: 5.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Trailhead: Sentinel Dome Trailhead Parking
Estimated Time: 3 Hours
Trail Map: Here
This loop combines two of Yosemite's best viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the Valley floor. If you only have time for one hike outside of Yosemite Valley, make it this one! We considered this to be a low-effort, high-reward hike with views we still daydream about 🤩 If looking to shorten this hike, we recommend doing only Sentinel Dome.
Advertisement
Key points:
Start at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead on Glacier Point Road
Be cautious near the edges at Taft Point
If you only have time for one of the two viewpoints, we recommend Sentinel Dome
Insider Tip: The limited parking for this trailhead gets filled quickly. You can also park at a pull-off located at these coordinates and walk the service road until it connects with the trail. |
6. Bridalveil Falls Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Trailhead: Bridalveil Falls Trailhead Parking
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Trail Map: Here
A short, paved trail leading to the base of the 620-foot Bridalveil Falls, one of Yosemite's most photographed waterfalls.
Key points:
Accessible year-round, but most impressive in spring
Can be crowded during peak season
Expect to get wet if you approach the base of the falls
7. Mariposa Grove
Distance: 2-7 miles round trip (depending on chosen route)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 383 -1,200 feet
Trailhead: Park at Mariposa Grove Visitors Center and take the free shuttle to the trailhead
Estimated Time: 1 - 3.5 hours
Located in the southern part of Yosemite, this trail winds through a magnificent grove of giant sequoias, including some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth.
Key points:
Several loop options available, from the Big Trees Loop (0.3 miles) to the Mariposa Grove Trail (7 miles)
Open year-round, but access may be limited in winter
Use the free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza during peak season
Trails Along Tioga Road
Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to explore Tioga Road (seasonal closures). Trails that are high on our list for next time include:
North Dome: 9.2 Miles; Moderate; 2,000 ft elevation gain
May Lake: 2.3 Miles; Moderate; 500 ft elevation gain
Mount Hoffmann: 5.4 Miles; Hard; 2,000 ft elevation gain
Mount Watkins: 6.2 Miles; Moderate; 1,000 ft elevation gain
Tenaya Lake Trail: 2.7 Miles; Easy; 100 ft elevation gain
Olmsted Point Nature Trail: 0.4 Miles; Easy; 40 ft elevation gain
Tips for Hiking in Yosemite
Start Early: Many popular trails can get crowded, especially during summer. Starting early ensures a more peaceful experience and helps avoid afternoon heat and potential thunderstorms.
Be Prepared: Always carry plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring layers.
Leave No Trace: Help preserve Yosemite's natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash and stay on designated trails.
Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals. Store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
Check Trail Conditions: Before setting out, check with the visitor center for current trail conditions and any closures.
Altitude Awareness: Yosemite's elevation ranges from 2,000 to 13,000 feet. If you're coming from sea level, take time to acclimate before attempting strenuous hikes.
Permits: Some hikes, like Half Dome, require permits. Plan ahead and secure necessary permits before your visit.
Park Entry: A reservation may be required to enter Yosemite National Park during your dates. You may also consider purchasing an annual America the Beautiful pass for $80, which covers entrance to all national parks.
Best Times to Hike in Yosemite
While Yosemite is open year-round, the best time for hiking depends on your preferences and the specific trails you want to explore:
Spring (April to May): Waterfalls are at their peak, and wildflowers begin to bloom. Some high country trails may still be snow-covered.
Summer (June to August): All areas of the park are typically accessible, including the high country. This is the busiest season, so expect crowds on popular trails.
Advertisement
Fall (September to October): Crowds thin out, and fall colors add beauty to the landscape. Water levels are lower, but the weather is generally stable.
Winter (November to March): Many trails in Yosemite Valley remain accessible, offering a serene winter wonderland experience. High country areas are typically closed due to snow.
Yosemite National Park offers an incredible array of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. From the challenging ascent of Half Dome to the gentle stroll around Mirror Lake, there's a trail for everyone. By exploring these best day hikes, you'll experience the diverse landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and natural wonders that make Yosemite one of the world's premier hiking destinations.
Remember to always hike responsibly, respect the environment, and be prepared for the conditions you might encounter. With proper planning and respect for nature, your hiking adventures in Yosemite will create memories that last a lifetime.
Comments