11 Best Yosemite National Park Hikes
Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain climbs. The park’s diverse landscapes feature towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and tranquil meadows, making it one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the United States. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail for everyone in Yosemite. Below is a guide to some of the best hikes in Yosemite and you will learn about what to expect on each one so you can properly decide which one/s are right for you! Here’s the list:
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Half Dome
- Mirror Lake Loop
- Yosemite Falls Trail
- Four-Mile Trail
- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
- Cathedral Lakes
- Panorama Trail
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Clouds Rest
- Bridalveil Fall Trail
- Best rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Best rated hiking pole for day hikes
Hotel options:
Photos:
The following photos are from many of the trails on this list (but not all). If you have any questions about them, feel free to leave a comment below:
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls:
- Length: 6.4 miles round-trip (loop)
- Elevation: 2,208 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most popular hikes and for good reason. It offers stunning views of two major waterfalls which are Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail begins relatively easy but becomes more challenging as you climb the granite steps near Vernal Fall. If you continue past Vernal Fall, you’ll reach the top of Nevada Fall for even more breathtaking views. The trail can be slippery from mist during spring and early summer, so take caution.
Half Dome:
- Length: 16.5 miles in and out
- Elevation: 5,305 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes and a true bucket-list experience. The hike to the summit involves a strenuous climb, including the famous cable route near the top. Permits are required to ascend the cables, and hikers should be prepared for a full-day adventure. The views from the top of Half Dome are unparalleled, offering panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Note: This hike is best for experienced hikers. Day packs are not enough for most people hiking here, make sure to bring more gear, food and water for the trip.
Mirror Lake Loop:
- Length: 4.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation: 300 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The Mirror Lake Loop is a family-friendly hike that offers a peaceful retreat near the base of Half Dome. The lake often reflects the towering granite face of Half Dome, creating a stunning photographic opportunity. The trail is relatively flat and follows a wide path around Mirror Lake, making it a great option for casual hikers or those looking for a relaxing walk.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail:
- Length: 6.6 miles in and out
- Elevation: 3,254 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
This steep, challenging trail takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The trail begins with a series of switchbacks that climb up from the valley floor, offering spectacular views of the falls, Yosemite Valley, and Half Dome. Once at the top, you can peer over the edge for an exhilarating view of the cascading water below. This hike is best done in spring when the falls are at their peak flow.
Four-Mile Trail:
- Length: 9.7 miles round-trip
- Elevation: 3,400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The Four-Mile Trail connects Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, offering stunning views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls along the way. Though the trail is a challenging uphill climb, the panoramic views from Glacier Point make the effort well worth it. For an easier day, some hikers opt to take the shuttle up to Glacier Point and hike back down.
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop:
- Length: 5.1 miles round-trip
- Elevation: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This loop combines two of Yosemite’s most scenic spots: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Sentinel Dome offers 360-degree views of Yosemite’s landmarks, including Half Dome and El Capitan, while Taft Point provides dramatic cliff-edge views and overlooks the valley floor. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with gentle inclines, making it accessible to most hikers.
Cathedral Lakes:
- Length: 9.5 miles in and out
- Elevation: 1,660 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the Tuolumne Meadows area, the Cathedral Lakes trail offers access to one of Yosemite’s most beautiful alpine lakes. The hike leads to both Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes, each offering stunning views of Cathedral Peak and the surrounding high country. This trail is especially popular during the summer months when the meadows are in full bloom.
Panorama Trail:
- Length: 9 miles in and out (shuttle required)
- Elevation: 2,270 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Panorama Trail offers one of Yosemite’s most diverse hiking experiences, leading hikers from Glacier Point down to Yosemite Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass by Illilouette Fall, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall, with sweeping views of Half Dome and the High Sierra. This trail is best done as a one-way hike, starting at Glacier Point and descending into the valley, with a shuttle or bus ride back to the trailhead.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
- Length: 6.7 miles in and out
- Elevation: 1,210 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias, some of the largest and oldest living trees in the world. The hike through the grove takes you past iconic trees like the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. The trail is mostly flat, with some gradual inclines, making it accessible for all levels of hikers. This is a must-see for visitors who want to experience Yosemite’s majestic giant sequoias. If you want to see more Sequoias, then I would recommend seeing the next door national park to Yosemite which is Sequoia National Park.
Clouds Rest:
- Length: 13.5 miles in and out
- Elevation: 3,150 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Clouds Rest offers one of the most dramatic and less crowded viewpoints in Yosemite, with panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from above. The hike begins at Tenaya Lake and gradually ascends through forests and open granite ridges. The final push to the summit involves some steep sections, but the 360-degree views from the top are more than rewarding.
Bridalveil Fall Trail:
- Length: 1 mile in and out
- Elevation: 110 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This short, easy trail leads to the base of Bridalveil Fall, one of Yosemite’s most famous and accessible waterfalls. The trail is a simple walk, suitable for families and those with limited mobility. During spring and early summer, the waterfall is at its most powerful, sending mist into the air that often creates rainbows in the sunlight.
Gear recommendations for day hikes:
- Best rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Best rated hiking pole for day hikes
Hotel options:
Final Things to Know:
Yosemite National Park offers an incredible range of hiking trails, each providing its own unique views of the park’s iconic landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing nature walk or a challenging mountain climb, these hikes offer some of the best ways to experience the beauty of Yosemite. Be sure to check trail conditions, pack plenty of water, and take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that makes Yosemite one of the world’s most beloved national parks. You can also see more Yosemite day hikes here.
