Yosemite National Park Hikes

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that Yosemite National Park exists just outside major cities like San Francisco and Fresno. A hikers’ paradise, Yosemite is a magical place featuring pristine lakes, plunging waterfalls and deep valleys watched over by giant sequoias and granite monoliths. 

In this post, we detail 15 of the best Yosemite National Park hikes and tips on how to make the most of your trip. The more than 800 miles of Yosemite hikes guarantee a memorable experience regardless of what type of hiker you are and who you’re visiting with. 

Whether you’re interested in grueling multi-day hikes or the best family-friendly Yosemite trails, this list’s got you covered. 

Key Takeaways

• The best easy hikes at Yosemite include Glacier Point, Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Mirror Lake Trail. 
• Hard hikes in Yosemite include the Half Dome hike, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, John Muir Trail, and Snow Creek Trail. 
• It’s best to divide Yosemite National Park hiking trails into three areas: Tioga Road, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona. 

KÜHL’s Top Yosemite National Park Hikes

1. Half Dome Hike

• Length: 14-16 miles
• Elevation gain: 4800 feet
• Difficulty: Very strenuous
• Time: 10-16 hours
• Trailhead: John Muir Trailhead (shuttle stop 16)

Half Dome is an 8800-foot rock formation towering over the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley. A world-renowned icon, a trip to this monolith is bucket list stuff and one of the best ways to kickstart your Yosemite hiking adventure. You must be in great shape, though, as you’ll gain up to 4800 feet of elevation. 

The Half Dome hike is 14 to 16 miles (out and back) and takes 10 to 16 hours (sometimes more) to complete. You’ll start at the John Muir Trailhead, about 0.5 miles from Happy Isles (shuttle stop 16). Significant highlights of the hike include Vernal and Nevada Falls and the nearly vertical ascent to the top of the dome. 

2. Vernal Falls Trail

• Length: 2.4 miles (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 3 hours 
• Trailhead: John Muir/Mist Trailhead 

Vernal Falls is the first waterfall you encounter when hiking the Mist Trail. It is stunningly beautiful and powerful and should be on any list of must-see things in Yosemite National Park. 

The hike to Vernal Falls is roughly 2.4 miles (round trip). It takes about three hours, including the time spent soaking in the awesomeness and snapping photos. Some sections of the trail have steep elevations. But, overall, we’d rate this trip moderate in terms of difficulty. The Vernal Falls hike starts at the John Muir Trailhead at shuttle stop 16 (Happy Isles). 

3. The Mist Trail

• Length: 3.4 miles to Vernal Fall (round trip); 7 miles to Nevada Fall (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet to the top of Vernal Fall; 2000 feet to the top of Nevada Fall
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Time: 3-6 hours
• Trailhead: Shuttle Stop 16 (Happy Isles)

The Mist Trail gets its name from the refreshing mist that gets hikers wet around the Vernal Falls area. This is one of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park because it’s lined with fabulous views. Plus, it leads to several top destinations in the park, including Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and the iconic Half Dome.

The Mist Trail shares the same trailhead with the John Muir Trail. The first 0.8 miles to the Vernal Fall Bridge are paved and stroller-friendly. Beyond the bridge, the hike gets steeper and moderately difficult as you ascend Nevada Falls. 

4. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

• Length: 1 mile (loop)
• Elevation gain: 50 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes
• Trailhead: 1 mile west of Yosemite Valley Welcome Center

Lower Yosemite Falls is an enormously popular attraction in Yosemite Valley. This 3-in-1 magnificent waterfall is a must-see and visit during your trip to Yosemite. 

The Lower Yosemite Falls is the most accessible of the three. The one-mile hike (loop) to this 320-foot landmark is all paved, making it one of the best Yosemite hikes for families with children and strollers. The Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead is about a mile west of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center at shuttle stop 6. Parking for the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is at the Yosemite Lodge, and the day-use parking lot is at the Yosemite Village. 

5. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

• Length: 7.2-8.5 miles (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 3000-3300 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous 
• Time: 6-8 hours 
• Trailhead: Camp 4 (shuttle stop 7)

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a challenging climb to North America’s tallest waterfall. This is the same hike that takes you to Columbia Rock- a scenic overlook with breathtaking views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley.

From Columbia Rock, the trail follows countless switchbacks to the top of Yosemite Falls. At the top, turn right on a trail that takes you to an overlook of the falls. If you still have enough energy and time, you can proceed to Yosemite Point for a classic view of Yosemite Valley, the El Capitan, Half Dome, the Lost Arrow Spire, and Bridalveil Fall. 

This Yosemite waterfall hike is 7.2 miles (round trip) to the top of the falls and 8.5 miles if you reach Yosemite Point. It has an elevation gain of 3000 (top of the falls) and 3300 feet (Yosemite Point). The trailhead for the Falls Trail is near Camp 4 (shuttle stop 7).

6. Mirror Lake Trail

• Length: 2 miles to the lake and back; 5 miles loop
• Elevation gain: 100 feet 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1-3 hours 
• Trailhead: Near Curry Village/Shuttle stop 17

Mirror Lake gets its name from its fabulous reflections of the surrounding towering granites, including Half Dome and Mount Watkins. The hike to this lake is on a nicely paved, well-maintained trail with 100 feet of elevation gain.

This is one of the best Yosemite hiking trails if you visit the park with kids and wheelchair users. The trailhead is a walkable distance from Curry Village, but the free green shuttle will also drop you right at the start of the trail (stop 17).

The hike to Mirror Lake from the trailhead and back is about two miles and takes about an hour. You can also turn it into a 5-mile loop by going around the lake. But this will add an hour or two to your trip, so plan accordingly. Early mornings of spring and early summer are the best times to visit Mirror Lake for the perfect mirror reflections. 

7. John Muir Trail

• Length: 211 miles 
• Elevation gain: 47,000 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time: About three weeks
• Trailhead: Happy Isles

If you’re interested in backpacking in Yosemite and want to challenge yourself with a multi-day hike, try the John Muir Trail.

Simply known as JMT, this is a thru-hike that runs 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney in California. The trail covers three national parks and over 10 High Sierra mountain passes. The highest is Forester Pass at 13,100′. You’ll also pass by hundreds of alpine lakes, some of which must be swum in. 

Hiking the entire John Muir Trail takes 14-21 days. The major highlights of this trip include gorgeous wilderness sunrises and sunsets, miles of solitude, mind-bending stargaze, and unbeatable scenic views. Besides, you earn bragging rights for tackling one of the best hikes in Yosemite for backpackers. 

The official start for the John Muir Trail in Yosemite is the Happy Isles Trailhead. Other options include the Glacier Point Trailhead and the Lyell Canyon Trailhead. 

8. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

• Length: 11.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 1286 feet 
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 5-7 hours 
• Trailhead: Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop 6)

If you only have one full day and want to cover as many things as possible, we suggest hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. 

The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is a trail that explores the entire Yosemite Valley. This is among the most important Yosemite National Park trails as it leads to Yosemite’s famous sites. 

The Valley Loop officially starts at the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead in the Yosemite Valley Lodge area. Start by checking out the Lower Yosemite Falls and then follow the loop towards the west. There are many cool things to see, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rock, and Half Dome. The 11.5-mile Yosemite Valley Loop Trail hike takes 5-7 hours and is mostly level. 

9. Snow Creek Trail

• Length: 9.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 2700 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous 
• Time: 6-7 hours 
• Trailhead: Mirror Lake Trailhead 

The Snow Creek Trail is listed as strenuous. We’re tempted to add “very” to that. This lung-busting hike takes you from the valley floor at Tenaya Creek up to the rim. 

The hike covers 9.4 miles (round trip) and has over 100 brutal switchbacks. Within the first two miles, you’ll have gained 2400 feet of elevation. No wonder it’s considered one of the toughest Yosemite day hikes. The reward, however, is unbeatable views of Tenaya Canyon and its iconic peaks, including Half Dome and Clouds Rest. 

The Snow Creek Trailhead at Yosemite Valley is about one mile past Mirror Lake on Mirror Lake Loop. There’s no parking at the Mirror Lake Trailhead, so you’ll leave your car at Curry Village and take the free shuttle to stop 17. Remember to bring plenty of water because there’s none along this trail. 

10. Columbia Rock Trail

• Length: 2.2 miles (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging 
• Time: 2-3 hours 
• Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trailhead (shuttle stop #7)

This one is for Yosemite hikers who want a short but challenging hike with a big reward. This trip to Columbia Rock is a famous viewpoint offering 180-degree unobstructed views of Yosemite Valley from Half Dome to Cathedral Spires. 

The hike to Columbia Rock uses the famous Yosemite Falls Trail. It’s about two miles long. But it’s constantly steep and full of switchbacks, which gets your heart pumping from the get-go. It also tends to be hotter, particularly in the summer. We recommend starting early in the morning if you burn easily. Remember to bring a lot of water, too. 

The trailhead for the hike to Columbia Rock is Yosemite Falls Trailhead along the Valley Loop Trail near Camp 4. Parking is available in the day-use parking area near Yosemite Valley Lodge. You can also take the free shuttle and get dropped off at stop #7. 

11. Bridalveil Fall Trail

• Length: 0.5 miles 
• Elevation gain: 80 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes
• Trailhead: Southside Drive and Wawona Road Intersection

The Bridalveil Fall Trail is another great recommendation for families hiking in Yosemite. Bridalveil Fall is the first waterfall you see when approaching the Yosemite Valley.

What makes this one of Yosemite's best hikes for families is its mere 80 feet of elevation. Plus, at only 0.5 miles (round trip), this is a short and easy hike with a big reward. The trail is all paved, making it wheelchair-and stroller-friendly. 

The Bridalveil Fall Trail is at the intersection of Wawona Road/Highway 41 and Southside Drive. You can park along Southside Drive, but there’s also a large parking lot with restrooms right at the trailhead.

12. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

• Length: 7 miles (loop)+ 2 miles (one-way) if hiking to the trailhead
• Elevation gain: 1200 feet 
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Centre, Wawon Road

A hike in the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite feels like a stroll in Sequoia National Park. The Mariposa Grove boasts over 500 mature sequoias, most over 2000 years old. 

The trip to this grove starts at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center along Wawona Road, a 10-minute drive from Wawona, CA. You can take a free shuttle ride or drive up to the Mariposa Grove Trailhead when the Mariposa Grove Road is open from mid-April through November. Otherwise, you’ll need to hike the 2-mile (one-way) Washburn Trail to the Mariposa Grove Trailhead. 

The Mariposa Grove Trail from the welcome plaza to Wawona Vista Point and back is a 7-mile loop. However, numerous connecting trails along the way allow for shorter loops. Key highlights of this trail include the Clothespin Tree, Wawona Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree, and the Grizzly Giant. 

13. Cathedral Lakes Trail

• Length: 7 miles (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center

The trip to Cathedral Lakes is among the best hikes Yosemite offers in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Cathedral Lakes are a pair of alpine lakes at the base of Cathedral Peak.

This 7-mile hike starts near the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center along Tioga Road. The hike is rated moderately challenging, particularly because of its 1000 feet of elevation gain. But like other hiking trails in Yosemite, the views at the lake with the granite peaks reflecting perfectly in the water are worth the hassle. The Lower Cathedral Lake is an excellent place to take a stroll, snap IG-worthy photos, and have a snack. At the far end, you should also be able to see beautiful Lake Tenaya. 

14. Four Mile Trail

• Length: 9.6 miles (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 3200 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous 
• Time: 6-8 hours 
• Trailhead: Along Southside Drive (shuttle stop 11) and Glacier Point

The Four Mile Trail is one of Yosemite Valley hikes that takes you from the valley floor to Glacier Point.

There are two trailheads for this hike connected by Southside Dr/Wawona/Glacier Point Road. The first trailhead is along Southside Drive near Sentinel Beach Picnic Area (shuttle stop #11). The second trailhead is at Glacier Point.

This arrangement gives you three options for hiking this trail. You can do it as an out-and-back hike starting from the bottom to the top and back (9.6 miles, round trip). The second option is to take the shuttle to Glacier Point and then hike down (4.8 miles). Or, you can hike to Glacier Point and take the free shuttle back to your car. 

The Glacier Point hike can be challenging because you gain 3,200 feet of elevation and tackle over 50 switchbacks. The way down is equally challenging, too, as some parts of the trail are steep and slippery. Nevertheless, the views of the valley floor, Half Dome, the Merced River, and Yosemite Falls far in the distance are magical. 

15. Glacier Point Trail

• Length: 1 mile (round trip)
• Elevation gain: -
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30-60 minutes
• Trailhead: Glacier Point Road

If you’re looking for easy hikes in Yosemite with big rewards, the Glacier Point Trail is among the best. This is a short and paved trail to Glacier Point. The latter is a famous lookout point perched 3200 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Its location gives you some of the best views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. 

The easiest way to get to the Glacier Point Trailhead is by taking the shuttle. You can also drive to Glacier Point from late May through November.

What to Bring on Your Yosemite National Park Hikes

Personal clothing

Packing for a Yosemite National Park trip can be a real puzzle, considering its frequent weather fluctuations. The weather can be warm on the valley floor and cold and wet just a few miles into the trail. That’s why it’s crucial to bring layer-able clothing that lets you adjust to the weather changes. 

Bring lightweight, long-sleeve hiking shirts to keep you cool and well-protected from sunburns. Don’t forget a lightweight sweater or pullover and a fleece jacket for cold mornings and evenings. The packable insulated jackets at KÜHL’s women’s hiking clothing and men’s outdoor wear are indispensable to your Yosemite backpacking checklist. 

Other Yosemite essentials 

• A winter hat for higher-elevation hikes
• Wool socks 
• Gloves
• Sunglasses 
• Sturdy hiking boots with grip (broken in)
• Trekking poles
• A Yosemite trail map
• Reusable water bottle
• GPS device for backcountry hiking
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Binoculars to watch wildlife and climbers
• A personalized first aid kit. You can use our downloadable first-aid checklist to design yours.

Tips for Hiking in Yosemite National Park 

Plan accordingly 

We like to divide Yosemite National Park hikes into three significant chunks: those along Tioga Road, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona. Driving between these areas can take hours due to the twisty roads, road closures, lower speed limits, and traffic jams.

That said, hiking in one part of the park and another at the far end may not be practical. We recommend doing several hikes in one area before moving on to the next so you don’t spend too much time driving. 

Arrive early or the night before 

Yosemite receives over 20,000 visitors per day during summer. This means long waiting hours at entrances, gridlocked roads, and minimal parking. For a more enjoyable Yosemite National Park hiking experience, arrive early, preferably between 5 and 6 AM. 

Stop at the visitor centers 

Things are always changing in Yosemite. For instance, some roads are closed during weekdays to manage traffic. Also, hiking trails, such as Half Dome, require a permit. The rangers at the visitor centers would offer you the most up-to-date information about the ongoing changes in the park. 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re an outdoor lover looking forward to the Yosemite hike experience, don’t put it off for too long. Yosemite National Park is most hikers’ dream destination. Its beautiful and dramatic landscape is breathtaking in the true sense of the word.

There’s almost no Yosemite hiking trail you can take and fail to be amazed. So, grab your bags and come to Yosemite for fresh air and the soothing effect of being enveloped by nature’s embrace.

Featured image by: Allen.G.