Yosemite National Park is any hiker’s dream. The park is incredibly massive with a huge variety in views, terrain, length, and difficulty that suits every hiker. From Giant Sequoias to the Valley Floor to high alpine lakes, this park has it all.
From brisk walks to scrambling up the side of a mountain, there is something for everyone in Yosemite National Park. If you are physically able, check out at least one half-day hike to properly see the park. Mist Trail is by far my favorite and is the most popular hike in the park. If longer hikes are not your thing, there are plenty of incredible short and sweet trails that get you up close and personal to many highlights of the park.
I’ve lived and worked in Yosemite for quite some time, and completed a majority of the trails in the park. Keep on reading to learn more about some of my favorite hikes in the park and a few underrated trails that are a must in my book.
Sign up for park updates, travel ideas, new guide releases, discounts, and stories of the West all in our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox once a week.
| Hike | Length (Roundtrip) | Elevation Gain | Duration | Easy/Moderate/Strenuous | Bathrooms? | Picnic Area? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mist Trail to Vernal Falls | 2.4 miles | 1,000 ft | 3 hrs | Strenuous | Yes | Yes |
| Half Dome | 14-17 miles | 4,800 ft | 10-16 hrs | Strenuous | Yes | yes |
| Bridalveil Falls | 0.8 miles | 80 ft | 15-30 min | Easy (Paved & Accessible) | Yes (Trailhead) | Yes |
| Sentinel Dome | 2 miles | 459 ft | 1-2 hrs | Easy/Moderate | Yes (Trailhead) | Yes |
| Grizzly Giant | 2 miles | 380 ft | 1.5-2 hrs | Moderate | Yes | Yes |
| Soda Springs | 1.5 miles | 50 ft | 1 hour | Easy | Yes (Trailhead) | No |
| Twin Bridges | 1.8 miles | 150 ft | 1 hour | Easy | Yes (Trailhead) | Yes |
There are four main areas in the park: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. I have split the hikes into their sections of the park to make it easier to plan. The majority of the hikes mentioned will be in Yosemite Valley, as it is the heart of Yosemite and its main attraction.
Best Hike in the Park: Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
Best Accessible Hike: Bridalveil Falls
Best Hike for Waterfalls: Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls
Best Hike for Adventurers: Half Dome
What you will see: The Mist Trail is the most rewarding hike in Yosemite, in my opinion. This trail starts by following the Merced River up to Vernal Fall, crossing over multiple times via footbridges. You slowly make your way up and out of the Valley, getting so close to Vernal Fall that it “mists” you as you hike up the second half of the trail. Rainbows are also very common here because of this. Once you reach the summit, which is located feet from the top of the falls, there is the perfect area to eat lunch, refresh, and take in the views.
Be sure to start this hike early because it gets crowded very quickly. Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle over to Happy Isles Trailhead if the lot is full by the time you arrive.
PRO TIP: If you hike Mist Trail during April or May, bring a rain jacket as the ‘mist’ is actually more like pouring rain. I have made the mistake of not bringing one and was soaking wet most of the way up, and all of the way down the trail.
Choose this hike if: You only have time to do one main hike. (This is the best hike in the park)
What you will see: Half Dome is the most prestigious hike in the park, and the only one requiring a permit to summit it. This hike can start in a few places, but most people tend to start from the Mist Trail through Nevada Fall or the John Muir Trail (JMT). This hike is incredibly grueling and takes all day. Rock scrambling and pulling yourself up to the summit is required, among A LOT of elevation gain.
There are two ways to get permits – through a preseason lottery and a daily lottery. Preseason lottery goes from March 1st to March 31st for the following season, which is May 24th to October 15th. This is the only time when the cables are up. The daily lottery occurs two days before the hiking date and is great for last-minute planners. As always, this is a lottery and not a guarantee. Check recreation.gov for more information and to apply for permits.
If you get permits for this hike, have a set turnaround time, and bring gloves for the cables. Most people start before sunrise and summit by late afternoon. Having enough snacks and water is crucial, especially because the elevation can take a toll on your body.
PRO TIP: Tough it out and don’t bring a jacket if you hike during the day. It is only useful for the first 30 minutes of a 10-16 hour hike.
Choose this hike if: You like a challenge AND can get permits.
What you will see: This is a short and sweet hike to Bridalveil Falls, one of Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls. The entire path is level and paved (with some boardwalk) and is worth a stop for anyone. Here you can walk to the base of the falls, and it is a great photo spot. This is perfect to quickly see after a longer hike, or something to add in if you have some extra time.
Bathrooms and accessible parking spots are available at the trailhead.
Choose this hike if: You like short hikes with stunning views, or need accessible hikes.
What you will see: This hike has insane 360-degree views of Half Dome and El Capitan on a clear day. This hike is not talked about enough, although it is perfect for families, avid hikers, and anyone who doesn’t mind a little scrambling to the top of the dome.
The first half of the hike is relatively flat and slowly gains elevation as you make your way around and up the dome. A few trees line the trail, but shade is minimal, so bring lots of water. Having a picnic on the dome is also a fantastic idea.
If you want an even better view, come during sunrise or sunset. You won’t be disappointed, and parking will be less of an issue during these times.
Choose this hike if: You like 360-degree views and are in Glacier Point (seriously, don’t miss this one)
PRO TIP: Don’t attempt this hike if thunderstorms or bad weather are forecasted. Being on any dome during a storm is a recipe for disaster.
What you will see: This is a must-do if you are NOT visiting Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park. This entire trail walks through a Giant Sequoia grove and makes you feel tiny in comparison. Some of the main highlights include Tunnel Tree, Bachelor and Three Graces, and Grizzly Giant, which is the second largest sequoia in the park.
Park at the Mariposa Grove Visitor Center and take the shuttle up the grove to start your hike. Keep in mind when the last shuttle of the day is, as the alternative is to hike 2 miles back to your car. There are no Giant Sequoias on this hike either.
Shuttle Hours:
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| April 15th – Mid May | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last bus @ 5) |
| Mid-May – Early September | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Last bus @ 5) |
| Early September – November 1st | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm (Last bus @ 5:30) |
| November 1st – November 30th | 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (Last bus @ 3:30) |
| December 1st – April 14th | No Shuttle Service |
If you are visiting Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks on your trip, check that out instead of this hike/area of the park, as they have an even better selection of trails to view Giant Sequoias from. That being said, it is still an incredible sight regardless.
PRO TIP: Check out the Big Trees Loop Trail or Mariposa Grove Trail if you prefer a light stroll or a harder challenge. All three trails have great views of Giant Sequoias.
Choose this hike if: You are not going to Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park.
What you will see: As the name implies, you will walk by a natural soda spring that you can actually drink out of! This short trail starts at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and gives you a mini tour of this area of the park. Stop by Parsons Lodge, which is also located on this hike, to learn more about the history and talk with a ranger.
In the early morning, wildlife is very present here, with herds of deer and elk grazing in the fields. Marmots can also be found here at any time of the day.
PRO TIP: Bring something to collect the spring water in and give it a try. It has a funny taste to it and is worth it.
Choose this hike if: You are in the Tuolumne Meadows area.
What you will see: This super underrated hike is perfect for a warm summer day. This easy, flat hike takes you through peaceful forests and over rivers until you get to an opening with three bridges. The water is crystal clear and is perfect to sit by, have a snack, read a book, or just relax.
You can also spot wildlife in this area. The last time I hiked this trail, I saw multiple deer and marmots just feet away from the path. That being said, make sure to pack out anything you bring in.
FUN FACT: This is part of the Pacific Crest Trail, so you may see through-hikers with large backpacks on this trail.
PRO TIP: This is not a very popular hike (although it is one of my favorites), so expect it to be peaceful.
Choose this hike if: You have time after Soda Springs
Getting in and around Yosemite has been a major issue for quite a few years now. There are just not enough parking spots for all the people who want to visit.
Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get into the park and find parking when planning your day. Once you find a parking spot, try your best to make the most of that area and not leave until you are ready. This is extremely crucial inside Yosemite Valley.
Utilize the shuttle system inside the Valley, and be sure to have a Plan B and Plan C if you cannot find parking for your desired hike. An example of this is to drive the scenic loop drive if you cannot find parking after 30 minutes of searching within the Valley.
To really see all that Yosemite has to offer, you have to experience it on foot. Driving through the park only shows you the tip of the iceberg. Strap on your boots and find a hike that you can enjoy – there is truly a hike for everyone in Yosemite.
DON’T MISS: Driving in Yosemite: 10 Things You Need to Know
YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Yosemite National Park, check out our Yosemite Homepage.
THINGS TO DO: Don’t miss all that Yosemite has to offer, including hiking, things to do in Yosemite Valley, and floating the Merced River.
WHERE TO EAT: Don’t miss the best places to eat in Yosemite National Park
WHERE TO STAY: Learn all you need to know about where to stay inside and outside the park
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out how to get there, the best time to visit, which is the best entrance, and all about driving around Yosemite.
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.
