Best 20 Yosemite hiking spots!

Yosemite hiking

Best 20 Yosemite Hiking Spots!

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for the ultimate hiking adventure, look no further than Yosemite National Park. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Yosemite offers some of the most spectacular hiking in the world, with over 750 miles of trails that wind through granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoias.


From leisurely strolls through wildflower-filled meadows to challenging backcountry treks, there’s something for hikers of all abilities in Yosemite. Whether you’re looking to take in breathtaking views of the Valley, summit the iconic Half Dome, or explore the beauty of the park’s alpine lakes and giant sequoias, there’s a hike that’s perfect for you.


But before you hit the trails, remember a few things. Yosemite is a wilderness area, and it’s essential to come prepared with the right gear, check the weather and trail conditions before setting out, and always follow the park’s rules and regulations. And remember to respect the park’s natural resources and Leave No Trace.

When I travel to National Parks, I know how long I have, and I want to find hikes that fit my schedule. Here is a list of the 20 best Yosemite hiking spots that I have broken down for you by Distance, difficulty, and time. Let’s jump in!

1. Half Dome Hiking Trail:

  • Distance: 14-16-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Time: 10-12 hours

This iconic hike will challenge an experienced hiker with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Hikers will need to obtain a permit in advance, as the number of hikers on the cables leading to the summit is limited. The hike to Half Dome is considered strenuous and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The final ascent up the cables is a challenging climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Yosemite hiking trails range in difficulty, but this hike is one of the most difficult Yosemite hiking trails, if not the most difficult Yosemite hiking trail. This hike is long and will take 10+ hours to complete. Half Dome includes a cable walk when you hang onto metal cables and walk at a 70-degree angle up the half dome rock wall. This hike is also exclusive. You must apply for a lottery ticket in March of the year you wish to do this hike. In April, the lucky 225 permit winners will find out the great news. 

2. Mist Tail to Vernal:

  • Distance: 3-7.2-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate 
  • Time: 2-5 hours

This waterfall hike can be anywhere from 3-7.2-mile round-trip, depending on if you stop at 1 or 2 of the waterfalls. This Yosemite hiking trail splits, with one path leading to Vernal Fall and the other to Nevada Fall. Both falls offer breathtaking views, and hikers can continue to the top of Nevada Falls for even more impressive views.

This hike is an intermediate-level hike. The trail can be steep at times, and if you plan to see both waterfalls, it may be strenuous if you are a beginner at hiking. However, if you go at your own pace, this is definitely something any hiker can do for a day trip. Rangers advise that you bring a raincoat or rain poncho because where there is a waterfall, there will be mist. In case of an emergency, you will want to be dry. Hiking in the cold rain or water without gear is not the most fun. 

Mist Tail Vernal
Yosemite hiking

3. Yosemite Falls:

  • Distance: 1.5 miles – 7.6 miles
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner-Advanced 
  • Time: 30 Min – 6 hours

Hikers can take a quick 30-minute hike on the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. This trail is very popular and easy for anyone. Hikers will be treated to views of the valley and a view of the waterfalls. This hike is a looking from the bottom up of the waterfall. 

The second option is the upper Yosemite Falls trail. This will be a looking from the top down of the falls. This hike should be started at sunrise because it will take you all day. You do not want darkness to interfere with making it to the top of the falls. The final ascent to the top can be steep, but the views from the top are worth the effort. 

4. Clouds Rest:

  • Distance: 12.2 mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: intermediate- Advanced
  • Time: 7 hours

This hike offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. I would start this hike at pre-dawn, so you will have plenty of time to make it back before sunset. An early start will also let you enjoy the rising sun on the meadows and valleys you will be walking through. 

5. Tuolume Meadows:

  • Distance: 8-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 4 hours

Hikers can explore the Tuolumne River, which offers excellent fishing and swimming opportunities. This hike is steep for the first mile but then flattens out. This is a good hike for a beginner or someone looking for great fishing spots. If you plan to fish, make sure you have the correct permits. 

Cloud Rest
cloud rest Yosemite

6. Cathedral Lakes:

  • Distance: 8.5-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 4-5 hours

This 8.5-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to two beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by granite peaks. This hike has a slow and steady incline for most of the walk. It can be steep sometimes, but this hike is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. 

7. Panorama Trial:

  • Distance: 9-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 5 hours

Panorama trail offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. The trailhead is located at the Glacier Point trailhead, and the hike takes hikers through beautiful forests and meadows. Along the way, hikers will be treated to breathtaking views of the most famous sights in Yosemite. This is an excellent hike for someone with one day in Yosemite who wants to see the most iconic Yosemite hiking views in one walk. 

8. Snow Creek:

  • Distance: 8.7 mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate 
  • Time: 6 hours

Snow creek is a strenuous 8.7-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers to the top of Snow Creek for breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and half dome. The trailhead is located at the Snow Creek trailhead, but it is a mile from the parking lot to the trailhead. This will make the total miles for the hike closer to 10. Along the way, hikers will be treated to views of the sun rising on Half Dome. 

9. Mariposa Grove:

  • Distance: 6.7-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner 
  • Time: 3.5 hours

This is the hike to take if you want to see some Redwood trees, AKA Giant Sequoias. This hike takes you through the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite. Some of the famous redwood trees are over 3,000 years old. Along the way, hikers can see the Grizzly Giant, the largest tree in the grove, and the California Tunnel Tree, a tree with a tunnel cut through the base that visitors can walk through.

10. Pohono Trail:

  • Distance: 12.2 -mile pont to point
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced 
  • Time: 8 hours

This 12-mile one-way hike offers spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome. This is a challenging route, and you should prepare for a long and arduous hike. The Phono trail has many variations that can be shorter in the distance if this one is too long for your visit. 

Snow Creek
snow creek

11. Four Mile Trail:

  • Distance: 5 point to point
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate 
  • Time: 3.5 hours

This hike should be called the 5-mile trail, but for some reason, it’s not. This hike is great for beginners looking for an ongoing challenge. This hike is a steady uphill walk. It is the perfect distance for a beginner looking to challenge themselves. It is also great for an advanced hiker looking for a recovery walk. 

12. North Dome:

  • Distance: 10 miles round trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate 
  • Time: 4-5 hours

This is another perfect hike for someone’s first time in Yosemite. This trail will be great if someone is new to Yosemite hiking. On the North Dome trail, you will see the half dome, the iconic Yosemite cliffside. This hike is excellent for beginners. The last mile or so is the steepest part, but the views will be worth it!

13. Upper Yosemite Fall:

    • Distance: 1.5 miles – 7.6 miles
    • Level of Difficulty: Beginner-Advanced 
    • Time: 30 Min – 6 hours\

Hikers can take a quick 30-minute hike on the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. This trail is very popular and easy for anyone. Hikers will be treated to views of the valley and a view of the waterfalls. This hike is a looking from the bottom up of the waterfall.

14. Merced Grove

  • Distance: 4.1-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate 
  • Time: 2-3 hours

This 4-mile round-trip hike takes you through a grove of giant sequoias. The trailhead is near the Mariposa Grove parking area, and the walk takes hikers through a forest of giant sequoias. This hike is shorter in the distance, but it can sometimes be challenging. A beginner can complete this hike, but it will challenge them sometimes. Who doesn’t love a good challenge every once in a while? It will be so worth it to see the beautiful giant sequoia trees. 

15. Gaylor Lakes:

  • Distance: 4.5-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 2-3 hours

This 4.5-mile round-trip hike takes you to a series of beautiful alpine lakes. The trailhead is located at the Gaylor Lakes trailhead, and the walk takes hikers through beautiful meadows and granite cliffs. The final ascent to the lakes can be steep, but the views of the surrounding peaks and the serene beauty of the lakes make it well worth the effort. This is a great kid-friendly and beginner-friendly hike. 

Merced Grove
Merced Grove

16. Mono Pass:

  • Distance: 10-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate 
  • Time: 5 hours

This is the hike to take if you want to be surrounded by trees and crystal-clear lakes. This is a long distance, but the terrain is moderate, so a beginner should be able to complete this hike. Anytime you walk 10 miles, it will be a challenge, but what a view to look at while you are out of breath. 

17. Sentinel Dome:

  • Distance: 10-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate 
  • Time: 5 hours

Sentinel Dome hike is a great long hike great for a beginner looking to tackle a long hike. Yosemite can get very hot in the summer time. This hike will provide great shade and lakes to keep you cool. 

18. May Lake:

  • Distance: 2.3-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner 
  • Time: 2-3 hours

This 2.5-mile round-trip hike takes you to a beautiful alpine lake with great views of Mt. Hoffmann. The trailhead is located at the May Lake trailhead, and the walk takes hikers through a beautiful forest before reaching the lake. Along the way, hikers will be treated to views of the surrounding peaks and the lake’s serene beauty.

19. Taft Point:

  • Distance: 2.3 -mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 1-2 hours

This 3-mile round-trip hike takes you to a viewpoint with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan. The trailhead is located at the Taft Point trailhead. This is a very popular hike because it is a short distance, has easy terrain, and has impressive views of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan. Say hi to other hikers as they pass you. 

20. Wapama Fall:

  • Distance: 4.6-mile round-trip
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginner 
  • Time: 2-3 hours

This 5-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of Wapama Fall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. The trailhead is located at the Hetch Hetchy trailhead. This hike will take you around a massive lake and to the top of Wapama Falls. 

Yosemite hiking

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering an unparalleled variety of trails that showcase the park’s natural beauty. From the iconic Half Dome to the serene alpine lakes, there is something for every type of hiker. The park’s wildness and natural resources are unique, and visitors must respect and preserve it by following its rules and regulations and leaving no trace.


Hiking in Yosemite is not just a physical challenge but also a spiritual one. It’s a chance to connect with nature and oneself, push limits, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The park’s vastness and grandeur will leave you in awe, and the sense of accomplishment after finishing a hike will be unmatched. So plan your trip, book your permit, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Happy hiking!

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