Valley Floor Loop
Overview
Distance: 13 miles (18.5 km) full loop; 7.2 miles (11.6 km) half loop
Elevation gain: Mostly level
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 5-7 hours full loop, 2.5-3.5 hours half loop
Begin at: Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead (shuttle stop #6)
This trail offers a rare opportunity in Yosemite Valley, it allows you to hike on a fairly level trail with some solitude. Some of the trail is near roads but much of it takes you through meadows, talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. Easily accessible from many places throughout the valley.
The Valley Loop is the best way to see all of the major sights while hiking through forests, meadows, and over the Merced River. Along the way enjoy the surrounding views of the towering rock formations; El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Fall and more!
The Valley Loop is open year round, keep in mind spring flooding of the creeks near the trail, and winter ice and snow that may obscure the trail path and cause issues with traction.