There’s no better way to get up close and experience Yosemite Mariposa County and the Sierra wilderness than by setting out on foot and hiking. Hiking is one of the top things to do in Yosemite, and when you slow down and commune with nature, you see things you might otherwise miss. Things like waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife that you can find at any turn on Yosemite hiking trails.
Wherever you start, chances are you’re close to a number of great Yosemite hiking trails. Discover the best hikes in Yosemite from Half Dome hikes past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, to Yosemite hikes to lakes or through the ancient Mariposa Grove and more, there are so many trails in Yosemite National Park and Mariposa County, and so many excellent guide books and maps describing them that you’ll never be at a loss for a great Yosemite hike. And don’t forget to book an unforgettable place to stay when the sun sets and it’s time to pack it up and refresh yourself for another day of hiking in Yosemite. Because nothing beats the comfort of a warm fire when the day’s finished.
And don’t forget there are plenty of great hikes outside of Yosemite as well for you to explore.
- Gaylor LakesDistance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m) Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2 hours Begin at: Tioga Pass Entrance The trailhead for this easy, very scenic hike […]Read More
- Lower Yosemite Falls HikeDistance: 0.5 miles (.8 km) round trip from trailhead; 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip from Yosemite Village Elevation gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy Time: 15 – 60 minutes Begin at: […]Read More
- North Dome TrailNorth Dome is a good all day hike that culminates in a face to face view of Half Dome that it hard to beat anywhere else in the park. The […]Read More
- May Lake & Mount HoffmannDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip to May Lake; 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip if you climb Mt. Hoffmann Elevation gain: 500 ft (150 m) to May Lake; […]Read More
- Cathedral LakesTwo beautiful lakes on one trail with epic views from every angle. The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lakes. Near the top of the climb, it passes a spur […]Read More
- Valley Floor LoopDistance: 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: […]Read More
- Tuolumne Grove Nature TrailDistance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m) Difficulty: Moderate Time: 1-2 hours Begin at: Tuolumne Grove parking lot Follow the Old Big Oak Flat […]Read More
- Ten Lakes TrailFollow this trail through conifers and across granite to cross a tributary of Yosemite Creek to Ten Lakes. Take care on this crossing early in the season when the creek […]Read More
- Soda Springs and Parsons LodgeWalk along the gravel road and pass the locked gate (signed Glen Aulin and Soda Springs). Soda Springs—carbonated, cold water bubbling out of the ground—is protected within a log enclosure. […]Read More
- Rancheria FallsThis trail continues past Wapama Falls to popular Rancheria Falls. This is an excellent hike to do in winter as there is usually still water in the waterfalls along the […]Read More