Yosemite National Park offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking trails, from gentle valley walks to challenging granite ascents. These trails showcase the park's iconic waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and breathtaking alpine vistas.
Half Dome Trail
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaThe ultimate Yosemite challenge featuring cable-assisted climbing to the summit of the park's most famous granite dome. This strenuous 16-mile round trip offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada.
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaA spectacular 7-mile round trip that takes hikers alongside the thundering Merced River to the base of 317-foot Vernal Fall. The granite steps near the waterfall provide an exhilarating finale with refreshing mist spray.
Valley View Trail
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaAn easy 2-mile loop perfect for families and casual hikers, offering stunning views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Cathedral Rocks. This relatively flat trail follows the Merced River through meadows and oak groves.
Four Mile Trail
Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, CaliforniaA challenging 9.6-mile round trip climb from the valley floor to Glacier Point, gaining 3,200 feet in elevation. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra.
Mariposa Grove Trail
Wawona, CaliforniaA moderate 2-mile loop through the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. These ancient trees are among the largest living organisms on Earth.
Mirror Lake Loop
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaA peaceful 5-mile loop around a seasonal lake that perfectly reflects Half Dome and surrounding cliffs during spring and early summer. In late summer, the lake becomes a meadow, offering different but equally beautiful scenery.
Nevada Fall via John Muir Trail
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaA strenuous 7-mile round trip to the top of 594-foot Nevada Fall via the more gradual John Muir Trail. This route offers spectacular views of the Merced River canyon and surrounding granite peaks.
Cathedral Lakes Trail
Tuolumne Meadows, CaliforniaAn 8-mile round trip through pristine alpine wilderness to two stunning lakes beneath the dramatic Cathedral Range peaks. This high-country trail showcases Yosemite's beautiful subalpine ecosystem.
Sentinel Dome Trail
Glacier Point Road, CaliforniaA moderate 2.2-mile round trip to a granite dome offering 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome. The relatively short distance makes this spectacular viewpoint accessible to most hikers.
Taft Point Trail
Glacier Point Road, CaliforniaAn easy 1.1-mile round trip to a dramatic clifftop viewpoint with unguarded edges and heart-stopping views into Yosemite Valley. The trail offers unique perspectives of El Capitan and the valley floor 3,000 feet below.
Clouds Rest Trail
Tenaya Lake, CaliforniaA challenging 14-mile round trip to Yosemite's highest accessible peak at 9,926 feet, offering the park's most comprehensive panoramic views. This strenuous hike rewards adventurous hikers with unmatched vistas of the entire Sierra Nevada range.
Bridalveil Fall Trail
Yosemite Valley, CaliforniaAn easy 1.2-mile round trip to the base of Yosemite's most graceful waterfall, which flows year-round and creates beautiful rainbows in afternoon light. This accessible trail is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Glen Aulin Trail
Tuolumne Meadows, CaliforniaA moderate 7-mile round trip following the Tuolumne River through a series of cascading waterfalls and granite pools. This scenic trail passes through pristine wilderness areas with excellent swimming opportunities.