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.
- Eagle PeakEagle Peak is the highest of the Three Brothers, a rock formation, above Yosemite Valley in California. This independent peak is located just east of El Capitan. John Muir considered the […]Read More
- Cook’s Meadow TrailA wonderful short trail that is accessible year round and very flat. It loops from Sentinel Drive parking lot and across from Yosemite Falls, offering stunning views of Yosemite Falls, […]Read More
- Upper Yosemite Falls HikeWhere can you go in Yosemite National Park for some of the best views afforded by nature? Look no further than one of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to […]Read More
- The Mist TrailThe Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s classic and most-popular hikes. Although many people hike to the top of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall (or all the way to the […]Read More
- Sentinel Dome and Taft PointThese short hikes offer incredible views and are a great place for a sunset picnic (take a headlamp for the walk back!). The trailhead for both is located off Glacier […]Read More
- Nevada Fall TrailHikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing 1.3 miles (2.1 km) along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall). The John Muir Trail also leads to the top […]Read More
- Four Mile TrailThis trail begins near the base of Sentinel Rock and climbs to the top of Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point. The trail maintains a continuous steep grade, following the path […]Read More
- Trail at Hite CoveThe beautiful Merced River along Highway 140, is a popular scenic area. The main (north) fork of the Merced River flows through steep river canyons in the Sierra National Forest […]Read More
- Mirror Lake/MeadowFrom the shuttle stop (#17), a paved trail leads directly to Mirror Lake. At the stone bridge, you can turn right to take the five-mile loop or remain on the […]Read More
- Merced Grove TrailThis trail follows an old road that curves down into the Merced Grove, the smallest and most secluded of Yosemite’s three sequoia groves. Follow the trail for 0.6 miles (1 […]Read More