Standing beneath Yosemite’s granite cliffs with waterfalls around you shows why this park is so special. With over 15 years of guiding hikers here, I’ve walked every major trail and seen people fall in love with the mountains.
This guide lists the best Yosemite hikes by difficulty, moderate, and hard, so you can pick trails that match your fitness and schedule. From short, family-friendly valley walks to challenging climbs, each trail offers unique views.
Top hikes include Half Dome, Mist Trail, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Lakes, combining breathtaking scenery with experiences that stay in your memory long after leaving the park.
How This Guide Is Organized
This guide splits trails into three difficulty levels: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult. Each section helps you find hikes that match your fitness level and available time, from quick one-hour walks to all-day challenges.
Location matters in Yosemite – Valley hikes remain accessible year-round, while High Country trails close due to snow from November to May. Valley trails connect to the park shuttle system, while High Country hikes require driving to higher elevations.
Most day hikes don’t need permits, but famous trails like Half Dome require reservations. All visitors need park entrance passes, and busy seasons may require timed entry reservations to control crowds.
Best Difficult Hikes In Yosemite
These challenging trails demand good fitness and full-day commitments but deliver the most rewarding views in Yosemite.
Half Dome Hike
The Half Dome cable route stands as the ultimate Yosemite challenge, requiring permits obtained through a competitive lottery system. The 16-mile round trip gains 4,800 feet of elevation and takes most hikers 10-14 hours to complete.
The famous cables cover the final 400 feet to the summit, where hikers pull themselves up steep granite using metal cables and wooden planks. Views from the 8,842-foot summit show the entire Yosemite Valley spread out nearly a mile below.
Clouds Rest
This 14-mile hike follows a dramatic granite ridge to Yosemite’s highest easily accessible peak at 9,926 feet.
From the summit, you can see Half Dome, the High Sierra peaks, Tenaya Lake, and the entire Yosemite Valley. Many photographers prefer this viewpoint because Half Dome appears in the frame rather than being the viewpoint itself.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
The 7.2-mile trail climbs 2,700 feet through relentless switchbacks to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall. Spring and early summer provide the most spectacular water flow and cooler temperatures for the steep climb.
At the top, hikers can walk right to the edge of the 2,425-foot drop and enjoy swimming holes above the falls.
Glen Aulin Trail To Tuolumne Falls & White Cascade
This 13-mile High Country trail follows the Tuolumne River through a series of waterfalls and granite pools. The route is mostly downhill going out, making the return climb the most challenging part.
Multiple waterfalls, including Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade, provide swimming opportunities and photo spots.
Four Mile Trail To Glacier Point
The Four Mile Trail (actually 4.8 miles each way) climbs 3,200 feet from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point through switchbacks carved into the cliff face. This historic trail provides constantly changing views as you gain elevation.
Glacier Point offers the classic postcard view of Half Dome and the High Sierra. While you can drive to the same viewpoint, hiking up provides a real sense of accomplishment and better appreciation for the scenery.
North Dome
This 9-mile hike leads to one of the best viewpoints of Half Dome from across Tenaya Canyon. The trail sees fewer crowds than other popular routes while offering equally impressive views for photography. North Dome provides excellent training for bigger hikes while delivering views that rival the more famous destinations.
The Diving Board
Located just below Half Dome, this granite platform offers similar views without needing permits or cables. This option works perfectly for people who can’t get Half Dome permits or want the experience without the cable climbing. The views are nearly identical to Half Dome’s summit with much less risk.
Pohono Trail
The 13-mile Pohono Trail follows Yosemite’s south rim, connecting multiple viewpoints including Glacier Point, Taft Point, and Inspiration Point. You can hike the entire trail or just sections, depending on your time and energy.
Panorama Trail
The 8.5-mile Panorama Trail connects Glacier Point to Happy Isles via Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall. Though mostly downhill, steep sections and rocky terrain still provide a good workout for experienced hikers.
This trail combines three major viewpoints and two waterfalls in one spectacular hike. The variety makes it one of the best Yosemite hikes for seeing multiple park highlights without separate trips.
Best Moderate Hikes In Yosemite
These trails balance manageable effort with rewarding scenery, perfect for hikers with some experience who want memorable views without all-day commitments.
Mist Trail To Vernal & Nevada Falls
The Mist Trail to both falls covers 7 miles round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, taking most hikers 4-6 hours. This trail ranks among the best Yosemite hikes for combining two spectacular waterfalls with exciting granite terrain.
The trail gets its name from the cooling mist that soaks hikers near Vernal Fall bring rain gear during peak flow season. Natural granite steps lead up to both waterfalls, creating one of Yosemite’s most unique hiking experiences.
Mariposa Grove Trail (Giant Sequoias)
Multiple trail options from 2-7 miles let you choose your own experience among over 500 giant sequoia trees. The Grizzly Giant, over 2,700 years old and 209 feet tall, stands as one of the most photographed trees in the world.
The California Tunnel Tree allows hikers to walk through its base, while paved sections accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
Elizabeth Lake Trail
The 4.5-mile trail to Elizabeth Lake starts in Tuolumne Meadows and climbs gradually through forest and granite to a beautiful alpine lake. The lake sits in a granite bowl below Unicorn Peak, offering classic Sierra scenery.
Gaylor & Granite Lakes Trail
This 6-mile trail visits two different lake areas near Tioga Pass, each with its own character and scenery. Gaylor Lakes sit in an open granite basin, while Granite Lakes nestle in a more forested setting.
The high elevation start (nearly 10,000 feet) means this trail opens late in the season but provides access to some of Yosemite’s highest, easily reached lakes. Both areas offer great photography and peaceful settings.
Best Easy Hikes In Yosemite
These family-friendly trails offer big scenery payoffs with minimal physical demands, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Lower Yosemite Falls
The 1.2-mile paved trail to Lower Yosemite Falls provides the easiest access to North America’s tallest waterfall. The trail accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and people with mobility challenges while offering spectacular views.
Spring provides the most dramatic water flow, with thundering falls that create cooling mist throughout the area. Even when water flow decreases in late summer, the massive granite cliffs surrounding the falls remain impressive.
Lembert Dome Trail
This 2.8-mile trail in Tuolumne Meadows leads to the top of a granite dome with 360-degree views of the High Sierra. The trail follows the gentler back side of the dome, avoiding any technical climbing.
From the 9,450-foot summit, you can see Cathedral Range peaks, Tenaya Lake, and the surrounding meadows. The trail works well for families visiting the High Country during the summer months.
Glacier Point Short Hike
A short 1-mile round-trip walk from the Glacier Point parking area leads to the famous overlook without any significant elevation gain. This easy stroll provides the classic view of Half Dome and the High Sierra.
Additional short trails from Glacier Point lead to Washburn Point and other viewpoints along the south rim. These easy walks offer different angles on the same spectacular scenery.
Wawona Meadow Loop
This 3.5-mile loop trail circles a beautiful meadow in the Wawona area of the park. The flat trail works perfectly for families and offers wildflower displays during spring and early summer.
The meadow provides habitat for deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Historic buildings and the Wawona Hotel add cultural interest to the natural scenery.
Soda Springs & Parsons Lodge
This easy 1.5-mile walk in Tuolumne Meadows leads to natural carbonated springs and a historic stone lodge. The flat trail follows boardwalks through sensitive meadow areas.
The springs bubble up naturally carbonated water that you can taste (though it’s quite salty). Parsons Lodge provides historical context about the area’s development as a High Sierra destination.
Sentinel Dome
The 2.2-mile hike to Sentinel Dome provides 360-degree views rivaling those from Half Dome without permits or cables. The trail climbs gradually through the forest before a short scramble to the granite summit.
Views include Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra peaks spread out in all directions. This hike offers one of the best view-to-effort ratios among the best Yosemite hikes.
Yosemite Hiking Tips & Packing Essentials
Pack a day pack with a hydration system, high-energy snacks, and electrolyte replacement for longer hikes. Water requirements increase significantly at higher elevations and during hot weather, so carry more than you think you need.
Essential gear includes water filters for backcountry sources, trekking poles for steep terrain, a GPS device or a map, and a headlamp for early starts or late returns. A first aid kit and whistle provide important safety backups.
Seasonal considerations include layers for temperature changes at elevation, sun protection at high altitude, and microspikes for icy conditions. Research current trail conditions, obtain required permits in advance, store food properly to avoid wildlife conflicts, and start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on exposed routes.
Conclusion
Yosemite has hiking trails for every skill level, from easy valley walks for families to challenging summit climbs for experienced hikers.
Trying one easy, one moderate, and one difficult trail lets you see waterfalls, peaks, lakes, and valley views.
These trails are based on decades of experience and show why Yosemite is one of the world’s best hiking parks, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Hike In Yosemite?
The best time is late spring to early fall (May-October). Valley trails stay open year-round, but High Country trails close in winter. Spring has strong waterfalls, summer allows high trails but is crowded, and fall is cooler with fewer people.
Do You Need A Permit For All Yosemite Hikes?
Most day hikes only need a park pass and sometimes a timed entry. Half Dome and some wilderness areas need advance permits. Overnight trips always require a wilderness permit, and popular routes fill up quickly in summer.
Are There Shuttle Buses To Yosemite Trailheads?
Free shuttles serve main Valley trailheads like Lower Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake. High Country trailheads need a car, though some tour companies offer transport for visitors without one.
Can You Hike In Yosemite With Kids?
Yes, many Valley trails are family-friendly. Pick hikes suitable for your child’s age and fitness. High trails are harder for young kids. Bring water, snacks, and layers for safety.
What Should You Do If You See A Bear On The Trail?
Stay calm, make yourself big, speak softly, and back away slowly. Don’t approach or feed bears. Keep food in bear boxes or canisters to prevent most encounters.
