Top 10 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park – Top Trails, Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Family Friendly Trails
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse hiking trails. From challenging hikes that take visitors to the top of Yosemite Valley to easy hikes for families that offer stunning views of the park’s waterfalls and meadows, there is a trail for every type of hiker in Yosemite.
In this article, we’ll explore the best hikes in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome Trail, the Snow Creek Trail, the Four Mile Trail, the Bridalveil Fall Trail, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, the Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail, and the Mirror Lake Loop Trail.
Consider reading: 15 Unique Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
List of 10 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Dome Trail | Strenuous | 14 mi-16.4 mi / 22.4 km-26.2 km (round trip) | 4800 ft / 1475 m |
| Bridalveil Fall Trail | Easy | 0.5 mi / 0.8 km (round trip) | 80 ft / 24 m |
| Lower Yosemite Fall Trail | Easy | 1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop) | 50 ft / 15 m |
| Cook’s Meadow Loop | Easy | 1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop) | Flat |
| Mirror Lake Loop | Easy to Moderate | 2 mi / 3.2 km (lake & back) | 100 ft (to lake) |
| Mirror Lake Loop | Easy to Moderate | 5 mi / 8 km (entire loop) | 200 ft (loop) |
| Valley Loop Trail – Half Loop | Moderate | 6.5 mi / 10.5 km (half loop) | Mostly flat |
| Valley Loop Trail – Full Loop | Moderate | 13 mi / 20.9 km (full loop) | Mostly flat |
| Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails -One Way | Moderate to Strenuous | 1.6 mi-2.5 km | 400 ft to 2000 ft |
| Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails – Round Trip | Moderate to Strenuous | 8 mi – 13 km (round trip) | 120 m to 600 m |
| Yosemite Falls Trail | Moderate to Strenuous | 2.0 mi / 3.2 km (round trip) | 1000 ft / 328 m |
| Yosemite Falls Trail | Moderate to Strenuous | 7.2 mi / 11.6 km (round trip) | 2700 ft / 825 m |
| Snow Creek Trail | Strenuous | 9.4 mi / 15.1 km (round trip) | 2700 ft / 825 m |
| Four Mile Trail | Strenuous | 4.8 mi / 7.7 km (one way) | 3200 ft / 975 m |
| Half Dome Trail | Strenuous | 14 mi-16.4 mi / 22.4 km-26.2 km (round trip) | 4800 ft / 1475 m |
Half Dome Trail: The Most Challenging Hike of Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome Trail in Yosemite National Park is an epic and challenging hiking adventure that rewards those who conquer it with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Half Dome Trail is a 14-16 mile round trip that takes hikers up 4,800 feet in elevation to the summit of Half Dome, a granite dome that rises 8,842 feet above sea level.
Starting at the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the Half Dome Trail follows the Mist Trail for the first few miles, passing by stunning Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.
After the Mist Trail section, the hike becomes less steep but more strenuous as hikers make their way up the sub-dome, a steep granite slope that requires the use of cables and metal poles to ascend.
The final stretch of the Half Dome Trail is a steep climb up the granite dome itself, which can be challenging and daunting for many hikers.
Hikers should wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water and food, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The Half Dome Trail is usually open from May to October, but hikers should check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and closures.
It’s important to note that the Half Dome Trail is not for everyone and requires preparation and physical fitness. However, for experienced hikers looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Half Dome Trail is a must-do.
From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome’s sister peak, Clouds Rest, and the iconic El Capitan.
If you’re up for the challenge, add the Half Dome Trail to your bucket list of hiking adventures. Just remember to prepare properly and stay safe on the cables!
The Half Dome Trail is one the Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park For adventure seekers!
Bridalveil Fall Trail – Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park For Family and Kids
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is a short and easy hike in Yosemite National Park that offers stunning views of the iconic Bridalveil Fall.
Although the trail is usually closed for maintenance in winter and safety concerns, it’s definitely worth checking out once it reopens after winter.
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is only 0.5 miles round trip with a minimal elevation gain of 80 feet, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a quick and easy hike in Yosemite.
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite’s waterfalls without undertaking a strenuous hike.
The Bridalveil Fall trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers, and it offers stunning views of the 620-foot Bridalveil Fall, which is one of Yosemite’s most popular attractions.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Bridalveil Fall parking lot and take a short walk to the trailhead.
The Bridalveil Fall trail hike is short and easy, and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall.
Once there, hikers can enjoy the refreshing mist from the waterfall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley.
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is an excellent option for visitors who are short on time or who are looking for a less strenuous hike.
However, it’s important to note that the trail is closed in winter and visitors should check with the National Park Service for updates on the reopening date.
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is a short and easy hike that offers breathtaking views of one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls.
It’s an excellent option for families with children, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a quick and easy hike in Yosemite National Park.
Just be sure to check for updates on the trail’s reopening date and enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder once it’s safe to do so. The Bridalveil Fall Trail is one the Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park for age groups.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail – Hike Suitable for Family and Kids
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an easy and scenic hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors to the base of one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is only a 1-mile round trip with a minimal elevation gain of 50 feet, making it a great option for families, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll in Yosemite.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite’s waterfalls without undertaking a challenging hike.
The trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers, and it offers stunning views of the 320-foot Lower Yosemite Fall, which is one of Yosemite’s most popular attractions.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and take a short walk to the trailhead.
The hike is flat and easy, and it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall.
Once there, hikers can enjoy the refreshing mist from the waterfall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an excellent option for visitors who are short on time or who are looking for a leisurely hike.
The trail is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different views of the waterfall depending on the season. In the spring, the waterfall is at its peak flow and is especially beautiful.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an easy and scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an excellent option for families with children, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a leisurely hike in Yosemite National Park.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this natural wonder!
Cook’s Meadow Loop – Hike Suitable for Family and Kids
The Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail is a short and easy hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors through a beautiful meadow and offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
Cook’s Meadow Loop hike is only a 1-mile round trip with a minimal elevation gain, making it a great option for families, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll in Yosemite.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite’s meadows without undertaking a challenging hike.
The trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and take a short walk to the trailhead. The hike is flat and easy, and it only takes about 30 minutes to complete the loop.
Once there, hikers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the meadow and take in the stunning views of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail is an excellent option for visitors who are short on time or who are looking for a leisurely hike.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop trail is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different views of the meadow depending on the season. In the spring, the meadow is filled with wildflowers and is especially beautiful.
Overall, the Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail is a short and easy hike that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite’s meadows and iconic landmarks.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop trail is an excellent option for families with children, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a leisurely hike in Yosemite National Park. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this natural wonder!
Mirror Lake Loop
The Mirror Lake Loop Trail is a moderate hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors to a beautiful lake with stunning views of Half Dome.
Mirror Lake Loop hike trail is about 2 miles round trip to the lake and back, and 5 miles round trip if you do the entire loop, with an elevation gain of about 100 feet to the lake and 200 feet for the loop.
It’s a great option for hikers who are looking for a moderate hike with beautiful scenery.
The Mirror Lake Loop Trail is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite’s lakes and mountains.
The trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Mirror Lake Trailhead and take a short walk to the trailhead.
The first part of the hike takes visitors through the forest, and then the trail opens up to stunning views of Tenaya Canyon and the surrounding mountains.
Once at the lake, hikers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the stunning views of Half Dome.
The Mirror Lake Loop Trail is an excellent option for visitors who are looking for a moderate hike with beautiful scenery.
The trail is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different views of the lake and surrounding mountains depending on the season.
In the spring and early summer, the lake is at its fullest and is especially beautiful.
Overall, the Mirror Lake Loop Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite’s lakes and mountains.
It’s an excellent option for hikers who are looking for a beautiful and moderately challenging hike in Yosemite National Park. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this natural wonder!
Valley Loop Trail
The Valley Loop Trail is a moderate hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors on a scenic tour of Yosemite Valley. The full loop is 13 miles, but you can do a half loop that’s 6.5 miles.
The Valley Loop Trail is mostly flat and is a great way to see some of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
The Valley Loop Trail is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite’s landmarks and valley without undertaking a strenuous hike.
The Valley Loop Trail is well-maintained and accessible for most hikers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
To access the trail, visitors can park at one of several parking areas throughout Yosemite Valley and take a short walk to the trailhead.
The trail follows the perimeter of the valley, and hikers can enjoy stunning views of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
The Valley Loop Trail is an excellent option for visitors who are looking for a moderate hike with beautiful scenery.
The trail is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different views of the valley depending on the season.
In the spring and early summer, the Valley Loop Trail is at its greenest and is especially beautiful.
Overall, the Valley Loop Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite’s landmarks and valley.
The Valley Loop Trail is the most popular hiking trail in Yosemite National Park.
It’s an excellent option for hikers who are looking for a beautiful and moderately challenging hike in Yosemite National Park. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this natural wonder!
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails
The Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails are some of the most popular and challenging hikes in Yosemite National Park.
These trails offer stunning views of two of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls and are a must-do for anyone looking for a challenging and breathtaking hike.
The Vernal Fall Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the 317-foot Vernal Fall.
The trail is steep and includes a section with slippery granite steps, so hikers should take care and wear sturdy hiking boots.
Once at the base of the waterfall, hikers can enjoy the refreshing mist and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley.
For those looking for a longer and more challenging hike, the Nevada Fall Trail is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the 594-foot Nevada Fall.
Nevada Fall Trail is steep and includes a section with steep granite steps and a steep ascent up the side of the waterfall using a cable system.
The climb is challenging, but the view from the top is worth it. Hikers can see the entire Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
To access the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails, visitors can park at the Happy Isles Trailhead and take a short walk to the trailheads.
The trails are open from spring to fall, but visitors should check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and closures.
The Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails are popular and challenging hikes that offer breathtaking views of some of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls.
They are an excellent option for hikers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Falls Trail – Challenging Hike in Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in Yosemite National Park.
This hike takes visitors to the top of Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
The Yosemite Falls Trail is approximately 7.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet, making it a great option for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike.
The Yosemite Falls Trail starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead and follows the Merced River up to the top of Yosemite Falls.
The trail is steep and includes many switchbacks, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and take a short walk to the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead.
The trail is usually open from spring to fall, but visitors should check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and closures.
The Yosemite Falls Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Yosemite Falls Trail is an excellent option for experienced hikers who are looking for an adventure in Yosemite National Park.
Snow Creek Trail – Challenging Hikes in Yosemite National Park
The Snow Creek Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors up to the top of Yosemite Valley.
Snow Creek Trail hike is approximately 9.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet, making it a great option for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenging and adventurous hike.
The Snow Creek Trail starts at the Mirror Lake Trailhead and follows the Tenaya Creek up to the top of Yosemite Valley.
Snow Creek Trail is steep and rocky, and hikers should be prepared for a challenging ascent. Once at the top, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
To access the Snow Creek Trail, visitors can park at the Mirror Lake Trailhead and take a short walk to the Snow Creek Trailhead.
The trail is usually open from spring to fall, but visitors should check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and closures.
The Snow Creek Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley.
It’s an excellent option for experienced hikers who are looking for an adventure in Yosemite National Park.
Four Mile Trail – One of the Most Challenging Hikes in Yosemite National Park
The Four Mile Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike in Yosemite National Park that takes visitors from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point.
Four Mile Trail hike is approximately 9.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet, making it a great option for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenging and adventurous hike.
The Four Mile Trail starts at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and follows the Merced River up to Glacier Point.
The trail is steep and includes many switchbacks, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
To access the trail, visitors can park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and take a short walk to the Four Mile Trailhead.
The trail is usually open from spring to fall, but visitors should check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and closures.
The Four Mile Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
It’s an excellent option for experienced hikers who are looking for an adventure in Yosemite National Park.
Before you plan for a hike, please make sure to check the park announcements on the National Park Service Website.
Final Thoughts on Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails in the world.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a beginner hiker looking for a leisurely stroll, Yosemite has a hike that’s perfect for you.
From the challenging and rewarding hikes up to the top of Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point to the easy and scenic hikes along Mirror Lake and Cook’s Meadow, there is something for everyone.
And let’s not forget the iconic Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails, which offer breathtaking views of two of Yosemite’s most spectacular waterfalls.
No matter which hikes you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Yosemite’s natural wonders and landscapes.
So pack your hiking gear, plan your route, and get ready to explore the best hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Like hiking? Consider reading: 17 Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park
FAQs on Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
What is the most popular hike at Yosemite?
The most popular hike at Yosemite is the Yosemite Falls Trail, leading to the tallest falls in North America. Another popular choice is the Mist Trail, whether you stop at the footbridge at Vernal Fall or continue to the top of Nevada Fall.
What is the best month to hike Yosemite?
The best month to hike Yosemite is from May to September. This period offers the best weather conditions and ensures that all roads, trails, lodging, shuttles, and attractions in the park are open for a memorable hiking experience.
What is the toughest trail in Yosemite?
The toughest trail in Yosemite is the Half Dome hike. It is Yosemite’s most famous and challenging hike, requiring climbers to navigate steep switchbacks, cables, and a 16-mile round trip. Proper gear and physical preparation are essential for this demanding adventure in the park.
Do I need a permit to hike in Yosemite National Park?
Yes, some hikes, like the Half Dome Trail, require a permit. Check with the National Park Service website for more information.
What should I bring on a hike in Yosemite National Park?
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, and appropriate clothing and footwear for the hike.
Can I bring my dog on a hike in Yosemite National Park?
Dogs are allowed on some trails in Yosemite, but they must be on a leash at all
Is Half Dome hike scary?
The Half Dome hike is physically demanding with steep stairs and a granite scramble, but it is not particularly scary. The stairs provide stable footing and the scramble is not exposed in good weather. Don’t be intimidated by its appearance; it’s not as bad as it may seem.
