Hikes in Yosemite National Park

Below is a collection of trails and viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. These outings are listed from north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you select your next trek. Each trail or viewpoint links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these destinations. An interactive map is also provided.

Highlights of Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park protects nearly 1,200 square miles of stunning Sierra Nevada wilderness and draws approximately four million visitors each year. Tourists congregate in Yosemite Valley, a seven square mile sector that is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet.

Yosemite Valley is hydrated by some of the tallest waterfalls in the world, including Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, and Ribbon Fall, the longest single-drop waterfall in North America with an epic 1,612-foot plunge.

It is difficult to describe Yosemite’s magnificence without firing up the hyperbole generator. The waterfalls and granite domes are striking. Even seemingly average forests and meadows know to be a bit extra beautiful. John Muir, who fought for the park’s creation described Yosemite Valley this way:

It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.

Yosemite Valley is a special place.

Yosemite National Park is very accessible. Even without hiking, the breathtaking views from drive-to overlooks like Tunnel View and Glacier Point, and easy footpaths like Bridalveil Fall Trail and Lower Yosemite Fall Trail create a memorable visit. The easiest way to get around Yosemite Valley is the free park shuttle. Leave your vehicle at Curry Village or the visitor center and use the shuttle loop to access trails and points of interest. It is very important to practice good bear safety at all times inside the park.

The park offers numerous campgrounds and unforgettable hikes, including the bucket-list worthy ascent on Half Dome. Beyond Yosemite Valley, a vast backcountry provides endless hiking away from the crowds.

Description	Distance	Latitude, Longitude
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Wapama Falls This level hike tours a flooded valley to a thundering waterfall in the northwest corner of the park.	5 miles 200 feet	37.946905, -119.787376
May Lake This short east hike visits a peaceful alpine lake in the high elevation region of Yosemite north of Yosemite Valley.	2.4 miles 400 feet	37.832633, -119.491181
Mirror Lake This easy hike visits a relaxing reflective pool on the east end of Yosemite Valley.	2 to 2.8 miles 100 feet	37.747188, -119.55021
Half Dome This epic hike climbs from Yosemite Valley to the top of the most iconic crest in the Yosemite Landscape.	16 miles 4,800 feet	37.747915, -119.531994
The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall This exciting trail climbs the Merced River past two of Yosemite's prize waterfalls.	1.8 to 6.5 miles 400 to 1,900 feet	37.732178, -119.558036
Lower Yosemite Fall This electrifying loop delivers visitors to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America.	1.2 miles 100 feet	37.745347, -119.594777
Glacier Point This 7,214-foot overlook towers above Yosemite Valley and provides incredible drive-up views.	0.25 miles	37.727103, -119.574456
Taft Point This out and back hike visits an overlook on the south wall of Yosemite Valley with fascinating rock fissures carved into the exposed granite.	4 miles 200 feet	37.7126, -119.586318
Bridalveil Fall This easy paved trail visits the base of a 620-foot single-drop waterfall on the south side of Yosemite Valley.	0.5 miles 50 feet	37.720052, -119.628682
Tunnel View Pull the car over at this extraordinary viewpoint looking down of Yosemite Valley - a must see.	0 miles	37.715476, -119.67678
Chilnualna Falls This out and back hike begins near raucous cascades and ends atop a waterfall.	8 miles 2,200 feet	37.548391, -119.633691
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias This hike explores the biggest trees in Yosemite, which can be explored on foot or by tram.	1.6 - 8 miles 250 to 1,200 feet	37.501462, -119.610862