Hikes in Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument is located near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. At the south end of the monument, you'll find the lovely 101-foot tall Rainbow Falls. The monument's main attraction is the Devils Postpile Formation, which has unique 60-foot tall cliffs made of basalt columns. Devils Postpile National Monument is surrounded by Inyo National Forest (which includes Ansel Adams Wilderness). ... Read more.
Latest reports in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (page 11)
Sierra Nevada

Half Dome
in Yosemite National Park

Trails | Yosemite
Trail Rating:
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
It might be half a dome, but it's a full day's hike - 16 miles round trip from Yosemite Valley with 4,800 feet of elevation gain. Is Yosemite's much heralded bucket-list hike worth all the hoopla? You bet it is. Half Dome is an iconic element of the Yosemite landscape and the trail to its summit is a one of a kind. The hike up Half Dome is a major challenge (and a major reward). ...Read more.
Tagged with · Backpacking · John Muir Trail · National Parks · Summits · Waterfalls · Yosemite Valley
Distance: 16 miles · Elevation change: 4800 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: July 10, 2011 Last updated: May 27, 2026
Sierra Nevada

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
in Yosemite National Park

Trails | Yosemite
Trail Rating:
The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park
On the path to Half Dome, Yosemite's most imposing bucket list hike, are two impressive waterfalls coursing down the Merced River. The Mist Trail provides the steepest most intimate experience of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. John Muir Trail takes a more gradual route to the top of Nevada Fall and is the most practical route for those continuing to Half Dome. ...Read more.
Tagged with · John Muir Trail · National Parks · Waterfalls · Yosemite Valley
Distance: 6.1 miles · Elevation change: 1925 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: June 23, 2011 Last updated: April 18, 2026
Sierra Nevada

Mirror Lake
in Yosemite National Park

Trails | Yosemite
Trail Rating:
Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park
Wedged between the granite walls of Half Dome and North Dome on the east end of Yosemite Valley, visit an enticing body of water that doubles the Yosemite splendor. Mirror Lake, which is not actually a lake but rather a shallow seasonal pool, is famous for its reflective beauty. Due to it's popularity and easy-to-reach-ness, a few trails lead to Mirror Lake. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Creeks · Lakes · National Parks · Yosemite Valley
Distance: 2.8 miles · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: June 7, 2011 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Sierra Nevada

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
in Yosemite National Park

Trails | Yosemite
Trail Rating:
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail in Yosemite National Park
A pair of paved paths lead to a viewing bridge below Lower Yosemite Fall, creating a 1.2-mile loop to the foot of the tallest waterfall in North America, and the fifth tallest in the world. The western side of the loop is laid out in a line with Yosemite Falls to provide absolutely eye-popping, jaw-dropping, imagination-defying, awe-inspiring views of the 2,425-foot waterfall. ...Read more.
Tagged with · National Parks · Waterfalls · Wheelchair-Friendly · Yosemite Valley
Distance: 1.2 miles · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 26, 2011 Last updated: April 18, 2026
Sierra Nevada

Taft Point
in Yosemite National Park

Trails | Yosemite
Trail Rating:
Taft Point in Yosemite National Park
The panoramic view from Taft Point and the rock fissures nearby provide a rewarding 2-mile hike. The dirt single track descends just 250 feet to an outcropping on the south wall of Yosemite Valley that overlooks El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Fall from Taft Point From the trailhead, turn left and begin a peaceful walk through a big pine forest bordering a high elevation meadow. ...Read more.
Tagged with · National Parks · Yosemite Valley
Distance: 2 miles · Elevation change: 250 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 25, 2011 Last updated: December 5, 2025
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