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Hiking Information for Yosemite National Park, California

 

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Yosemite National Park - Hiking

What Yosemite certainly has no lack of are lofty vistas and dramatic waterfalls. A hike, whether short or strenuous, always has something spectacular as its destination. Wapama Falls, Sentinel Dome and the tricky, day-long ascent (and descent) of Half Dome are just a few of the park's more popular treks. A grove of giant sequoias and a bubbling carbonated stream are more atypical ones, but whether you go traditional or seek out something slightly less crowded there are a couple of things to keep in mind. There are 750 miles of trail in this park, much of which is suitable for day hikes. However, backpackers looking for a multi-day slog will want to be sure to make reservations for trail use when possible, as there are trail quotas that limit numbers daily on back-country routes. Also, for any overnight stays, a wilderness permit is required, so be sure to the paperwork before you start the footwork.

Hikes to consider in and around Yosemite National Park are listed below.



Alder Creek 12 miles (18.7 km) 6-8 hours
This trail leads uphill north through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita growing on drier slopes.

Bridalveil Fall Easy
0.5 miles 20 minutes
A paved trail leads from the parking area to the base of this waterfall, which flows year-round.

Chilnualna Falls Difficult
8.2 miles (13.1 km) round-trip
This tough hike has great views of the Wawona area.

Cook's Meadow Loop Easy
1 mile 1/2 hour
This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Royal Arches.

Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Difficult
2.8 - 4 miles 3-4 hours

Elizabeth Lake Intermediate
4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip 4 to 5 hours
The trail climbs steadily (about 900 feet/275 m) to the glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak.

Four Mile Trail Difficult
9.6 miles 6-8 hours

Gaylor Lakes Intermediate
2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip 2 hours
From the trailhead, climb steadily to a ridge with rewarding views of Mount Dana and Dana Meadows behind you and numerous peaks in front of you.

Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley Difficult
4.8 - 8.5 miles 3-8 hours
The views of Yosemite valleys from these trails are panoramically scenic.

Glen Aulin 11 miles (17.7 km) round-trip 6-8 hours
Begin at Soda Springs and follow the trail along Tuolumne River as it drops to Glen Aulin, passing beautiful cascades.

Half Dome Difficult
14 - 16.3 miles 10-12 hours
The 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for you if you're out of shape or unprepared. You will be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome.

Lookout Point Intermediate
2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip 1 hour
This quick hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Hetch Hetchy Valley.

Lower Yosemite Fall Easy
1 mile/1.6 km loop 1/2 hour

Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail Easy
8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip 4 hours

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Intermediate
1.6 - 6.9 miles 1 - 5 hours

McGurk Meadow, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point Intermediate
4-7 miles 2-4 hours
During July, the meadows in this area are a great place to see wildflowers.

Mirror Lake/Meadow Easy
2-5 miles 1-2 hours
When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs.

Mono Meadow to view of Mount Starr King Difficult
3 miles 2-3 hours

Mono Pass Intermediate
8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip 4 to 6 hours
This historic trans-sierra route has been used for hundreds--maybe even thousands--of years.

Nevada Fall Difficult
7 miles/11.2 km round-trip 5-6 hours

Ostrander Lake Difficult
12.7 miles (20.3 km) round-trip

Panorama Trail Difficult
8.5 miles (13.7 km) 6 hours

Poopenaut Valley Difficult
3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip 2 hours
This trail provides quick access to the Tuolumne River, descending 1,229 feet (735 m) to the river below O'Shaughnessy Dam.

Rancheria Falls Intermediate
13.4 miles (21.4 km) round-trip 6-8 hours
This trail continues past Wapama Falls to popular Rancheria Falls.

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Intermediate
2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip 2 hours
Sentinel Dome presents an amazing 360-degree panorama, Taft Point gives you magnificent views of Yosemite Valley.


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