By Hayley Helms
Whether you are willing to enter a lottery for a permit to trek up to Half Dome, there are plenty of incredible trails around Yosemite worth making time for. Read our Yosemite hiking guide for help picking the best one for you!
For any outdoorsperson, the Yosemite Valley is one of the most alluring destinations on the planet. Epic peaks, incredible climbing, ancient forests, pristine meadows, and sparkling waterfalls are just the tip of the iceberg at this sought-out destination. Staying at Outbound Yosemite doesn’t just guarantee comfort and relaxation — since it’s just 25 minutes from the South Gate entrance, this stunning property also puts you super close to some of the most incredible hikes in existence. If you’re planning a trip to Outbound Yosemite and have an appetite for adventure, you’ve got to check out a few of these well-known — and less trodden — hiking trails.
5 of the Best Day Hikes In Yosemite You Should Try
Yosemite has a stacked list of famous trails, well-known thanks either to historic popularity, proximity to iconic landmarks (like Half Dome, for starters), cultural significance, or their photography appeal (gotta do it for the ‘gram!). If you’re heading into the Yosemite Valley and want to hike a banger or two, I’d recommend the following hikes.
Half Dome via Mist Trail / Subdome (Permit Required)
- Distance: ~14–16 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~4,800 ft
- Trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead (shuttle stop #16)
- Best Time: Spring and early summer
- Permit: Yes – via lottery (recreation.gov), required for cables section.
This hike is Yosemite’s crown jewel. Keep in mind that a permit is required — but if you’re able to score one, this all-day adventure will be life-changing. This epic quest takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls, up granite switchbacks, and finally to the iconic cable route. From the summit, you’ll be able to see 360-degree views of the Valley and the surrounding High Sierra. It’s an awe-inspiring hike, but be warned: the cable section is demanding, hair-raising and not for the faint of heart. I would recommend bringing climbing equipment, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. When I attempted my summit, I didn’t bring a harness along — and my fear kept me from conquering the final stretch of cables.
Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
- Distance: ~3 miles round trip (Vernal) or ~7 miles (Nevada Falls via Mist up / John Muir down)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft to Vernal; ~2,000 ft to Nevada
- Trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead (shuttle stop #16)
- Best time: Spring & early summer
If you’re in the mood to see something special, this hike is Yosemite’s most iconic waterfall trail. You’ll climb stone steps beside Vernal Fall’s misty curtain, then continue on to Nevada Falls for thundering, out-of-this world views. Opting to descend via the John Muir Trail will yield a scenic loop with lighter foot traffic. As far as Yosemite’s most iconic trails go, this one is hard to beat.
Yosemite Falls Trail (Upper & Lower)
- Distance: ~7.6 miles round trip (Upper Falls); ~1 mile loop (Lower)
- Elevation Gain: ~2,700 ft (Upper)
- Trailhead: Camp 4 parking lot (near shuttle stop #7)
- Best time: Late spring when the falls are booming; dry or low flow in late summer.
Speaking of waterfalls, if you want to catch a glimpse of North America’s tallest waterfall, head to the Yosemite Falls Trail (Upper and Lower). The Upper Yosemite Falls full hike will place you right beside the brink of these falls, and it’s worth the effort to get there. If you’d like a shorter option, the views from Columbia Rock are equally stunning.
Valley Loop Trail (Partial or Full)
- Distance: 6.5 miles (half loop) or 13 miles (full loop)
- Elevation Gain: ~200–300 ft
- Trailhead: Anywhere in Yosemite Valley (it loops the entire Valley floor)
- Best time: Spring
Looking for something mellow that still yields great views? The Valley Loop Trail will be right up your alley. This chill trail is great for the whole family, and winds along the valley floor beneath towering cliffs and alongside the Merced River. Spot wildlife, take your time, and enjoy the ambience. You’ll also score views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Yosemite Falls. (Just be aware, parking can be a pain during peak hours and on weekends.)
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Distance: Varies — multiple loops from 0.3 miles to 7 miles long
- Elevation Gain: ~100 ft to 1,200+ ft depending on route
- Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (south entrance of Yosemite)
This is Yosemite’s largest grove of giant Sequoias, with over 500 mature trees — some over 3,000 years old and up to 30 feet wide! Take a hike here and walk among living giants like the Grizzly Giant, Bachelor and Three Graces, and Faithful Couple, each with their own natural history and unique personality.
Four Lesser-Known Gems Near Yosemite
If you want to experience the splendor of the Yosemite Valley, but not the crowds, here are a few hikes we’d recommend to even our most shy friends:
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~500 ft
- Trailhead: Old Wawona Road, near Tunnel View parking lot
Are you into photography? You’ll dig this aptly-named trail. It offers a similar view to the Tunnel View lookout point, without the crowds. It’s quiet, scenic and a haven for photographers.
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow (Summer/fall only)
- Distance: 7.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~800 ft
- Trailhead: Glacier Point Road (McGurk Meadow)
Take in the Yosemite Valley from a less-traveled, rare westward vantage point with this trail. The best time to hike this trail is in the summer and fall, thanks to the bounty of wildflowers in bloom, and the lack of crowds compared with similarly-oriented Taft or Glacier Point.
- Distance: 10.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~800 ft
- Trailhead: Porcupine Flat (off Tioga Road)
Hikers that enjoy the path less-traveled will appreciate this 10 to 11 mile hike, which provides a respite from crowds and a face-on view of Half Dome. It’s a unique perspective on an iconic landmark, and out of the way enough that you can even score the summit all to yourself. Just remember to bring adequate amounts of water and fuel, as this is one of the longer hikes on the list.
- Distance: ~2 miles one way (longer if continuing up switchbacks)
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Trailhead: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17)
Mirror Lake is a well-known stop for tourists — but if you continue up the Snow Creek switchbacks, your hard work will be rewarded with a break from the crowds, as well as a dramatic view over Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome. This isn’t a long hike, but be warned: the switchbacks can be pretty tiring.
Keep In Mind
If you’re heading out to hike one of the more popular trails in Yosemite, make sure you have the proper permits and supplies. You don’t want to get a ticket during one of the most epic moments of your life. (Although it might make for a good story…) Keep in mind that whether you’re hiking a well-known spot or something more off the beaten path, it’s important to bring water, food, proper navigation equipment, some sunscreen, safety equipment and a backpack to stuff it all into. When you’re done trekking on granite peaks, pine-filled forests and magic-filled meadows, I’d recommend hitting the pool and chilling at Outbound Yosemite’s pool and lounge. You definitely earned it!
