Yosemite Day Hikes

Stand at the foot of spectacular Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley. From the parking lot the viewpoint is only a short stroll up a paved trail. Come in spring or early summer when the falls are at their best.

Reward yourself with wonderful views of Yosemite Valley by taking the Four Mile Trail from the valley up to Glacier Point. It's strenuous hike, climbing 3,200 feet. Some hikers choose to hike it one-way from top to bottom.

Make the challenging day hike 4,800 feet up from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome and back again. The 16-mile round trip tests the endurance of even seasoned hikers, and yet it is among the most popular hikes in the park.

Stroll along wide, paved trails to the foot of Lower Yosemite Falls. A mile of trails loop among trees and rocks providing a variety of vantage points from which and photograph the view the magnificence of Yosemite Falls.

In Yosemite Valley enjoy the pleasant 1-mile walk out to Mirror Lake near the foot of Half Dome. Stroll along a wide, paved roadway beneath soaring granite domes, or choose the longer scenic loop trail.

Take in the splendor of Vernal Fall from below at the bridge or hike to the top of the fall on the Mist Trail. One of the classic day trips in Yosemite Valley. Less than a mile to the bridge, but be prepared for steep granite steps up the Mist Trail.

Make the strenuous 2,700-foot climb to the top of Yosemite Falls. Follow the trail from the valley floor to a view point after the first mile, then push on as more wonderful views of the valley emerge until you reach the very summit.

Set out on the John Muir Trail for stunningly beautiful Cathedral Lakes, 3½ miles from the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead. Hike past granite domes and soaring spires. Enjoy a picnic by the lakes, fish for mountain trout, and gaze upward at magnificent Cathedral Peak.

Stoll among Giant Sequoias on this 2-mile loop trail through Yosemite's largest gathering of sequoias. Enjoy newly renovated facilities and a variety of trails, some wheelchair accessible.

Walk all or part of this meandering 3½-mile loop around a Yosemite meadow. Relax as you stroll through the quiet forest setting, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the rustle of the trees in a gentle breeze.

Cross this classic swinging bridge over a branch of the Merced River. Take an easy 1-mile out and back walk to the bridge or make a moderate 4.8-mile loop. Look for swimming holes in late summer when water levels are safe.