5 Stunning Hikes You Have To Take at Yosemite National Park

Big mountains and beautiful waterfalls await you at one of the most popular national parks

If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, look no further than Yosemite National Park. The park is a hiker's paradise with its jaw-dropping landscapes and picture-perfect vistas.

Established in 1890 and designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite National Park sits on over 750,000 acres of land in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions.

Yosemite is also famous for its giant sequoias, waterfalls, and cliffs. Speaking of cliffs, one of the most well-known landmarks in the park is El Capitan, a massive granite cliff that rises over 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor and is a favorite place for experienced rock climbers to test their skills.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, Yosemite National Park also has plenty to offer in terms of hiking trails. From easy walks to more challenging hikes, there's something everyone can experience while taking in the stunning scenery.

Here are five must-take hikes at Yosemite National Park.

Glacier Point Trail

The shortest and easiest trail on our list comes with one of the most incredible views in Yosemite. With a 270-degree view of the valley, the half dome, and 3 falls, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite.

The Glacier Point trail is fully paved and is perfect for kids and strollers. 

The downside, however, is that most hikers drive from the valley, and the road you would use is currently closed (rescheduled to reopen in 2023). If you’re planning to visit sooner, you can still take this hike. It will just be a long one.

Total Distance: 0.62 Miles (9-mile hike with the road closure)

Elevation Gain: 167 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking ( Moderate with the road closure)

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• The road leading to this trail is subject to a seasonal road closure during colder months
• Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Yosemite National Park requires a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (between 6 AM and 4 PM PST) between May 20- September 30, 2022

Vernal Falls Trail

If getting up close and personal with one of the region's most beautiful waterfalls is something that interests you, make sure you check out the Vernal Falls trail.

While the stairs leading to the top of the falls can be a bit of a workout, the views from the top are more than worth it. 

The best time to hike this trail is between late spring and early summer when the water flow is heaviest. And be sure you don’t miss the Emerald Pond where the waterfall originates.

Total Distance: 3.97 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1279 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Yosemite National Park requires a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (between 6 AM and 4 PM PST) between May 20- September 30, 2022

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

This is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley for a reason. The Yosemite Falls, North America's tallest waterfall, is simply breathtaking.

The trail itself is mostly flat with some gentle inclines and declines, making it perfect for families with small children or those looking for a relatively easy hike. 

Fully paved, this trail was designed with everyone in mind. So no matter who is hiking with you, your group can enjoy the views all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall.

Total Distance: 1.18 Miles

Elevation Gain: 59 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Yosemite National Park requires a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (between 6 AM and 4 PM PST) between May 20- September 30, 2022

• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessibleBugs can get bad on this trail, so bug spray is recommended

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Looking to get a bit more from the tallest waterfall in North America? The Upper Yosemite Falls trail will take you to the top of the falls for some truly incredible views.

This trail is much more challenging than the Lower Yosemite Falls trail, but the views are more than worth it. Not for the faint of heart, this trail has a few steep inclines and plenty of spots with uneven footings. 

After all that hard work, at the top of the hike, you can relax and soak in a few of the pools that make up the bulk of the water running into the falls.

Total Distance: 7.58 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3218 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Yosemite National Park requires a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (between 6 AM and 4 PM PST) between May 20- September 30, 2022
• This trail is recommended only for those with high physical fitness levels and hiking experience
• Bring plenty of water and food during this long hike
• Pack swim wear if you are planning to take a dip in the pools

Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail

The last trail on our list is definitely the hardest and most strenuous but comes with some incredible payoffs in the form of 2 stunning waterfalls along the way.

While not as high or long as the Upper Falls trail mentioned above, the Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist trail will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful scenery Yosemite offers. 

You'll start at the bottom of Vernal Falls and make your way to the top, where you'll be rewarded with a view of the entire waterfall. From there, the trail will take you to the top of Nevada Falls, where you can see Yosemite Valley in all its glory.

Total Distance: 6.02 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2162 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Yosemite National Park requires a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (between 6 AM and 4 PM PST) between May 20- September 30, 2022
• This trail is recommended only for those with high physical fitness levels and hiking experience
• Bring plenty of water and food during this long hike

We hope you enjoyed learning about these five stunning hikes at Yosemite National Park. If you're planning on visiting the park soon, add these trails to your list. And as always, happy hiking!