Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the picturesque Yosemite National Park. Known for its iconic natural beauty and tranquil energy, this national park is an excellent choice for a wellness travel getaway. There’s admiring the vast mountainsides, swimming in crystal clear lakes, and stopping at look-out points with jaw dropping views. Not to mention, the various Yosemite hikes that weave through the Yosemite mountains and valleys alike.
Every time I spend a weekend visiting this national park with my family, I always come away feeling more in tuned with my health and wellness. A nature and health focused vacation is one of my favorite types of wellness travel. (Read more about how to have a wellness focused vacation here).
Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.
John Muir
While there are an abundance of Yosemite trails located in the Valley, I’m going to share with you some of the best Yosemite hikes to do. Since Evan and I have been married, we’ve been vacationing in Yosemite almost annually with his family, and its always a blast!
From exploring the grasslands of Yosemite Valley, to witnessing the stunning Tunnel View as you enter the park, Yosemite is dear to our hearts. Some of these hikes are off the beaten path, iconic Yosemite trails for viewing different sides of Half Dome, and offer some amazing waterfalls that may get you soaked while hiking near them.
Here’s a list of some of the best Yosemite Hikes, ranging from easy to difficult. Also, if you’re planning a trip soon, check out my in-depth Yosemite Park travel guide and essential travel checklist with practical travel tips for planning your trip well in advance.
What to pack for hiking in Yosemite
If you’re planning on doing some serious hiking in Yosemite, regardless of the difficulty level, I recommend bringing packing some hefty healthy travel snacks. Using all the energy from hiking, you’ll be hungry later, trust me! I didn’t pack enough snacks during one of the Yosemite hikes and I was hungry half way up.
Lucky Evan shared some of his snacks with me! Don’t worry if you think packing too many snacks will be an issue. Pack some in your bag, and leave the rest behind in the car so you can refuel your body properly after the hike.
Speaking of a backpack, make sure you or someone in your group has one. Here you can store these hiking snacks, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. If you’ll be hiking the whole day like I was, consider bringing a water cooler to leave in your car. That way you can refill your water bottle after the hike. Gotta stay hydrated! It can get hot hiking in Yosemite during the summer.
Other items to bring:
- Bug spray
- Light jacket (if you’re hiking in the evenings)
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
Best time to visit Yosemite National Park
The vast Yosemite National Park is open all year long with each season shining in its own way. Spring showcases the mighty waterfalls, while summer is an excellent time to swim in one of the many lakes.
Additionally, the fall season brings bright foliage, while during winter the park is blanketed in snow and winter attractions make their appearances (ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding and more).
Ultimately, anytime of year is a great time to visit. Spring and summer are the parks high tourist season, whereas fall and winter are the low tourist season, making it ideal for hiking the more popular trails.
Regardless of what season you visit Yosemite, its always a good idea to plan accommodations well in advance to. Airbnbs near Yosemite, campsites and hotels fill up quickly during the high tourist season, so aim to book several months out.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Yosemite in the Fall, here’s 17 enjoyable fall activities to do in California. There’s apple picking, leaf peeping, hiking and more!
The top Yosemite hikes:
Most of these hikes are open year around, but be sure to double check the National Park Service as winter closures from snow is a thing!
Tuolumme Meadows to Lyell Canyon
Hiking difficulty: easy
Duration: 3 miles
If you aren’t afraid to add some extra driving to your time in the Yosemite Park, head up the 180 highway into the stunning back country. By visiting the route through Tuolumne Meadows and the Tioga Pass areas, you’ll visit a scenic untapped area many tourists don’t get to. I absolutely loved the Yosemite hike called Lyell Canyon.
It is relatively simple and level, with only a 200 foot elevation gain. The views along the train are unbelievable, providing a gently wilderness escape.
This trail takes the hiker through some truly untamed wilderness while still being easily accessible. It does have a few unbridged water crossings along the creek it follows, and it can be rather muddy in the spring months.
Panorama Trail
Hiking difficulty: easy
Duration: 7 mile loop from Sentinel Dome trail head
The Panorama Trail snakes along the edge of the massive Yosemite Valley, bringing you to the edge of expansive cliff side. Its cliffs feature dramatic views of Yosemite landmarks from various angles and perspectives.
Some of these trail offer uninterrupted perilous views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, North Dome, and a variety of other iconic sites. While we didn’t hike the entire Panorama Trail, the loop we completed started from Taft Point, then to Sentinel Dome and lastly to Glacier Point.
Taft Point
Hiking difficulty: easy
Duration: 2 miles
Taft Point is an incredible Yosemite hike that’s extremely short and easy. The trail begins on a flat route, and then gently declines for a mile over the hill top for a stunning view.
The trail is shaded in a forest setting, hiding the stunning beauty of the views provided by the outcrop of the point. Here you’ll find precipitous rocky cliff tops, views of the valley and a lookout point for the famed El Capitan.
This view at Taft Point is part of the larger 8.5 mile Panorama Trail. It runs along the edge of Yosemite Valley starting from Glacier Point to Dewey Point.
Unlike Glacier Point, this area isn’t as developed and only has a few barriers along the cliffs giving you a wilder ambiance. To access this trail, you’ll head toward Glacier Point, and then park at the Sentinel Dome trail head.
Sentinel Dome
Hiking difficulty: easy
Duration from Sentinel Dome trailhead: 2.2 miles
Duration from Taft Point: 5 miles
After hiking Taft Point, we headed straight to Sentinel Dome. From Taft Point it’s a quick 2.5 mile hike (one-way) with a steep incline once you’ve reached the dome.
The hike is about a 5 mile loop with minimal elevation gain. Along the trail you’ll witness vibrant green trees, wild mushrooms, forest foliage, and possibly a black bear sighting! We saw one hidden high in the trees, getting its grub on.
Similarly this section moves between the deep forest cliff side, small running streams and open views. This hike is relatively flat and easy. At the top of Sentinel Dome, there’s an incredible 360 panoramic view of the vast Yosemite Park.
It has drop offs showcasing impressive views of classic Yosemite landmarks. From the back-country, with Merced and Red Peak, to the momentous Cathedral and Echo Peaks, and of course the unequaled views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Moreover Sentinel Dome is also part of the massive Panorama Trail. If you want to continue hiking, consider adding Glacier Point for an additional 2.5 miles.
Swinging Bridge
Hiking difficulty: easy
Duration: 1.5 miles
A wonderful quick jaunt through the forest, the Swinging Bridge hike is a wonderful hidden gem in the park. A flat 1.5 mile out and back leads to a ravishing swimming hole covered by black oaks and dogwoods. There are two trail heads that are extremely easy to hike.
Each is located on either side of the creek, and wind through an evergreen quiet forest with few hikers. Once you arrive to the swimming hole, the suspension bridge is a few hundred feet up the path. The view of this gurgling brook and suspension bridge transports you in a fantasy land of wonder and enchantment.
We used the trail head that is closer to Chilnualna Fall’s trail head, as it’s less crowded. If you’re planning to swim, make sure you pack a bathing suit and floaties to float down the brook at one of my favorite Yosemite hikes.
Cathedral Lakes
Hiking difficulty: moderate
Duration: 7.5 miles
One of the most stunning Yosemite hikes in the High Sierras is located outside of the Valley area. Since it requires a further drive, fewer people head to the Tuolumne Meadows trailheads to explore the vast backcountry of the park.
But, I highly recommend exploring the backcountry with less crowds and more fascinating wilderness to explore. The drive is approximately 4 hours starting from the gate, while the hike is 7.5 mile out and back. The trail is rated moderate to strenuous due to several inclines and a short section with steps, as well as having a decent all around distance.
It begins in the expansive green and yellow fields of Tuolumne Meadows, and then gradually inclines as it snakes through the tall forest. This hike features various different biomes including green tall forest trees, stark white rock fields, a bubbling live spring, and streams running down the mountain.
As you get closer to the Cathedral Lake, you’ll witness a tranquil meadow, and giant boulder like rocks to climb. The lake is set beneath the jaw dropping Cathedral Peak, which sends its granite spires high into the sapphire sky.
Once we reached the lake, we went swimming and picnicked, enjoying a dip in the refreshing crystal clear lake! After, we headed back along the same route. However, if you want to continue on this trail there is another Cathedral Lake.
We hiked to the lower Cathedral Lake, but there is an upper lake too. In order to hike to the upper lake, take the sign at the fork in the trail that continues along the John Muir Trail. It can be steep, as it climbs further up the mountainside, but I heard from other hikers that the view is gorgeous!
Chilnualna Falls
Hiking difficulty: moderate
Duration: 8.4 miles
Located near the historic Wawona Hotel, this 8.4 mile Yosemite hike leads you through beautiful pine trees and along a lively creek to the end destination of a gorgeous waterfall.
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the valley floor, this hike provides visitors with a simple hike in a quiet setting that still leads to a grand site. The falls are on a large creek with three separate cascades to view and enjoy, with the largest one being the end of the trail.
This Yosemite hiking trail is a strenuous climb, gaining 2,300 feet in elevation. The path is well maintained with a wide path to follow, and is a great adventure to start your time in Yosemite that many visitors never see.
I love that this trail also connects other trails that wind through the back country and the massive amount of high Alpine areas contained in this massive space. We were day hiking, but if you need hiking inspiration for a multi-day trip, this trail is a great start!
The Mist Trail to Nevada Fall
Hiking difficulty: hard
Duration: 7 miles
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular Yosemite hikes in the entire park, and for good reason. It is well maintained, easy to get to, and features an exhilarating climb through the mist from a massive waterfall on the ascent to the top of the same waterfall.
This portion of the Mist Trail leads a hiker to the top of Vernal Fall, which is a fun hike showcasing the raging water and evergreen beauty.
However, taking the trail onward to the second waterfall is not nearly as common. I mean, come on, how often can you see two massive waterfalls in one hike?
This trip does take a lot of elevation gain on the way to the top, so be ready to climb! The first half is crowded, but the second portion between falls is more secluded and contains a wilder feel.
Have you been to Yosemite before? Do you have favorite Yosemite hike or one you’ve been dying to try?
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I would love to visit Yosemite and hike these wonderful trails. The view from Taft Point
is unreal! Thank you for sharing
Love these! Thanks for breaking down their difficulty level. Now I know which hikes I can do with the kids!
I would love to go hiking in this area it looks fantastic!
2020 has been all about hiking so I really loved this post. So many great places to check out and good to know there are just as many easy as moderate/hard hikes, especially still with amazing views. I love some of the view points here, so pretty. I could definitely spend a day or two hiking in Yosemite. Although, I now know it’s better to pack too many snacks and too much water than to start running out if your hike is longer than you expect. Especially in a place that can be a lot hotter like Yosemite.
Every time I hike in Yosemite, my bag is just full of water and food haha. And like she said in the post, keeping a big container of water in the car helps as well.
Yosemite is on my bucket list, and you just helped me plan my trip! I wasn’t aware of all of these cool hikes, this is so my type of trip! Thank you so much for all of this information 🙂
Your photos are absolutely stunning! Yosemite is a perfect hiking destination but not sure if I will. Reading your blog has certainly made me think of curating a future plan at some point.
Yosemite is so gigantic and beautiful! This is a great guide to really make the most of your time. I definitely want to hit Panorama trail next time I get there. Looks beautiful!!