Best Trails in Yosemite National Park

LOVE THIS TRAIL. ABSOLUTE KILLER CALF WORKOUT. Been hiking this trail since I was 4.

It’s beautiful. A decent hike and there’s plenty of shade. So it’s pretty comfortable to hike. I honestly would consider this as moderate. It’s definitely not hard. The views coming down are the best IMO. Wear some good shoes and you shouldn’t have any problems. Some of the steps are big, so older people might struggle. I loved it. Just the amount of people can be quite annoying especially up the first waterfall. Do this on a weekday because even then it’s overwhelming.

If you’re thinking about it, do it! Bring water- shade is sparse. Well worth the effort. Check out my adventure up and down the trail https://youtu.be/-y0UB0BOi08

I would recommend this trail to anyone, but in the summer bring at least 6 liters of water. It is a beautiful trail and the switchbacks in the final stretch make up the hardest part of the trail.

Really fun trail !! One of my favorites... first mile or so is the steepest part of the hike. The majority of it being shaded. You soon level out and get some amazing views of granite monoliths to wild flower laden meadows. Eventually, Cathedral Peak will come into your vision. One of the most impressive rocks I’ve seen in the entires park. Saw multiple climbers going up different routes! After speaking with multiple hikers coming back, we decided not to go to the lower lake because it was mosquito infested. We went left at the split towards Upper Cathedral Lake. Just a stunning place... can’t even put it into words. We stopped and had lunch on some boulders near the lake and the weather was perfect. Highly recommend this hike. We ended up doing 9.9 miles after wondering around the next valley where we saw some pack mules and horses.

Easy long hike for anyone!

it was harder than I expected but the views were worth it.

Brilliant trail. Tough slog for the first half, but incredibly rewarding. The incline is very steep but many small rest stops with inspiring views. Pack a lunch and sit by the water at the summit of the second falls. Be on the lookout for the little bear that poos all over the trail

One of the most amazing experience! It was defiantly a challenge but totally worth it! Except the part where I dropped my backpack while going down the cables

I struggled on this hike due to a number of mistakes i made but i would still recommend applying for a permit and hike to Half Dome! It will challenge you in the best way possible and you will feel so satisfied in the end! You can check out my hiking to half dome here! http://kindly-kaitlin.com/2019/08/13/hike-to-half-dome-cables/

This was a great view and gives such a different perspective of the Yosemite valley. Awesome view of Half Dome. We did a good portion of Lower Yosemite Falls the day before, and while we felt high on that trail, from Glacier Point it looks like nothing. The scale is hard to imagine. I’ll be heading back tonight for some star gazing for sure.

Completed this hike 3 days ago and I highly recommend. Make sure you do the loop not just Taft or Sentinel. We went left did Taft point first and finished with Sentinel. Insane views of El Cap and Half Dome from both points. We started at 8:30am and finished at 11:30am with several breaks. Not crowded at all but when we got back to the parking area it was packed. Recommend start early, good hiking shoes, 2.5 liters water minimum, snacks and get ready for a great hike! Have fun

This was our first backpacking trip and what a doozy it was but very much worthwhile. It definitely kicks your butt but once you get to the destination, it is all worth it!

Where’s the Lake? See attached picture

Wow what a hike! We secured a permit 48 hours prior to our hike date. Wife and I hiked Half Dome 5 days ago Friday Aug 16th. We got a late jump on the trail at 8:30am and not crowded at all. You’ll go up Vernal and Nevada Falls then 4.5 miles to Half Dome. Like other reviews bring lots of water and snacks. I ended up running out of water halfway back but I had life straw. This hike was grueling but you’ll be well rewarded when it’s all said and done. To recap we started 8:30am finished at 7pm with a few breaks. Bring lots of water minimum 4 liters each person and refill you’re water at the 1.1 mile mark. Trust me refill you’re water even if it’s just a little. Bring a change of socks or 2 so you’re feet will feel refreshed. Have good hiking shoes and gloves for the cables. This will be one the best hikes of you’re life if you come prepared. Have fun!

Tried this after a long day in Yosemite with 2 kids. Was in a bit of a rush to try and beat sunset over the valley, and a hiker on the way back down said he saw a small bear 15 minutes up the trail and turned around. Because of tired kids and apprehension about the bear, we only went .3 miles or so up the trail - enough for some elevated views over the parking lot. Would have loved to do the whole trail, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Amazing trail although I really recommend leaving at 6am/ 7am to avoid the crowd. Took us 3h30 to do the trail and it is definitely worth it !!!

Gorgeous hike , the waterfalls were amazing. Way too many people though , I easily passed 1000 people going up and down the trail. Just an outrageous amount of people and I was there on a Wednesday

Great hike! Not as many of the regular tourists and the view from the top is amazing! Even saw a marmot on the trail !

Loved it!

Freakin awesome trail, especially how it goes into the misty trail and Nevada falls!

views of canyon walls were amazing. Mirror lake isnt as clear or large later in the year. dont take the buss to the trail head. just walk.

beautiful. crowded as it is the first stop in the valley and traffic is terrible.

Too many people

Completed this hike today! Took us 6 hours in total 9am-3pm. Extremely challenging but worth every step! Saw a bear too, which was incredible. Take loads of water and be prepared to sweat as there’s areas with no shade. Awesome experience.