Best trails in Yosemite National Park
With over 3.5 million yearly visitors from throughout the world, the iconic Yosemite National Park is known for some of the most beautiful hikes and landscapes in the United States. There are over 800 miles of trails to explore through Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona. Yosemite has so much to see including the sequoias, the flower-filled meadows and valleys left behind from the glaciers, the highest waterfall in the United States, and the spectacular Half Dome and El Capitan.
Top trails
- (24283)•Hard•6.2 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrHike to two breathtaking waterfalls along some of Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails. If you only have time for one hike while in Yosemite look no further - the Mist Trail is the hike for you. It is no wonder why this trail is one of the most traveled in Yosemite National Park. You will hike so close to these two massive waterfalls that you may get wet from the trail. The best time to hike this trail is in Spring or early Summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full...
- (17925)•Hard•6.6 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrEnjoy the incredible views looking down from the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the continental US. Yosemite Falls, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top, is one of the most visited places in Yosemite National Park. The falls consist of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. While most people only make the short trip to visit lower falls, upper falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley...
- (16485)•Hard•16.5 miHalf Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. This hike requires you to be in good shape. Most people take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back, depending on...
- (12366)•Hard•3.1 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrVernal Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Yosemite and for good reason! This trail follows the Mist Trail up a short but steep paved path. After this climb you will reach a bridge with views up to Vernal Falls. This is followed by a short section of wide dirt trail and finally a steep rock stair set up to the falls themselves. These stairs can extremely slipper due to this mist from the falls, so please exercise caution. The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles Trailhead (YARTS...
- (18709)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail offers a view of Yosemite Falls, North America's tallest and the fifth tallest globally, with water crashing onto rocks below. Open year-round, it is straightforward but may be icy in winter. The trail starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6). This trail offers stunning views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, as well as Middle Cascade. Like all Yosemite waterfalls, it tends to be dry from late July to August through October, so spring is the ideal time to...
- (9609)•Hard•4.5 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail begins at Happy Isles and follows the John Muir Trail to the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls. From there, continue on to Emerald Pool, where you will reach a junction that takes you to Clark Point. Follow the John Muir Trail as it loops back to the trailhead. There are incredible views of waterfalls and the surrounding granite domes along this route. The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy...
- (6416)•Moderate•5.1 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrGet a 360-degree view of the park at Sentinel Dome and hike to an expanse on the south rim of Yosemite Valley, getting a close view of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley, at Taft Point. The wide trail to Sentinel Dome leads mostly across open granite with little shade. Scramble up the dome's granite slope to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the park. Consider taking this hike at sunset or during a full moon, but remember to bring a flashlight with fresh batteries! At Taft Point, enjoy...
- (6290)•Easy•5.0 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrWith a fresh perspective looking up at Half Dome directly from its base, you'll be rewarded with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and Washington Column. While pleasant at any time of year, Mirror Lake is fullest in spring and early summer. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to...
- (5542)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is a short steep hike to Columbia Rock with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley along the Yosemite Upper Falls Trail. Sharing a trailhead with Upper Yosemite Falls, Columbia Rock Trail is located in the Sunnyside campground (Camp 4). Get off the shuttle at the #7 stop, cross the road, and take short quarter mile walk to the trailhead. This part of the Upper Yosemite Falls trail is full of switchbacks and can be tough on the knees coming back down, hiking poles may be helpful here! The...
- (5197)•Hard•5.7 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThis hike takes you on one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park - the Mist Trail. The trail begins from Happy Isles and follows the paved Mist Trail to the Vernal Falls Footbridge. Here there are restrooms and water fountains, making it a great spot to take a break before the real climbing begins. From here, the trail turns into rocky steps, up to the top of Vernal Falls. This section is what gives the trail its name - in the spring, the trail gets hit with mist from the...
Visitor info
An educational fee waiver is available for educational and scientific groups that are accredited or tax-exempt for educational purposes planning a trip for educational or scientific purposes related to Yosemite that is not primarily recreational.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for a non-commercial motorcycle (cost is per motorcycle, not person).
The per-person fee is $20 to a maximum of $300 per vehicle. People 15 years and younger are free.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for people entering on foot, a bicycle, a horse, or a non-commercial bus or van. People 15 years and younger are free.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for a non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats. This fee covers the vehicle and everyone inside of it.
Annual pass providing free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs, electric scooters, a tandem bicycle, and a hand-cranked bicycle are available at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Assistive listening devices, telecoil neck loop couplers, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs have ASL interpreters available by reservation. To make a reservation, please call 209-379-5250 (voice/text) or email yose_deaf_services@nps.gov at least two weeks in advance.
Additional information about accessibility at Yosemite National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Reservations are required for all cars entering the park, including Access Pass holders.
All shuttle buses in the park are wheelchair accessible and can fit chairs under 46 inches long and 24 inches wide. The YARTS bus service from Merced or Mariposa is equipped with lifts, but advanced notice is required. Please call 1‐877‐989‐2787 at least 48 hours in advance to make a reservation for the YARTS bus.
Temporary disabled parking placards are available at the park entrance stations or visitor centers for those without a state-issued permit or who do not have one with them.
Other-Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) such as Segways are allowed in the park only for those with a mobility disability.
The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Food service facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible except for partial accessibility in the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, which has stairs.
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, White Wolf Lodge, and Wawona Hotel have wheelchair accessible rooms.
The Lower Yosemite Fall, El Capitan, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Church Bowl, the Cascades and Arch Rock, Yosemite History Center, and Soldier Flat Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms or vault toilets.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: Yosemite Village Parking, Lower Yosemite Fall, Camp 4, Housekeeping Camp, Happy Isles, and Bridalveil Fall.
The Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines Campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and accessible restrooms.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Are there any trails with glaciers in Yosemite National Park?
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Yosemite National Park
- Camping trails in Yosemite National Park
- Cross-country skiing trails in Yosemite National Park
- Fishing trails in Yosemite National Park
- Hiking trails in Yosemite National Park
- Horseback riding trails in Yosemite National Park
- Rock climbing trails in Yosemite National Park
- Running trails in Yosemite National Park
- Snowshoeing trails in Yosemite National Park
- Walking trails in Yosemite National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Yosemite National Park
- Cave trails in Yosemite National Park
- Hard trails in Yosemite National Park
- Easy trails in Yosemite National Park
- Forest trails in Yosemite National Park
- Historic site trails in Yosemite National Park
- Lake trails in Yosemite National Park
- Long trails in Yosemite National Park
- Moderate trails in Yosemite National Park
- No dogs trails in Yosemite National Park
- River trails in Yosemite National Park
- Short trails in Yosemite National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Yosemite National Park
- Waterfall trails in Yosemite National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Yosemite National Park
- Wildlife trails in Yosemite National Park
