Crowley Lake, California

Day 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips.   However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness.  Best...

There is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the park...

The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove.  Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area tak...

This short, easy walk provides some of the best views of several iconic Yosemite landmarks from the valley floor.  If you complete the entire loop, expect to see Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge, Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge (a popular spot at sunset), and the historic Yosemite Chapel.  ...

In spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...

At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. The falls consists of three sections: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. At 320 feet, Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular attractions at Yosemite National Park. This 1-mile loop is a leisurely walk wi...

Glacier Point is one of the highlights of Yosemite. The point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road. This viewpoint allows you to survey the entire Yosemite Valley and gives the viewer a captivating sight of Half Dome. It's a little bit of a tourist trap (especially during the summer season...

Four Mile Trail is steep, but hikers efforts are more than rewarded. Union Point sits above Yosemite Valley at 6,332 feet - offering sweeping views of El Capitan and the valley entrance to the left, and North Dome / Half Dome & Clouds Rest to the right. You can also see Yosemite Falls straigh...

Everyone that knows Yosemite, knows Glacier Point. An overlook that attracts thousands of people per day that drive up via Glacier Point Road is rarely vacant of the hustle and bustle of people. However, there is a loop hole here, and when the stars align you can have Glacier Point ALL to yoursel...

Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

The North Dome Loop is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of Yosemite Valley. This is an alternative to the often crowded Mist, Panorama, or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit to hike Half Dome, this is a great choice. Some of the highlights in...

You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...

Get a permit.  Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center.  Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister!  Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4.  Eagle ...

Starting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails.  Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary.  The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...

Start on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...

The hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or ...