El Portal

Hites Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Old Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. The road is still accessible for a good distance from the Valley and, though not a formal trail, is f...

Old Big Oak Flat to Yosemite Falls is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Crane Flat Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...

The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of three sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This particular grove has gorgeous forest scenery and provides great solitude compared to the crowded Yosemite Valley. The trail used to be an old road offering a wide path with a gradual descent, making it a great hike for families even with children. The trail is just over a mile downhill to the fir...

Gin Flat Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Turtleback Dome will provide you with views of southern Yosemite and the Valley in a less crowded area. This hike on a service road is relatively easy with a slight elevation gain over the entire 0.7 miles. To get to the Trailhead, take Wawona Road north towards the valley. Use the referenced point on the map as a guide because the entry to the service road is easy to miss. There isn't any trai...

Merced Grove is technically the smallest and most secluded of the three sequoia groves found in Yosemite National Park, which lends itself to be less crowded offering a peaceful solitude hike. The trailhead is located at the Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road. This trail begins by following an old road, after 0.6 miles (1 km) bear left at the junction to continue heading down and int...