El Portal
Top Spots
Hites Cove Trail
El Portal, California
6.8 mi
/ 791 ft gain
Hites Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.
Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road
Mariposa County, California
4.1 mi
/ 1070 ft gain
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
Wawona, California
17.18 mi
/ 4373 ft gain
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
Wawona, California
2.75 mi
/ 351 ft gain
Crane Flat Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.
Camp at Crane Flat Campground
Mariposa County, 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...
Hike the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Tuolumne County, California
4.2
2.5 mi
/ 500 ft gain
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
Wawona, California
4.6 mi
/ 748 ft gain
Gin Flat Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Yosemite Valley, California.
Hike to Turtleback Dome
Mariposa County, California
1.4 mi
/ 350 ft gain
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
Mariposa County, California
5.0
3.32 mi
/ 600 ft gain
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...
Places to stay
El Portal, California
Dirt Flat
Overview
Dirt Flat campground is situated on the north side of the Merced River. This small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river...
El Portal, California
Dry Gulch
Overview
Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River. The small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded...
Groveland, California
Crane Flat
Overview
Crane Flat Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Ra...
Groveland, California
Lost Claim
Overview
Lost Claim attracts families and friends with its convenient location, just 15 miles from the northwest Yosemite National Park b...
Tuolumne Grove Road
Hodgdon Meadow
Overview
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountai...
Wawona, California
Wawona
Overview
Wawona Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range....
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in El Portal
- The best backpacking in El Portal
- The best camping in El Portal
- Top adventures in El Portal
Community
© 2022 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy