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Madera County, California

Looking for the best hiking in Madera County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Madera County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Madera County

  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail

    5.0
    203.17 mi / 44944 ft gain
    To thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

    4.6
    7.23 mi / 2815 ft gain
    This popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Tra...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Half Dome via the Mist Trail

    4.8
    15.94 mi / 4800 ft gain
    Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just da...
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Hike to White Bark VIsta

    2.3 mi / 462 ft gain
    A short 1 mile hike in from Kaiser Pass will lead you to the top of a ridge line with incredible views toward the east. There are two pit toilets located at the top of Kaiser Pass. If you have a high clearance, 4x4/AWD vehicle you can probably drive to this location. (I made it up here in a stock...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Dewey Point via Tunnel View

    5.0
    9.25 mi / 2979 ft gain
    Dewey Point lies on the western side of the Pohono Trail, across the valley from El Capitan and above Cathedral Rocks. When I was there in September, it was deserted but for a few birds drifting on the thermals above the cliffs. The sunset was stunning. It felt like there was nothing between me a...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP

    2.4 mi / 900 ft gain
    Inspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bri...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park

    4.8
    2 mi / 500 ft gain
    Park at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point

    5.0
    13 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Beginning at 4400 feet of elevation in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, this trail will take you up about 3000 feet over 13 miles. You'll finish the hike at Glacier Point and be richly rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome in the park.If you are interested in seeing landmarks...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack Yosemite's South Rim

    5.0
    18 mi / 2800 ft gain
    Step 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike).  The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail

    5.0
    9.59 mi / 3200 ft gain
    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...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Union Point via Four Mile Trail

    6 mi / 2332 ft gain
    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...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Glacier Point

    4.7
    9.17 mi / 3491 ft gain
    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...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop

    5.0
    16.03 mi / 5177 ft gain
    Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

    4.2
    Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get t...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Hike to Basket Dome

    9.45 mi
    Getting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. The Trail You'll hike more than 140 switchbacks to reach the top of Ba...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Snowshoe to Snow Creek

    5.0
    10.98 mi / 2700 ft gain
    Take the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next.  This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a differen...
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