Pacific Crest Trail, California
The Pacific Crest Trail in California is a top pick for outdoor adventures. This long-distance hiking and equestrian trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, offering a scenic journey through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. It's a must-visit for those who enjoy challenging hikes, with a high point at Forester Pass standing at 13,153 feet. Along the trail, you'll encounter the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park, the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, and the unique rock formations of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Other attractions near the trail include the Sequoia National Forest known for its giant sequoia trees. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are waiting for you at the Pacific Crest Trail.
Top Spots in and near Pacific Crest Trail
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Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
4.32.67 mi / 653 ft gainThe 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, makin...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome
4.613.88 mi / 4934 ft gainFirst things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. Th...Read more -
Tuolumne Meadows, California
Sierra Point via Happy Isle
5.01.44 mi / 1007 ft gainThe unmaintained trail is initially hard to find if you’re not familiar with its location. Here are the instructions: From Happy Isle, start on the JMT trail heading towards Vernal Falls. Shortly after passing a sign indicating the start of the John Muir Trail, you'll come to another sign o...Read more -
Mariposa, California
Panorama Trail
4.816.87 mi / 5184 ft gainThe Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Vernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail
5.02.4 mi / 761 ft gainVernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
4.93.11 mi / 1319 ft gainThis is one of the most epic short hikes that you can do in Yosemite. Highly recommend it for anyone staying in the valley or visiting with enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. While the distance isn't long, you will stop a lot along the way to take in the beauty and also spend time at the top of the...Read more -
Yosemite Village, CaliforniaTaft Point via Glacier Point
7.67 mi / 2011 ft gainThe Taft Point Trail via Glacier Point Road is one of Yosemite’s most rewarding short hikes, offering massive granite cliffs, dizzying drop-offs, and unforgettable views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls—all without the crowds of more popular viewpoints. This relatively easy hike...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Merced Grove
5.03.32 mi / 682 ft gainMerced 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 foll...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Horsetail Falls
5.00.1 mi / 0 ft gainHorsetail Falls is a stunning waterfall in Yosemite National Park. And, between mid-late February, Horsetail Falls turns into a natural phenomenon called Firefall. For just a short two weeks the setting sun strikes the small waterfall so perfectly, that the water ignites into a colorful and brigh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point
4.7Glacier Point gives you a classic view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. You can get a different perspective of Half Dome if you jump on any of the trails heading out of Glacier Point. Illilouette Falls trail gives you a different view of Half Dome. This trail is around 4-5 miles round trip fro...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point
5.0The summer months of June, July, and August tend to provide the best views of the stars, and particularly in August during the meteor showers. Amateur astronomers often gather on Saturdays during the summer, and provide first hand knowledge and guidance. Glacier Point can accommodate hundreds of ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
4.517 mi / 6100 ft gainYosemite's Panorama Trail is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and worthwhile trails in the entire national park. The stretch that reaches from the valley floor to the top of Glacier Point involves 8.5 miles and a monumental amount of elevation gain. If you want to see the entire stretch of trai...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park
4.55.07 mi / 1375 ft gainThe hike begins at Glacier Point. Find the marker for the Panorama Trail just beyond the viewing steps (to the right, if you’re looking at Half Dome). The first section of the hike will be lined with open views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It will be hard not to stop to listen ...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Hike to Upper Sardine Lake
Directions (from south of June Lake): 395 northTurn right onto the 158Keep right at fork onto Parker Lake Rd and go about 0.5 milesTurn right at first right and head all the way to the top until you hit a parking lot/camping ground/trail head From North of June Lake: 395 southTurn left at 158Keep...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Crane Flat Campground
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...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail
4.016.07 mi / 5568 ft gainA Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...Read more
