Sierra Nevada, California
Top Spots in and near Sierra Nevada
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37.741904,-119.601967
4.7
5.98 mi
/ 2700 ft gain
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...
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Mariposa County, California
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 Pe...
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Mariposa County, California
Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...
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Mariposa County, California
Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...
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Yosemite Valley, California
4.6
2.56 mi
/ 190 ft gain
Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over.
The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far ...
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37.739698,-119.564018
5.0
20.43 mi
/ 2700 ft gain
This is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity.
Once you reach the top, you...
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Yosemite Valley, California
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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Yosemite Valley, California
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
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
This is a drive up and shoot adventure in winter. The spot is at Swinging Bridge area. This area is also a picnic area and hiking trail but, in my opinion, the best spot to capture Yosemite Falls is a few steps walk after you park the car.
One of not so many places that you still can go in winte...
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Alpine County, California
This hike begins at Carson Pass which is accessible from Highway 88. The trail leaves from the parking lot (parking requires a fee of $5) and is easy to follow. After about a mile, you'll pass Frog Lake on the left, which is a nice place to stop for a quick snack.Continue along the trail and stay...
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Yosemite Valley, California
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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Yosemite Valley, California
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
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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Mariposa County, California
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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