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Yosemite Valley, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Yosemite Valley

  • Lee Vining, California

    Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek

    10.5 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Keep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Virginia Lakes Trail

    4.0
    9.22 mi / 2464 ft gain
    If you are looking for a hike with a view every half mile or so, then Virginia Lakes Trail is one to mark on your must-see list. You start at the parking lot near the first lake where bathrooms are available onsite.  Try to hike right before the first snow in November so you can see the fall col...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Devils Postpile Loop

    5.0
    1.28 mi / 243 ft gain
    Devils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake Boardwalk

    2.0
    0.69 mi / 30 ft gain
    Mono Lake Boardwalk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Backpack to Green Lake and Virginia Pass

    17 mi / 4452 ft gain
    Day 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips.   However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness.  Best...
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  • Mono County, California

    Obsidian Dome Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 75 ft gain
    Obsidian Dome Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near June Lake, California.
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir

    10 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Matterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Matterhorn Peak

    5.0
    12.1 mi / 5036 ft gain
    Matterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Backpack to Garnet Lake

    5.0
    14 mi / 2030 ft gain
    Although this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness

    3.0
    Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Backpack from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail

    5.0
    52 mi / 6300 ft gain
    Cross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you.  Planning GPS Map (Caltopo): https://caltopo.com...
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  • Mono County, California

    Snowshoe the Obsidian Dome Trail

    6 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Obsidian Dome Trailhead provides access to a large network of winter hiking trails through Inyo National Forest. These are marked trails that are groomed on an intermittent basis by the National Forest Service. To find the trailhead and parking area, drive north on highway 395 from Mammoth La...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Inyo Craters Trail

    4.0
    1.51 mi / 253 ft gain
    Inyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike Panum Crater Trail

    3.3 mi / 874 ft gain
    If you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    McLeod Lake

    5.0
    1.84 mi / 390 ft gain
    Start your journey at the Mammoth Pass Trailhead at the back of the parking lot for Horseshoe Lake. From the start, the trail ascends steadily through dense pines, and big granite stair steps.  Although it is a moderately steep route (and the altitude doesn't help), it is only about 0.6 miles to ...
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  • Pinecrest, California

    Backpack to Chain Lakes

    4.4 mi / 864 ft gain
    This trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...
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