Yosemite Village, California
Yosemite Village, California is the top spot for outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities can be found here. The Mist Trail, a must-visit, is a challenging 7-mile round trip that takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls. Marvel at the stunning rock formations and the roaring rivers. The Yosemite Falls Trail, another must-see, offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. At 2.4 miles round trip, it's perfect for a quick but scenic hike. For a more relaxed activity, visit the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. This 11.5-mile trail takes you through meadows and forests, and past the Merced River. Don't miss out on the outdoor attractions in and near Yosemite Village.
Top Spots in and near Yosemite Village
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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 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
Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point
4.023.85 mi / 6942 ft gainStart from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much w...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome
10.04 mi / 1985 ft gainPorcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to North Dome in Yosemite
5.010.04 mi / 1985 ft gainTo stay overnight in Yosemite without a reserved campsite requires a "Wilderness Permit" to camp, but you can camp anywhere. However, any fires need to be in pre-made fire pits (so rangers can know where to check for fires) Day 1 - Hike in from the Porcupine Trailhead off of Tioga Road in to vie...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Sentinel Dome Trail
5.02.15 mi / 390 ft gainOne of the most popular places in Yosemite for sunset is Glacier Point, but by walking one mile from the trailhead, the crowds quickly dissipate. Sentinel Dome is great for all ages since the trail is short and not too steep. Park at the Sentinel Dome trailhead, about 3 miles from the end of Glac...Read more -
Mariposa County, CaliforniaSentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
5.05.17 mi / 1076 ft gainSENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an esti...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Taft Point
4.92.14 mi / 276 ft gainTaft Point is such an amazing and different view of the Yosemite Valley. If you're lucky and you time it right, you'll also experience complete solitude. While driving Glacier Point Road, just a few minutes before arriving at Glacier Point, you'll see a parking lot for the Taft Point Trailhead. ...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
El Capitan Meadow
5.0After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss). Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, walk over to the ea...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 -
Mariposa County, California
Bridalveil Fall Loop
3.80.46 mi / 89 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just a few minute walk to the falls. If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used to...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photographing Valley View
4.5Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parkin...Read more -
Mariposa County, CaliforniaMount Watkins
6.22 mi / 1089 ft gainThis is a moderate hike out to an overlook of Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and the east end of Yosemite Valley. There is some parking on both sides of the road about 1.5 miles west of Olmsted Point. One side is gravel with parking for ~6 vehicles and offers bear boxes for food while the other is a pa...Read more
