Yosemite, California

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Yosemite

  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Photograph Moonbows at Yosemite Falls

    1 mi
    In spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Lower Yosemite Falls

    4.8
    1.16 mi / 151 ft gain
    At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. The falls consists of three sections: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. At 320 feet, Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular attractions at Yosemite National Park. This 1-mile loop is a leisurely walk wi...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Tulomne Meadows to Donohue Pass via JMT

    5.0
    27.56 mi / 2953 ft gain
    Donohue Pass lies on the border of Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) route through this pass at 11,056 ft. A challenging but beautiful hike that starts from Tuolumne Meadows and follows the JMT for 12.5 miles t...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Boothe Lake

    5.0
    16.83 mi / 1854 ft gain
    Starting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Yosemite Point

    5.0
    7.35 mi / 4354 ft gain
    Starting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails.  Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary.  The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail

    4.0
    19.43 mi / 6867 ft gain
    The North Dome Loop is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of Yosemite Valley. This is an alternative to the often crowded Mist, Panorama, or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit to hike Half Dome, this is a great choice. Some of the highlights in...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    El Capitan Trail

    5.0
    14.68 mi / 5052 ft gain
    Start on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls

    5.0
    11.39 mi / 4567 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Upper Yosemite Falls

    4.8
    5.98 mi / 3786 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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  • Yosemite Village, California

    Taft Point via Glacier Point

    7.67 mi / 2011 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

    4.5
    17 mi / 6100 ft gain
    Yosemite'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...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

    4.5
    5.07 mi / 1375 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Backpack to Nelson Lake

    17 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Head to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...
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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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  • 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

    Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail

    5.0
    9.59 mi / 3940 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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