Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most iconic hikes in North America. From the granite monoliths of Half Dome and El Capitan to the thundering waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, every trail offers spectacular scenery.
This guide covers the 10 best day hikes in Yosemite, organized by difficulty, with everything you need to know about permits, timing, and trail conditions.
Easy Yosemite Valley Hikes
1. Lower Yosemite Fall (1.0 mile loop, 50 ft gain)
Why it's great: Easiest access to a world-class waterfall
- Difficulty: Easy (paved, wheelchair accessible)
- Time: 30 minutes
- Best season: April-June (peak flow)
- Permit: None required
The experience: A short paved loop leads to the base of North America's tallest waterfall (2,425 feet total). In spring, the spray creates rainbows and you'll feel the power of the falls.
Tips:
- Peak flow is May-June from snowmelt
- Can be a trickle by August
- Bring rain jacket in spring—you will get wet from spray
- Connects to Valley Loop Trail for longer walk
2. Bridalveil Fall (0.5 mile, 50 ft gain)
Why it's great: Classic Yosemite waterfall, quick access
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 20 minutes
- Best season: April-July
- Permit: None required
The falls: At 620 feet, Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite's most photographed waterfalls. The mist creates "bridalveil" effect that gives it its name.
Tips:
- One of first stops entering Yosemite Valley
- Often crowded—go early or late
- Trail can be icy in winter/spring
- Great photo op with El Capitan in background
Moderate Waterfall Hikes
3. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (5.4 miles, 1,000 ft gain)
Why it's great: Up-close waterfall experience, granite stairs, rainbows
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Best season: May-October
- Permit: None for day hike
The Mist Trail: Yosemite's most popular waterfall hike takes you right alongside Vernal Fall via granite steps. In spring, the mist from the falls soaks hikers—hence the name.
Highlights:
- 600+ granite steps next to the falls
- Constant rainbows in spring/summer
- Top of Vernal Fall offers great views and swimming holes
- Emerald Pool just above the falls
Tips:
- Wear rain gear in spring—you WILL get soaked
- Caution: Steps are steep and slippery when wet
- Start early—gets very crowded
- Can continue to Nevada Fall for longer hike
4. Nevada Fall via Mist Trail (6.9 miles, 2,000 ft gain)
Why it's great: Two major waterfalls, backcountry feel
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Best season: June-October
The trail: Continue past Vernal Fall to reach 594-foot Nevada Fall. This extension adds another 1,000 feet of elevation and incredible views.
Why do it:
- See two spectacular waterfalls
- Liberty Cap granite dome views
- Less crowded than just Vernal Fall
- Top of Nevada Fall is dramatic cliff edge
Return options:
- Down Mist Trail: Shorter but tough on knees
- Down John Muir Trail: Longer but easier grade
High Country Adventures
5. Cathedral Lakes (8.0 miles, 1,000 ft gain)
Why it's great: Stunning alpine lakes, High Sierra scenery, moderate effort
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Location: Tioga Road (summer only)
- Elevation: 9,500 feet
The hike: From Tuolumne Meadows, hike to two pristine alpine lakes backed by dramatic Cathedral Peak. This is classic High Sierra scenery.
Highlights:
- Lower Cathedral Lake: easier to reach, great swimming
- Upper Cathedral Lake: more dramatic setting, worth the extra climb
- Wildflowers in July
- Less crowded than valley trails
Tips:
- Road open June-October only (snow dependent)
- Altitude sickness possible—take it slow
- Bring layers—can be cold at altitude
- Great for acclimatization before bigger hikes
Iconic Yosemite Summits
6. Half Dome (14-16 miles, 4,800 ft gain)
Why it's great: Most iconic hike in America, cable climb, 360° summit views
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Time: 10-14 hours
- Elevation gain: 4,800 feet
- ⚠️ Permit required: Lottery system
The challenge: Climb to the top of Yosemite's most famous granite dome via the cable route. The final 400-foot ascent uses cables bolted into 45° granite.
The cables: Hikers pull themselves up using steel cables on the sheer granite face. Intimidating but doable for fit hikers without fear of heights.
Permit system:
- Preseason lottery: Apply in March for May-September dates
- Daily lottery: 2 days before your hike (limited permits)
- Success rate: ~20% in preseason, lower for daily
- Cost: $10 application + $10 per person if selected
- Permit required when cables are up (typically late May-early October)
The route:
- Happy Isles to top of Vernal Fall (Mist Trail or JMT)
- Continue to top of Nevada Fall
- Little Yosemite Valley (campground)
- Sub Dome - 300+ granite steps
- The Cables - final 400-foot cable climb
- Summit - 360° views of Yosemite and High Sierra
Tips:
- Start by 5-6 AM—afternoon thunderstorms are deadly on exposed granite
- Bring gloves for cable climb
- Turn around if storms approach
- Many fit hikers still find this very challenging
- Hydrate well—it's a long day
- Some people do as overnight (backpacking permit required)
⚠️ Safety warning: People die on Half Dome every year, mostly from:
- Lightning strikes
- Falls from cables (especially when wet)
- Heat exhaustion/dehydration
7. Clouds Rest (14.5 miles, 2,300 ft gain)
Why it's great: Better views than Half Dome, no cables, no permit
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 8-10 hours
- Location: Tioga Road trailhead
- Permit: None required!
Why choose Clouds Rest over Half Dome:
- No permit lottery stress
- Better panoramic views (you can see Half Dome!)
- No crowds or cables
- More wilderness experience
The summit: At 9,926 feet, Clouds Rest sits 1,000 feet higher than Half Dome with jaw-dropping 360° views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and the High Sierra.
Tips:
- Starts at high elevation (8,000 ft)—watch for altitude sickness
- Less steep than Half Dome overall
- Exposed summit ridge—don't go in storms
- Road open June-October only
Less Crowded Gems
8. Panorama Trail (8.5 miles one-way, 3,200 ft descent)
Why it's great: Best views-per-mile in Yosemite, waterfall variety
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill)
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Note: One-way hike (shuttle or two cars needed)
The trail: Hike from Glacier Point down to Yosemite Valley, passing Illilouette Fall and joining the Mist Trail at Nevada Fall. Constantly changing views of Half Dome, valley, and waterfalls.
Highlights:
- Start with best view in park (Glacier Point)
- Illilouette Fall—370 feet, less visited
- Nevada Fall from above
- Finish via Mist Trail or John Muir Trail
Logistics:
- Take shuttle or leave car at Happy Isles
- Drive second car to Glacier Point (or pay for Glacier Point tour bus from valley)
- Start at Glacier Point, end in valley
9. Upper Yosemite Fall (7.2 miles, 2,700 ft gain)
Why it's great: Top of North America's tallest waterfall
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Best season: May-July
The climb: Switchback up the cliff face to the top of Yosemite Falls. Steep climbing with spectacular valley views.
At the top:
- Stand at the edge of 2,425-foot waterfall
- Columbia Rock viewpoint (2 miles up—good turnaround for shorter hike)
- Yosemite Point overlook
Tips:
- Very exposed—hot in summer
- Bring lots of water (no water sources after start)
- Fall can be dry by August
- Crowds thin out above Columbia Rock
Short but Sweet
10. Sentinel Dome & Taft Point (5.0 miles, 1,100 ft gain)
Why it's great: Two incredible viewpoints in one moderate hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Location: Glacier Point Road
- Best season: June-October
Sentinel Dome:
- 360° panoramic views
- See Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, High Sierra
- Short climb to bare granite summit
Taft Point:
- Dramatic cliff edge with no railing
- 3,000-foot drop to valley floor
- View of El Capitan from the side
- The Fissures—deep cracks in granite
Tips:
- Can do as figure-8 loop
- Easier than valley hikes (starts at high elevation)
- Great sunset destination (bring headlamps)
- Road closed in winter
Yosemite Hiking Essentials
Best Time to Visit
- Waterfalls (April-June): Peak flow from snowmelt, crowded
- Summer (July-August): Warmest, all areas open, very crowded, waterfalls slowing
- Fall (September-October): Best weather, fewer crowds, waterfalls minimal
- Winter (November-March): Valley open but quiet, Tioga Road closed, waterfalls frozen or dry
Permits & Reservations
- Park entrance: $35 per vehicle (7 days) or $70 annual pass
- Half Dome permit: Required when cables up (late May-October)
- Wilderness permit: Required for overnight backpacking
- Camping: Book 5 months in advance at recreation.gov
- Lodging: Book 12+ months ahead for summer
Getting Around
- Free valley shuttle: Stops at all major trailheads
- Park early: Lots fill by 9 AM in summer
- Curry Village parking: Good base for valley hikes
- Tioga Road: Opens June (snow dependent), closes October
Safety Tips
- Bears: Use bear boxes, never leave food in car
- Water: Filter all stream water (Giardia present)
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms in summer
- Heat: Valley can exceed 100°F in summer—start early
- Altitude: High country is 8,000-10,000 feet—acclimate
What to Bring
- The 10 Essentials
- 3+ liters of water
- Sun protection (strong at altitude)
- Extra food
- Layered clothing
- Bear spray (optional but recommended)
Start Your Yosemite Adventure
From easy valley walks to the iconic Half Dome summit, Yosemite offers world-class hiking for every ability level. The key is choosing the right trail for your fitness level and properly preparing.
First-timers should start with:
- Valley floor trails (Lower Fall, Bridalveil)
- Vernal Fall via Mist Trail
- Sentinel Dome/Taft Point
Experienced hikers can tackle:
- Half Dome (get permit early!)
- Clouds Rest (no permit needed)
- Nevada Fall or Panorama Trail
Remember: Yosemite is a wilderness park. Weather changes rapidly, trails are strenuous, and rescues are difficult. Always check conditions, bring the 10 essentials, and don't be afraid to turn around.
Explore All Yosemite Trails
Browse our complete Yosemite trail database with verified distances, current conditions, and detailed maps:
