Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

Back of hiker in foreground looking east in Yosemite Valley with Half Dome in background
 
 

Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

 

Trail

Difficulty

Distance

Elevation Gain

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Easy

0.5 mi / 0.8 km (round trip)

80 ft / 24 m

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Easy

1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop)

50 ft / 15 m

Cook's Meadow Loop

Easy

1 mi / 1.6 km (entire loop)

Flat

Mirror Lake Loop

Easy to Moderate

2 mi / 3.2 km (lake & back)
5 mi / 8 km (entire loop)

100 ft (to lake)
200 ft (loop)

Valley Loop Trail

Moderate

6.5 mi / 10.5 km (half loop)
13 mi / 20.9 km (full loop)

Mostly flat

Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails

Moderate to Strenuous

1.6 mi-8 mi /
2.5 km-13 km (round trip)

400 ft to 2000 ft
120 m to 600 m

Yosemite Falls Trail

Moderate to Strenuous

2.0 mi / 3.2 km (round trip)
7.2 mi / 11.6 km (round trip)

1000 ft / 328 m
2700 ft / 825 m

Snow Creek Trail

Strenuous

9.4 mi / 15.1 km (round trip)

2700 ft / 825 m

Four Mile Trail

Strenuous

4.8 mi / 7.7 km (one way)

3200 ft / 975 m

Half Dome Trail

Strenuous

14 mi-16.4 mi /
22.4 km-26.2 km (round trip)

4800 ft / 1475 m
 
  • Current conditions in Yosemite such as roads, trails, campgrounds, fire, rivers and waterfalls, etc
    All Things Current
    Current Park Conditions

    Learn more about current conditions in Yosemite such as roads, trails, campgrounds, fire, rivers and waterfalls, snowpack, etc.

  • Shuttle bus at a stop in Yosemite Valley.
    Valley Shuttles

    The free Yosemite Valley shuttle operates year round and accesses trailheads throughout Yosemite Valley.

  • Safety

    Whether you're sightseeing by vehicle or trekking into the wilderness, read our tips on staying safe in Yosemite.

 

Hiking Videos

 
  • Strenuous Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    Strenuous Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    In this video, a ranger describes strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley, including the Yosemite Falls Trail, Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall, and Panorama Trail.

    Duration:
    7 minutes, 42 seconds
 
  • Moderate Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    Moderate Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    In this video, a ranger describes moderate hikes in Yosemite Valley, including, the Valley Loop Trail, the trail to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and Columbia Rock.

    Duration:
    6 minutes, 25 seconds
 
  • Easy Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    Easy Yosemite Valley Day Hikes

    In this video, a ranger describes easy hikes in Yosemite Valley to Bridalveil Fall, Mirror Lake, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

    Duration:
    4 minutes, 35 seconds
 
  • Hiking Half Dome

    Hiking Half Dome

    View this description of the Half Dome hike and how you can be best prepared to complete it (9:42).

    Duration:
    9 minutes, 42 seconds
 

Yosemite Valley Trail Profiles

 
Yosemite Valley Trail Profile Graphic

Last updated: November 25, 2024

Contact Info

Phone:

209/372-0200

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