Sierra Nevada
10 Best Day Hikes in Yosemite, Easy to Strenuous
The 10 best day hikes in Yosemite National Park, ranked easy to strenuous, with distances, elevation gain, best seasons and how to beat trailhead crowds.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
These ten Yosemite day hikes run from a paved one-mile loop to Half Dome, ordered easy to strenuous with distance and gain for each.
Road openings, shuttles and reservation rules change yearly, so check the NPS Yosemite site.
In This Guide
- Easy Yosemite Hikes: Lower Yosemite Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Mirror Lake
- Easy to Moderate: Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point Road Hikes
- Moderate: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
- Moderate High Country Hike: Cathedral Lakes
- Strenuous Yosemite Hikes: Four Mile Trail and Upper Yosemite Fall
- Very Strenuous: Half Dome and the Cables
- Tips for Day Hiking in Yosemite
- FAQ
Easy Yosemite Hikes: Lower Yosemite Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Mirror Lake
All on the Valley floor; two are accessible.
1. Lower Yosemite Fall Loop
The paved 1-mile loop reaches the base of Yosemite Falls, which drops about 2,425 feet in total. In May and early June spray reaches the bridge.
2. Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil is 0.5 miles round trip near the Valley entrance, on a trail rebuilt in 2022.
3. Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is 2 miles round trip, or a 5-mile loop. In spring it reflects Half Dome and Mount Watkins; by late summer it is a meadow.
Easy to Moderate: Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point Road Hikes
Both are best in summer and fall.
4. Mariposa Grove Grizzly Giant Loop
The Mariposa Grove has over 500 mature giant sequoias. The Grizzly Giant Loop is 2 miles round trip past the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.
A free shuttle runs from the Welcome Plaza in season; otherwise walk 2 miles each way. My giant sequoia guide compares other groves.
5. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point share a Glacier Point Road trailhead and make a 5-mile loop. Sentinel has 360-degree views; Taft Point has fissures and a sheer drop.
Moderate: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
The Mist Trail climbs from Happy Isles past the Vernal Fall Footbridge and up about 600 granite steps. Bring a rain jacket in spring.
It is 2.4 miles round trip to the top of Vernal Fall with 1,000 feet of gain. Adding Nevada Fall and returning on the John Muir Trail makes a 6.5 to 7-mile loop.
- 6. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall: about 2.4 miles round trip, 1,000 feet of gain
- Add Nevada Fall: about 6.5 to 7-mile loop, 2,000 feet of gain
Moderate High Country Hike: Cathedral Lakes
Tioga Road is usually open late May or June through October or November. Cathedral Lakes is 7 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of gain to lakes below Cathedral Peak.
Mosquitoes are heavy in early summer.
- 7. Cathedral Lakes: about 7 miles round trip, moderate
Strenuous Yosemite Hikes: Four Mile Trail and Upper Yosemite Fall
Both climb the Valley walls on south-facing switchbacks that get hot by midday.
8. Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
The Four Mile Trail climbs 3,200 feet in 4.8 miles to Glacier Point. Round trip is 9.6 miles, or arrange a ride down when Glacier Point Road is open.
9. Upper Yosemite Fall
Upper Yosemite Fall is 7.2 miles round trip with about 2,700 feet of gain, one of the hardest trails in the park. My Yosemite Falls post called it difficult but worth doing once.
Very Strenuous: Half Dome and the Cables
Half Dome is 14 to 16 miles round trip with about 4,800 feet of gain, ending on the cables. Permits are required when the cables are up, typically late May to mid-October, via a March preseason lottery and a daily lottery on Recreation.gov.
Without a permit, Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake has similar views and no cables. My Half Dome permit guide covers both lotteries.
- 10. Half Dome: about 14 to 16 miles round trip, permit required
Tips for Day Hiking in Yosemite
Start early for parking and cooler temperatures. The free Valleywide Shuttle stops at lodges, campgrounds and trailheads every 12 to 22 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
See my 3 days in Yosemite itinerary and Yosemite packing list.
- Check for any peak-season vehicle reservation requirement
- Store food in bear lockers, never in your car
- Carry the ten essentials, especially water and a headlamp
- Never swim above waterfalls
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular day hike in Yosemite?
The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall.
Do you need a permit to hike in Yosemite?
Most day hikes need none. Half Dome requires one when the cables are up, and overnight trips need a wilderness permit.
What is the best time of year to hike in Yosemite?
Late spring for waterfalls, summer and early fall for the high country. Tioga and Glacier Point roads close in winter.
What is the easiest hike in Yosemite?
The Lower Yosemite Fall Loop and Bridalveil Fall. Both are short, flat and accessible.
How long does the Upper Yosemite Fall hike take?
6 to 8 hours for the 7.2-mile round trip with 2,700 feet of gain. Start early.
Destination guide
My Yosemite hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
