Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world, which makes narrowing down the best hikes in Yosemite pretty difficult. There are 2,000 foot waterfalls, towering granite cliffs and cables that you cling onto for dear life. But, since I bought a property near Yosemite a few years ago, I can tell you that these are the best hikes in the park, and the one’s you certainly DON’T want to miss out on.
Half Dome
If you aren’t afraid of heights, hiking Half Dome is probably on your list. It’s one of the most unique hikes in the US, if not the world. This 16 mile hike will take you past two waterfalls and up to a steep granite dome. For the last 100 ft. you will be climbing up a set of metal cables to summit the most recognizable peak in the park. Whether you’re brave enough to climb it or not, this is definitely one of the best hikes in Yosemite.
Stats:
Mileage: 16.5 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 5,305 ft.
Location: Yosemite Valley
Permit: Yes, apply here.
Expert Tip: If you can’t get a permit, you can always apply for a backpacking permit which allows you to add on the Half Dome permit. Read more about hiking Half Dome here.
Sentinel Dome
Before moving to Yosemite, I thought the best place to watch sunset in the park was Taft’s Point, BUT it’s actually Sentinel Dome. This is where you can see El Cap, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome all in one spot. Sentinel and Tafts have the same trailhead if you would like to compare and tell me which one you think is the best hike in Yosemite.
Stats:
Mileage: 2.2 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 459 ft.
Location: Yosemite Valley
Expert Tip: Bring a sunset beer and a headlamp.
The Mist Trail
The Mist Trail will always be one of the best hikes in Yosemite. You simply can’t visit the park without stepping foot here. It has two of the best waterfalls (Vernal and Nevada Falls), and if you keep going you also reach Half Dome. But such a beautiful trail does draw a crowd, so I would recommend this one during the week or in the off season. Spring is my favorite time for this trail since the waterfalls are at their best. Just be prepared to get wet!
Stats:
Mileage: 6.2 Miles Roundtrip to Nevada Falls, only 3.1 Roundtrip to Vernal
Elevation Gain: 2,158 ft. to Nevada, 1,131 to Vernal
Location: Yosemite Valley
Clouds Rest
I used to think that Half Dome had the best view in the park.. until I did Clouds Rest. You can either do this one as a day hike or fit it into a backpacking trek. I did the latter so I could experience sunset up there. And THAT’S something I’ll never regret.
Stats:
Mileage: 12.4 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3116 ft.
Location: Tioga Road
Expert Tip: You can only do this one when Tioga road is open, so look this up before you go.
Upper Falls Trail
Upper Falls Trail will always have a place in my heart . This is because it was the first hike I ever did in Yosemite when I visited in my early twenties AND my first solo hike. In just 3 miles it will take you up to the tallest waterfall in North America, which is why I consider it one of the best hikes in Yosemite. In the summer time you can also swim in the pools above the fall. And it’s quite the booty workout.
Stats:
Mileage: 6.6 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3254 ft.
Location: Yosemite Valley
Expert Tip: Bring a swimsuit in the summer to swim in the pools above the fall.
