Top 10 Hikes In Yosemite National Park You Must Do

Waquar Habib

Half Dome via the John Muir Trail

This iconic 16-mile round-trip hike is known for its challenging ascent and the famous cables section near the summit. It offers breathtaking views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and the Yosemite Valley.

Alpine Lake on the John Muir Trail | Shutterstock

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

This 7.2-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls. The strenuous trail rewards hikers with spectacular views of the valley and the roaring sound of the falls accompany you along the way.

A view of the Yosemite Falls | Shutterstock

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

One of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, this 7-mile round-trip trail offers close-up views of Vernal and Nevada Falls. The steep and often wet trail from the mist of the falls makes it both challenging and exhilarating.

Aerial view of Nevada Fall waterfall on Merced River | Shutterstock

Glacier Point Trail

This easy 1-mile round trip hike leads to Glacier Point, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views in Yosemite. From here, you can see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra peaks.

Hiker at the Glacier Point with View to Yosemite Falls and Valley in the Yosemite National Park | Shutterstock

Four Mile Trail

Despite its name, this nearly 10-mile round-trip trail climbs from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, providing incredible views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the valley below. It’s a challenging hike with rewarding vistas.

Sentinel Rock rises through the trees along Four Mile trail in Yosemite National Park | Shutterstock

Taft Point and The Fissures

This 2.2-mile round-trip hike offers dramatic views from Taft Point, where you can stand on the edge of a cliff and look down into Yosemite Valley. The trail also features the Fissures, deep cracks in the granite rock.

Two rocks hanging on Taft Point, Yosemite National Park, California | Shutterstock

Sentinel Dome Trail

A relatively short 2.2-mile round trip hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of Yosemite. From the top of Sentinel Dome, you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Yosemite Valley.

What you can see on your way to the Sentinel Dome, in Yosemite | Shutterstock

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

This accessible 1-mile round trip trail takes you to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, part of the tallest waterfall in North America. It’s a short, flat walk suitable for all ages and abilities.

A view of the Lower Yosemite Falls | Shutterstock

Cathedral Lakes Trail

This 7-mile round trip trail in the Tuolumne Meadows area leads to the stunning Cathedral Lakes. The hike offers beautiful alpine scenery and reflections of Cathedral Peak in the lake.

A view of along the Cathedral Lakes trail | Shutterstock

Panorama Trail

Starting at Glacier Point, this 8.5-mile one-way trail descends past Illilouette Falls, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls, offering continuous breathtaking views. It ends in Yosemite Valley, making it a long but rewarding hike.

Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park, California | Shutterstock

10 Long Distance Hiking Trails In The US

Read More