About the park
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Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite is characterised by granite rocks formed by volcanic activity, before being carved into today's landscape, through thousands of years of glacial movement and erosion. The result is the iconic shapes that Yosemite is famed for, namely El Capitan and Half Dome. Many of the main features of the park surround Yosemite Valley, the area of the park where the majority of visitors spend their time. 95% of Yosemite is wilderness, accessible with back country permits, allowing hikers to fully reach the John Muir Trail and eventually the Pacific Crest Trail once acquired.
Yosemite is often a lush shade of green, courtesy of the snow melt across the Sierra Nevada which feeds numerous lakes and rivers. This produces numerous beautiful waterfalls across Yosemite Valley that range in size and power. Perhaps the most dramatic is Yosemite Falls, a three tiered waterfall where water drops a massive 2,425ft (739m), which is particularly impressive in Spring and early Summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. On the valley floor, the Merced River weaves past various campsites and information centres, while Mirror Lake acts as a refreshing water playground with a close view of the towering Half Dome.
Whilst being a geological marvel, the park also plays an important role in the protection of animal and plant species. Deer, marmots and snakes can be a common sight, with black bears on rarer occasions. 20% of California's plant species are also located within the park, along with small groves of Sequoia, as more commonly found in Sequoia NP to the south. While hiking along Yosemites beautiful trails, take a moment to appreciate the natural sculptures created by glaciers that now support a varied ecosystem, as well as gaining a glimpse into what the mountain range looked like before modern civilisation. As the famous naturalist John Muir once said of Yosemite: "It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter".
Can't miss
Look out over Tunnel View
One of the most famous views in the park, and possibly America, Tunnel View is easily accessible by road or by park shuttle. Named as such because it is the first view you see exiting Wawona tunnel on SR41, the horizon is framed by El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
Watch sunrise at Glacier Point
Glacier Point provides possibly the best views of the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite, along with views of Little Yosemite Valley, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. For those willing to get up early, clear mornings can treat you to a beautiful glow over the Sierra Nevada, and around June/July, the sun can be seen rising directly over Half Dome.
Hike the majestic icon Half Dome
In 1868, a Yosemite guidebook stated that "the summit of Half Dome will never be trodden by a human foot". Rock climbers have since disproved that statement, and the installation of cables mean that the summit is now accessible to the majority of hikers between Memorial Day & Columbus Day - permit required!
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Top experiences
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 1.2 miles
Approximate duration: 15-30 mins
Maximum elevation: 4100 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 100 ft
Yosemite offers some of the best day-hikes in the country, but not everyone may wish to dedicate that much time to a single hike during their visit. Bridalveil Fall offers a short hike of 15-30 minutes which can then be combined with other aspects of Yosemite Valley, including Sentinel & Cook's Meadow Loop and viewing of the towering El Capitan.
The hike consists of a paved trail of very gentle gradient, gaining only around 100 ft in elevation before reaching the viewing area near the base of the fall. Water flows year round, which is not the case for all of Yosemite's waterfalls, and the spray can create a mist along the entirety of the trail during spring. This does mean some of the rocks can be slippery, so be careful, especially with adventurous young-ones.
By staying on the valley floor, visitors are provided with ample opportunity to visit the park's visitor centre, as well as the Yosemite Museum, where you can learn about how the famous landscape was formed and the wildlife present in the park.
Moderate
Mist Trail
Mist Trail & John Muir Trail Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 7.4 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 5000 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1000 ft
The hike to Vernal Fall is along one of the most famous trails in the park, the Mist trail. A popular hike, it begins by crossing the Merced river, before 600 granite spray-soaked steps guide you to the waterfall. A welcome, refreshing mist especially in summer!
This trail then offers choices for those looking for a further challenge. Carry on to Nevada Fall, which is around 1.5 miles further up, with views of one of Yosemite's famous granite domes, the Liberty Cap. Hikers can then head back down the Mist Trail, or loop back on the slightly longer John Muir Trail, experiencing a section of the 211 miles of one of the country's most famous trails.
If further distance is what you're looking for, buy a one way ticket from Yosemite Valley to Glacier point (find out more). The hike follows the Panorama trail, offering a quieter section of the park that contains Observation Point and Illilouette Falls on the descent. Then join up with the Mist trail and down to the valley floor, completing a stunning 8.5 mile hike.
Demanding
Upper Yosemite Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 7.6 miles
Approximate duration: 5-7 hours
Maximum elevation: 6526 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 2600 ft
For the most adventurous hikers, Yosemite hosts the tallest waterfall in North America. With Yosemite Falls rising 2425 ft above the valley floor, this hike is one of the steepest in the park.
Starting at the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead, switchbacks take you to Columbia Rock, giving the hikes first views of Half Dome and the valley floor. A slight descent then displays a view of Upper Yosemite Fall. For those then willing to test their legs, a continual, tough ascent to the brink of Upper Yosemite Falls rewards with a panoramic view highlighting the immense scale of the park.
While motivated intermediate hikers are more than capable of completing this hike, it should be respected. The trail remains in the sun throughout the day, so a dawn start is imperative, while also helping avoid some of the crowds on a typically very busy trail. Plenty of water is also required, with the National Park Service recommending 4 litres. Speaking from experience, it is definitely needed...
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When to visit
We recommend:
May to June, + September to October - for weather conditions that let you maximise the hiking trails, with less crowds in the valley
Itineraries
