Top Hiking Trails in Yosemite National Park In 2024

Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in the USA, drawing over 4 million visitors per year. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is renowned for its granite cliffs, towering sequoias, vast wilderness, and abundant wildlife. In this article we talk about Top Hiking Trails in Yosemite National Park In 2024.

Of course, the crown jewel of Yosemite is the breathtaking Yosemite Valley with iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. While most tourists congregate in the valley, over 95% of the park consists of wilderness just waiting to be explored on foot.

From short walks to see waterfalls to multi-day backpacking trips in the high country, Yosemite has no shortage of exceptional hiking trails for all abilities. Here are 10 of the top hiking trails you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Yosemite National Park.

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most popular hikes and for a good reason. Following the Merced River, this 3.5-mile round trip hike brings you to the base of 317-foot Vernal Fall – where you’ll get drenched in spring and early summer! Continue 1.5 miles further to reach the impressive 594-foot Nevada Fall. The uphill climb is steep but rewarded by jaw-dropping views of both waterfalls and the surrounding landscape. Expect plenty of company along this trail, especially in summer.

Length: 3.5 miles roundtrip (5.6 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (305 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point

The Four Mile Trail connects Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, a viewpoint perched 3,214 feet above the valley floor. As the name implies, it’s a moderately strenuous 9.2-mile round trip hike with plenty of switchbacks. While you can drive up to Glacier Point, hiking rewards you with bird’s eye views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock along the way. The trail ends at the Glacier Point concession stand if you want to buy a snack and enjoy the scenery before descending back to the valley on foot.

Length: 9.2 miles roundtrip (14.8 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet (975 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Taft Point and The Fissures

For a shorter but dramatic hike near Glacier Point, head out on the 2.2-mile round trip trail to Taft Point and the Fissures. Here you’ll stand at the edge of a sheer 3,500 granite cliff overlooking Yosemite Valley while peering past and through cracks in the rock. Use caution near the cliff edges as there are no guardrails, but the views make it worth the vertigo! The trailhead starts across the street from the Glacier Point parking lot.

Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip (3.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 250 feet (76 m)
Difficulty: Easy

Panorama Trail – Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley

The Panorama Trail connects Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley via the Illilouette Gorge in a longer 8.5-mile one-way hike. As its name implies, the Panorama Trail treats you to panoramic vistas the entire way as you descend 3,200 feet into the valley. After soaking in the views atop Glacier Point, the trail heads downhill into the Illilouette Gorge. There you’ll enjoy quiet solitude and refreshing swimming holes along the Illilouette Creek before the trail ends at the Mist Trail, just a short walk from Yosemite Village. Arrange a shuttle or hike it one way downhill.

Length: 8.5 miles one-way (13.7 km)
Elevation Change: -3,200 feet (-975 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Lower Yosemite Fall

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, plummeting a total of 2,425 feet in three tiers. While most visitors admire the falls from the valley floor, you can get up close and personal with the bottom tier on the 1-mile round trip hike to Lower Yosemite Fall. Follow a paved trail and some stairs to the base of the 320-foot Lower Fall, where you’ll have a chance to soak in the mist and appreciate its power. Catch rainbows in the spray on sunny summer afternoons!

Length: 1 mile roundtrip (1.6 km)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m)
Difficulty: Easy

Mirror Lake Loop Trail

The easy 2-mile loop around Mirror Lake is a pleasant family-friendly hike near Yosemite Valley. Beginning at the shuttle stop near the Ahwahnee Hotel, this mostly flat trail brings you around the shoreline of small but picturesque Mirror Lake. When its waters are calm, the surrounding North American Wall and Half Dome perfectly reflect on its surface like a mirror. While drought has caused Mirror Lake to shrink, restoration efforts help maintain some water year round. Early mornings are best for catching peak reflections.

Length: 2 miles roundtrip (3.2 km)
Elevation Gain: 50 feet (15 m)
Difficulty: Easy

McGurk Meadow

For a lesser-known area of Yosemite with gorgeous high country views, head out to McGurk Meadow. Located just 1.2 miles roundtrip from the Glacier Point Road, this short trail leads you to a mountain meadow filled with colourful wildflowers in spring and early summer. Situated at 7,600 feet of elevation, McGurk Meadow is backed by a sweeping panorama of Yosemite’s high peaks and domes. Watch for wildlife like deer and black bears that wander through the meadows!

Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip (1.9 km)
Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m)
Difficulty: Easy

May Lake & Mount Hoffmann

Some of Yosemite’s most spectacular scenery and fewest crowds await you on the 5.4-mile round trip hike to May Lake tucked beneath Mount Hoffmann. From the trailhead off Tioga Pass Road, steadily climb through forests and past waterfalls to reach this tranquil glacial lake at 9,270 feet of elevation. Formed by an ancient glacier, the lake reflects the massive granite face of Mount Hoffmann rising 2,000 feet above it. Energetic hikers can continue another 1.25 miles up switchbacks to the 10,850 summit of Mount Hoffmann boasting 360° views from the Sierra to the Yosemite Valley below.

Length: 5.4 miles roundtrip to May Lake (8.7 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet (335 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

Lembert Dome

Rising 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome is a distinctive granite dome that beckons adventuresome climbers and hikers. Non-technical climbers can scramble up the steep western slope using cables, ladders, and footing carved into the granite to reach the summit. As an easier alternative, follow the 2.8-mile round trip trail from the Tuolumne Meadows campground to the top traversing the more gradual northern side instead. Beyond boasting impressive views over Tuolumne and the High Sierra, the summit gives you a fun new perspective looking down the smooth curve of the dome!

Length: 2.8 miles roundtrip (4.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 850 feet (259 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

North Dome Trail

Last but not least, one of the most unique perspectives over Yosemite Valley comes from the 8-mile round trip North Dome Trail. The first couple miles to Indian Rock passes through quiet forest before giving way to epic views spanning from Half Dome to Clouds Rest as you approach the dome. The final ascent switches back steeply offering unobstructed views straight down into Yosemite Valley 3,000 feet below. The iconic face of Half Dome soars nearby. From the backside of North Dome, enjoy a rare look at both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls in their full glory as you rest and take in the magnificent panorama.

Length: 8 miles roundtrip (12.9 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (305 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

With over 800 miles of hiking trails ranging from flat valley walks to serious high-altitude treks, Yosemite has endless options to discover on foot. I sincerely hope you find this “Top Hiking Trails in Yosemite National Park In 2024” article helpful.