Merced County, California, United States trails

From Happy Isles, this demanding Yosemite route follows the Merced River into the forested canyon of the Mist Trail, passing the spray and granite stairways of Vernal Fall before continuing above the river toward Emerald Pool and the broader waterfall amphitheater around Nevada Fall. Beyond Nevada Fall, the…

Distance: 15.4 mi • Elevation gain: 6,506 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,816 ft

Loop hike to Vernal Fall and Clark Point via Happy Isles Bridge, Merced River, John Muir Trail and Mist Trail in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #Falls #River #Forest #Mountain #Yosemite #Park

Distance: 5.9 mi • Elevation gain: 2,644 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,574 ft

From Happy Isles, the hike enters the eastern end of Yosemite Valley and follows the Merced River through forest and granite scenery toward the Vernal Fall Footbridge, where the first open views of the river and surrounding canyon set the tone for one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfall routes. The Mist…

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 2,228 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,007 ft

Starting near Yosemite Lodge and the Camp Four area, this demanding route climbs the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail through oak woodland and granite switchbacks, quickly rising above Yosemite Valley toward Columbia Rock, where broad views open over the valley floor, Merced River corridor, Half Dome, and surrounding…

Distance: 9.3 mi • Elevation gain: 7,995 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,031 ft

From Yosemite Valley, the Four Mile Trail climbs away from the Merced River through forested slopes and long switchbacks on the south wall of the valley, steadily opening views toward Sentinel Rock, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the granite cliffs that frame the valley floor. Higher on the route, the path…

Distance: 9.4 mi • Elevation gain: 5,404 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,208 ft

Yosemite National Park. Merced River. #Hiking #Waterfall #River #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,575 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,197 ft

The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. As you ascend the trail, you'll be treated to ever-changing views of Yosemite Valley, including dramatic overlooks of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall, with distant glimpses of the Sierra…

Distance: 10.3 mi • Elevation gain: 5,262 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,208 ft

Loop hike from Yosemite Village via the Valley Loop Trail along Merced River in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #River #Forest #Yosemite #Park

Distance: 9.2 mi • Elevation gain: 699 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,068 ft

Yosemite National Park. Merced River. #Hiking #Mountain #Waterfall #River #Forest #Nature

Distance: 16.6 mi • Elevation gain: 6,739 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,835 ft

Loop hike via John Muir Trail, Nevada Fall, Merced River, Little Yosemite Valley, Mist Trail, Silver Apron and Vernal Fall in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Yosemite #Park #Nature #River #Mountain #Falls #Forest

Distance: 9.6 mi • Elevation gain: 3,786 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,214 ft

Yosemite National Park. Merced River. #Hiking #Loop #Waterfall #River #Mountain #Forest #Lake #Nature #Yosemite

Distance: 7.4 mi • Elevation gain: 2,986 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,056 ft

Loop hike from Curry Village to Nevada Fall via Happy Isles Bridge, Merced River, John Muir Trail, Mist Trail, Vernal Fall and Clark Point in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #River #Falls #Nature #Forest #Park #Yosemite

Distance: 8.9 mi • Elevation gain: 3,783 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,066 ft

Hike to Hite Cove along South Fork Merced River via Hites Cove Trail in the Sierra National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #River #Forest #Nature

Distance: 7.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,205 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,713 ft