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

Starting near Yosemite Valley Lodge, the route enters the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, follows Yosemite Creek through shaded valley woodland, and reaches the footbridge and close viewpoint beneath Lower Yosemite Fall. It then returns toward Northside Drive and crosses into Cook’s Meadow, where open meadow…

Distance: 2.0 mi • Elevation gain: 246 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,108 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

The route follows the river upstream toward the waterfall approach, passing through a lively canyon setting shaped by clear pools, polished rock and constant movement from the Merced. The hike then joins the Mist Trail, where the scenery becomes more dramatic beneath Vernal Fall, with spray, stone steps, cliff…

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

From Happy Isles, the route follows the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail along the Merced River, moving through forested Yosemite Valley scenery toward the narrowing granite canyon below Vernal Fall. The itinerary passes the Vernal Fall Footbridge, continues beside the river, and climbs into the Mist Trail…

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,575 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,197 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 Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley, this route follows the Merced River into the Mist Trail corridor, with early granite scenery and possible views toward Illilouette Fall before reaching the Vernal Fall Footbridge. The ascent then climbs beside Vernal Fall to Emerald Pool and Silver Apron,…

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

Starting at Four Mile Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the route joins the Four Mile Trail and begins its steady climb from the valley floor above the Merced River corridor. It first rises through forested slopes near Sentinel Creek, with early views opening toward Sentinel Rock and the meadows of Yosemite…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 4,101 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,208 ft

From Yosemite Village, the route slips into the Valley Loop Trail corridor, moving through the quieter village edge toward Yosemite Falls views before continuing west below the Three Brothers and into the open floor of Leidig Meadow, where forest, meadow grass, and the Merced River alternate along the way. The…

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

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 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