Yosemite Valley Loop trails

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

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, 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

The Upper Yosemite Fall Trail is a rewarding yet challenging hike that offers some of the best panoramic views in Yosemite National Park. Climbing steep switchbacks, you'll pass Columbia Rock for breathtaking sights of Yosemite Valley and continue toward Oh My Gosh Point, where the dramatic view of the falls…

Distance: 7.4 mi • Elevation gain: 4,902 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,693 ft

The Vernal Fall and Clark Point loop is a strenuous yet rewarding hike through the heart of Yosemite’s beauty. The journey takes you up steep steps alongside Vernal Fall, before leading to sweeping views of the valley from Clark Point. Though challenging, the mix of waterfalls, granite cliffs, and forested…

Distance: 5.0 mi • Elevation gain: 2,395 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,587 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

From Sentinel Dome Trailhead, the loop begins among conifer forest, meadow and open granite before climbing toward Sentinel Dome, where the landscape opens to broad views over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the high Sierra. The route then swings toward Glacier Point, one of Yosemite’s classic overlooks above…

Distance: 13.3 mi • Elevation gain: 5,827 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,130 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

The Mirror Lake and Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park offers hikers stunning views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and the Washington Column, all beneath the iconic Half Dome. This relatively easy trail winds through lush forests and along the tranquil Tenaya Creek, leading to Mirror Lake, which…

Distance: 4.5 mi • Elevation gain: 443 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,190 ft

The Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall loop hike is a fantastic adventure through Yosemite, offering some of the park's most iconic waterfall views. You'll tackle steep inclines, including the famous "Nature's Giant Staircase" with over 600 steps, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of cascading…

Distance: 8.1 mi • Elevation gain: 3,186 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,060 ft

Yosemite National Park #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Canyon #River #Lake #Yosemite #Cliff

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 489 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,186 ft

Hiking the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park offers an exhilarating journey through some of the park's most iconic landscapes. As you ascend, you'll first encounter the mesmerizing Vernal Fall, with its cascading waters often creating vibrant rainbows in the mist. Continuing upward, the trail…

Distance: 6.1 mi • Elevation gain: 2,480 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,007 ft

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail to Yosemite Point is a strenuous hike that offers hikers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and the Cathedral Spires. Along the ascent, the trail provides close-up perspectives of the majestic Upper Yosemite Falls—one of the tallest…

Distance: 8.6 mi • Elevation gain: 5,823 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,014 ft

Loop hike to North Dome via Lower Mirror Lake, Tenaya Creek, Valley Loop Trail, Snow Creek Trail, North Dome Trail, Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, Oh My Gosh Point and Columbia Rock in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Nature #Lake #Forest #Fall #Park #Yosemite

Distance: 19.9 mi • Elevation gain: 7,464 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,150 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

Loop hike along Tenaya Creek via Mirror Lake on Valley Loop Trail in the Yosemite National Park. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #River #Forest #Lake #Mountain #Park #Yosemite

Distance: 4.5 mi • Elevation gain: 525 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,190 ft

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

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 4,879 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,690 ft

Via Mist Trail and Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park #Hiking #Waterfall #Mountain #Forest #River #Yosemite

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 2,549 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,007 ft