Yosemite National Park, an epically breathtaking corner of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, has some truly striking hiking trails that take you right up close to the natural beauty.

Here, we'll guide you through some of the park's best hikes, ranging from challenging treks to serene meadow strolls - a hike for every visitor.

What are the challenging, but rewarding hikes?

1. Half Dome

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• Distance: 14-16 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous

This difficult but iconic hike takes you to the top of Half Dome, offering stunning views of the famous Yosemite Valley below. It involves steep ascents, a thrilling cable section, and is a true test of endurance. Only serious and prepared hikers should attempt!

The trail is only open seasonally. Permits are required for day hikers. Learn about the permit lottery here.

2. Yosemite Falls

• Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Ascend to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America on this challenging trail. Prepare yourself for steep switchbacks that lead to rewarding views of Yosemite Valley and the upper cascades of the waterfall.

3. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Image by Matthew Caracciolo

• Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous

Experience the beauty of two stunning waterfalls. The hike to the Vernal Fall footbridge is just 1.6 miles round trip and considered moderate, but still includes significant elevation gain. If you continue past the footbridge, prepare to get wet from the mist (hence the name), as you’re ascending right next to beautiful, rushing waterfalls. 

4. Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point

• Distance: 9.6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Take a challenging hike from Yosemite Valley up to the Glacier Point lookout, where you'll be treated to absolutely stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. From this high vantage point, you can see much of the park.

Okay, those look too hard. What are some moderate hikes?

5. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point

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• Distance: 5.1 mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

Visit two of Yosemite's most breathtaking vista points for panoramic views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and the surrounding high country.

6. Wapama Falls

• Distance: 5 miles loop around the lake
• Difficulty: Moderate

Want to get away from the crowds? Then head to the Hetch Hetchy section of the park, the 'other Yosemite Valley.' Hike the moderate trail around the magnificent reservoir to stand at the base of thundering Wapama Falls. This was a personal favorite! And reward yourself with a treat afterwards at the Camp Mather General Store or Evergreen Lodge.

I want an easy hike. Where can I go?

7. Tenaya Lake 

Image by Matthew Caracciolo

• Distance: 2.7 mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Another way to break free of the crowds is to drive the scenic Tioga Road, which has plenty of its own hikes. Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road is quite stunning. This peaceful path is perfect for a stroll or picnic because of the breathtaking views of the alpine lake and granite peaks.

8. Mariposa Grove

• Distance: Varies (1.6 to 7 miles depending on the trail chosen)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Mariposa Grove provides easy access to sequoias! The trail begins as an ADA-accessible boardwalk and then becomes a dirt path with moderate to strenuous elevation gain the farther you go. It's worth continuing to see the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree, a 2 mile loop that's easy to moderate.

Conclusion

This guide cannot cover all the beautiful hiking paths in Yosemite National Park, as there are many more to explore. Whether you're in search of sweeping vistas, cascading waterfalls, or towering sequoias, Yosemite National Park has it all.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Yosemite National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Yosemite National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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About the Writer:

Matt Caracciolo is a travel writer based out of Ohio, and wrote the Shaka Guide tour for Yosemite. Born and raised in Columbus, Matt fell into travel writing while teaching English abroad in South Korea. He has written two travel books, including the Moon Ohio guidebook, and is happy writing and editing tours for Shaka Guide. Matt adheres to Mark Twain’s ‘travel is fatal’ adage, that the more we travel and learn about other places, other times, and other people, the more we learn about ourselves.