Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile 1 mile/1.6 km loop; 30 minutes
Elevation: 4040 ft
Get Started: Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6). This easy walk features awesome views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. This waterfall is often dry from late July or August through October. Be careful of icy conditions in winter.
Decades in the Park
Our decade long work in trail repair and wildlife research and protection means that we not only know Yosemite very well, but we also care deeply about preserving it for future generations to enjoy. Because of our unique relationship with Yosemite we are the most qualified to show you around. Whether it is creating a day program based on your interests or assigning you your own park guide for the day, we can customize your own unique Yosemite experience.
Individuals or Groups
Our focus is on offering the best naturalist and guide services, for both individual and corporate needs. We also subcontract with commercial tour/travel providers for step-on tours and guided hikes. For example, we can lead you on a birding quest, a challenge hike; explore some of the incredible geology in the park or any other adventure you would like to discuss. Our guides are well-trained, fun, and professional.
Rates
Rates start at $300 per day for groups of up to four people, with an additional $50 charge per each person over four. Maximum group size per instructor is ten. Groups need to provide their own transportation, lodging and meals. Contact For more information and to discuss your special needs, please contact Pete Devine, resident naturalist, at 209-379-2321 or at pdevine@yosemiteconservancy.org
Difficulty: Strenous
Distance: 14 miles/22.4 km round-trip (Mist Trail) 10 to 12 hours; 4,800 feet/1,463 m. elevation gain.
Elevation: 8836
Get Started:
Hiking Half Dome now requires a permit. Begin at Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16). Follow the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall. Continue on the trail, following the signs to Half Dome. The last 900 feet (275 m) of trail is a very steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 feet (122 m). They consist of two steel cables, about 3 feet apart and suspended at arm's height from pipes set in the rock. The top of Half Dome is a fairly large and level open surface. Camping is not permitted on top of Half Dome. Please visit the Yosemite National Park Half Dome hiking page for important information and additional details about this hike. Making a safe ascent up Half Dome is only possible when the cables are in place, late May-October.
DO NOT ATTEMPT:
1) the cables are down
2) there is any chance of rain (this creates dangerous conditions)
3) there is any chance of lightning.
Permits are required for climbing Half Dome 7 days a week. Find out more information here.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: Vernal Fall footbridge: 1.6 miles/2.6 km round-trip; 1.5 hours, top of Vernal Falls: 3 miles/4.8 km round-trip; 3 hours
Elevation: 1,000 feet/366 m elevation gain to reach the top of Vernal Fall
Get Started:
Begin at Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16). You'll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge at 0.75 miles (1.3 km). Beyond the bridge, at 0.2 miles, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. This portion of trail is closed in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. Mist Trail closed in winter, but access available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy).
Difficulty: Moderate – short, but all uphill and fairly steep for the first half of the hike
Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km round-trip; 1-2 hours; 990 feet / 300 m elevation gain
Elevation: 5,390 feet / 1,643 m (at Inspiration Point)
Get Started: Begin at the trailhead at the Wawona Tunnel overlook. If you’re in Yosemite Valley, exit the Valley on Hwy 41, and drive to Tunnel View overlook, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) past Bridalveil Fall. It’s just outside the downhill end of Wawona Tunnel, and there are parking lots on both sides of the road. The trailhead is on the uphill side of the road.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.2 miles / 13.2 km round-trip; 3-4 hours with 345 feet / 105.2 m elevation gain
Elevation: 7,385 ft / 2,251 m (at Dewey Point)
Get Started: From Wawona Road, drive 7.4 miles up Glacier Point Road to the signed trailhead on your left. This will be on the other side of the road from the Bridalveil Creek Campground, the only campground along Glacier Point Road. The trail starts under the shade of lodgepole pines and descends to McGurk Meadow. During certain times of the year you can see wildflowers such as shooting star, paintbrush, cinquefoil, and corn lily. At the 2.0 mile mark, you’ll join up with the Pohono Trail which will drop to Bridalveil Creek, after which you will begin the gradual ascent to Dewey Point.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.2 miles / 14.8 km round-trip; 4-6 hours; 590 feet / 180 m elevation loss
Elevation: 7,542 feet / 2,300 m (at North Dome)
Get Started: From Crane Flat, drive northeast 23.7 miles on the Tioga Road to the Porcupine Creek lot (not to be confused with Porcupine Flat, a mile to the west). If you’re coming westbound, the trailhead is 2.1 miles west of the May Lake turnoff. Look for the North Dome trailhead sign near the outhouse. The trail itself is relatively uneventful since the real reward is the big finish at North Dome where you will see spectacular views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley. Don’t miss out on the short detour to Indian Rock, which is actually a delicate arch. Watch for loose granite on steep slopes on various parts of the trail.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km loop around the lake, 1-2 hours, no elevation gain
Elevation: 8,150 feet / 2,480 m (at trailhead)
Get started: From Yosemite Valley, take Hwy 120 ten miles (16.8 km) to the Crane Flat turnoff onto Tioga Road, then take Tioga Road 31 miles (50 km) east to reach the lake, which is impossible to miss. Coming westward on Tioga Road, drive 15.5 miles (25 km) to reach the lake.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.4 miles / 4 km round-trip, 1-2 hours, 490 ft / 149 m elevation loss
Elevation: 6,200 feet / 1,860 m (at trailhead)
Get started: Drive along the Big Oak Flat Road to the Tioga Road junction at Crane Flat, then drive 0.5 miles up the Tioga Road to a large parking area on your left. Enjoy an easy downhill stroll to the Tuolumne Grove where you will pass through the Tunnel Tree, a giant hulk of a tree with a tunnel carved into it. In the heart of the grove is a picnic area and a self-guided nature trail that will add about 0.5 miles to your hike.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.2 miles / 4 km round-trip, 1-2 hours
Elevation: 8,200 feet / 2,460 m (at Lukens Lake)
Get started: The “Lukens Lake” sign on Tioga Road marks the trailhead. It’s about 30 miles (48 km) from Yosemite’s east entrance, and 17 miles (27 km) from the western entrance of Tioga Road at Hwy 120. You’ll go through thick woods before emerging at the lake directly into the meadow (and if your timing is right – a burst of wildflowers), with the lake beyond. Most people stay on the main trail and venture up to the north end of the lake.
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