Day Hikes in Yosemite

Inspiration Point

This trail is truly inspirational as it offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley with El Capitan to the west and Half Dome to the east. Don’t forget your camera as this is a great spot for photographing the Valley when conditions are clear.

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.

 

Vernal Fall

This is one of Yosemite Valley's few year round fall. Also an excellent place to spot rainbows in spring/early summer.

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).

Half Dome

Half Dome is a popular hike and requires a permit. Learn more about permits on our wilderness page.

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.

Custom Adventures with Yosemite Conservancy

Explore the park with your own experienced naturalist. Create your custom adventure and let us guide you.

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.

Guide Bios

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

Lower Yosemite Fall

Hike to the base of Yosemite Fall, the highest waterfall in North America.

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.

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