Staff Picks in Yosemite

Inspired at Inspiration Point

"The view from Inspiration Point is one of the planet’s more astounding sights. It’s much like the Tunnel View panorama but you’re way above the noise of cars and buses and quite likely to have it all to yourself."

Submitted By: Kylie Chappell, Outdoor Adventures Coordinator

This short but steep hike takes you up to a historic viewpoint where you can enjoy amazing views of Yosemite Valley. It’s only a mile to hike up to Inspiration Point, but there’s no break in the steady ascent to about 4,600’ elevation. You’ll recognize the spot when the trail levels off - you'll see an expanse of old pavement and a steel trail sign with distances to Glacier Point. Once you’re there, walk across the remnants of the old parking lot to locate a spot where you can see down the length of Yosemite Valley to Half Dome. Trees have grown up into some of the view but it’s still one of the planet’s more astounding sights. It’s much like the Tunnel View panorama but you’re way above the noise of cars and buses and quite likely to have it all to yourself. 

Get Started

Park in the uphill lot at Tunnel View (off Highway 41) just west of Yosemite Valley before entering the tunnel. The trailhead starts with a set of granite stairs from near the center of the parking lot. Bear-proof food lockers are located at the trailhead and the nearest restroom is a mile down the road at Bridalveil Fall parking lot.

Tips for the Trail

If you’re a backpacker you can get a Wilderness permit and camp here. A small stream is found just to the east of Inspiration Point into the start of summer.

If you have more energy you can keep walking up the Pohono Trail to Stanford then Crocker Points, or you can walk further up along an interesting piece of park history. Part of the walk encounters the old wagon road from Wawona, built by hundreds of Chinese workers in 1875. It’s fun to imagine travelers in the old days coming to this view and staying a while. 

For variety you can walk back by starting down the old Wawona Road to where it crosses your original trail again. Be aware that it’s not maintained and there may be downed trees.

Exploring the West End of Yosemite Valley

"Leave the crowds behind and explore the many cultural and natural wonders of Yosemite Valley's west end."

Submitted By: Pete Devine, Resident Naturalist

All of us drive in and out of Yosemite Valley via the west end, but other than a quick stop at Bridalveil Fall or El Capitan Meadow, hardly anyone explores it.  Lucky for you, there’s a terrific trail that loops the Valley floor and makes the west end very accessible. Between El Capitan Bridge and Pohono Bridge you can enjoy a walk on either the north or south side of the Valley.

The cultural and natural wonders of this area include the tallest single-drop waterfall in North America (Ribbon Fall), the vast and ever-changing face of El Capitan, two historic wagon roads, glacial moraines, evidence of dynamite, a strange stone chimney in the forest, a place where the President camped – and hardly any people. There is so much to see and learn here that Yosemite Conservancy hosts a day-long Outdoor Adventure program each spring to share some of these secrets (and others, even more mysterious.)

Get Started

Since the trail runs along both sides of the Valley, and makes a loop, you can start anywhere.  Our Outdoor Adventure workshop starts at El Capitan Bridge, descends west on the north side, and returns along the south side.  In the summer you can take a free shuttle from the Valley Visitor Center to El Capitan Bridge (shuttle stop E3) and walk from there.

Tips for the Trail

The whole loop is about 5 miles, and has an elevation change of about 200 feet. The trail is partly paved so bring good footwear.  Do bring sun protection and a daypack with a couple of liters of water, lunch, and an extra layer.  Plan on 3-5 hours of walking, depending on your pace.  You can do this hike in the winter, but the south side trail gets especially snowy and icy.  There are a couple spots where the trail becomes indistinct (such as through Bridalveil Meadow and near Bridalveil Fall) so it’s not a bad idea to bring a topographic map of Yosemite Valley.   

Photo: Ribbon Fall

Mornings in Mariposa Grove

"The fall is my favorite time to view this lofty forest, as the autumn light radiates a golden glow from above."

Submitted By: Sara Jones, Data Entry Assistant

Few experiences are as humbling as exploring Mariposa Grove at mid-morning. These great trees with their wizened trunks and proud branches beckon you to a place untouched by civilization. For contemplative types like me, the grove trail is the perfect place for an early morning saunter. If you lean your head back, you can catch rays of light twinkling through the high branches of the Sequoias. The fall is my favorite time to view this lofty forest, as the autumn light radiates a golden glow from above.

Get Started

Mariposa Grove is located about two miles from the south entrance to the park. If you are staying at the Wawona Hotel, I recommend stopping by the Wawona Convenience Store to grab a muffin and cup of coffee before catching the shuttle to the grove. If you would prefer to drive, there are two main parking lots located next to the trailhead. Remember to layer up, as the early morning chill quickly wears away!

Tips for the Trail

Plan to arrive just after sunrise, when the sun is beginning to peek through the branches, and the solitude of the forest is interrupted only by the subtle creaking of animals’ footsteps. The lower loop trail (2.2 mi/3.5 km) is a short, low-impact hike with big rewards. Babbling brooks wind around pathways, and wildflowers are painted across the landscape. While many claim the Grizzly Giant to be the “big thrill” (and it is amazing!), I am always sure to visit my friends, The Bachelor and Three Graces. These whimsical sequoias also provide the perfect photo opportunity for any group with one gentleman and three ladies!

Stillwater Rafting the Merced River in Yosemite Valley - Soak Up the Sun!

"The most relaxing way to enjoy summer in Yosemite Valley."

Submitted by: Michelle Hansen, Inventory Coordinator

 Yosemite Valley is the most popular destination for park visitors and can feel less like wilderness and more like suburbia in the summer months. However, you can enjoy all the sights of Yosemite Valley at a leisurely pace and experience a different type of traffic when you raft the Merced River. By summer, the river has calmed from its rushing winter snow run-off pace and provides a slow-moving and sunny course to travel the length of the valley. You get a unique perspective of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, as well as sandy beaches for swimming and picnicking on the banks of the river.

 Get Started

Bring your own raft and put in at Stoneman Bridge in Curry Village for a three mile trip down the Merced River. Take-out at the Yellow Pine Campground provides parking to transport your raft back to Valley lodging or campgrounds. Don't own a raft? You can rent a raft from DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite at the Curry Village Recreation Center for a fee of $28.50 per adult and $23.50 per child which includes a four-person raft, personal flotation devices, paddles and a return shuttle trip to Curry Village. Rafting access usually begins in late May and can last through August, depending on water levels. The Curry Village Recreation Center is located at shuttle stop #13A.

 Tips for the River

Prepare for a day in the sun with sunscreen, a sun hat and plenty of water. Wear water shoes for launching and wading, and don't forget to pack out all trash. Bring your camera with a waterproof case - you'll want to remember the spectacular views of Yosemite Valley from your ride on the river.

Cook’s Meadow to the East Valley Loop Trail - Valley Wonders!

“At dawn or dusk, you feel like the Valley is your own private wonderland.“

Submitted by: Michelle Slocombe, Marketing and Communications Associate

Yosemite’s natural icons are ever-changing according to various weather and seasonal conditions, which is why I never tire of seeing Half Dome or Yosemite Falls each and every time I go to the park. If you want a relaxing stroll under the shadow of Yosemite’s famous wonders, this hike will take you through lush meadows, thundering waterfalls, and peaceful trails within a few easy miles.

Get Started

To avoid the crowds, plan either an early morning jaunt or an evening stroll. Start at the Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5 or #9) and walk west along the bike path. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street (watch for traffic!) and follow the boardwalk into Cook’s Meadow where the vista opens up into stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Falls. Continue following the Cook’s Meadow boardwalk, a project funded by the Conservancy to protect sensitive meadow habitat, until you reach the road again. Cross the road and walk along the path to Lower Yosemite Falls. Cross the bridge and follow signs for the East Valley Loop Trail which will take you into Church Bowl at the northern end of Ahwahnee Meadow. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can continue following the trail east, or you can turn west and head back to the Visitors Center, perhaps in time to attend an art workshop or catch a theater show!

Tips for the Trail

The beauty of this hike is that you can tailor it to your interests, whether it is a short family walk or even a jog through the Valley. This hike is especially nice at dawn or dusk when there are fewer people on the trails and you feel as though the Valley is your own private wonderland. Some parts of the Valley Loop Trail can be slippery, especially after rain, so always exercise caution.

Panorama Trail-Steep Gains and Big Payoffs!

“Heart pumping, muscle burning, hump up above Yosemite Valley with the reward of beautiful views all the way”

Submitted by Denise Ludington, Accounting Supervisor

The Panorama Trail is approximately 12 miles long with plenty of steep gains and big payoffs. Because of those gains, hikers who do the Panorama Trail should be in moderate/good fitness. This trail offers some of the most stunning views of Yosemite Valley from angles and perspectives you don’t often find on postcards. The Panorama Trail also weaves together portions of smaller trails so the options are endless, but my favorite starts at the Four Mile Trail and finishes with a decent off the Mist Trail to Happy Isles.

Many parts of the trail have recently been under construction and are in very good condition. You’ll notice the masonry on this trail is comfortable to hike on and built to last. Bring your camera to make your friends and neighbors jealous-the views are spectacular!

Get Started

Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Once in the park head towards Yosemite Valley. Trailhead and parking is on the right about 0.1 miles past Sentinel Beach on Southside Drive. Take the trailhead for the Four Mile Trail. This is where the heavy lifting starts as you hike up to the top of the trail at Glacier Point, which is accessible by automobile. From the Point, hike the Panorama Trail down to Illilouette Creek, at the top of the falls, which is about a 2 mile hike from Glacier Point, you can turn back here for a shorter hike or continue towards Illilouette Falls. The top of Illiloutte Falls is beautiful-take a short rest here and enjoy the sound of the falls. Follow the footbridge across the creek back to the Panorama Trail. This will take you to more breath taking views of the Yosemite Valley West and East and coming to the Top of Nevada Falls on the Merced River. From there you can begin to wind your way back down to the Valley floor via the Mist Trail.

Tips for the Trail

As with any summertime hike, be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. If you want a less strenuous hike skip the difficult Four Mile Trail at the beginning of the hike and instead start at Glacier Point. Remember you will be coming out at Happy Isles though, so consider that in your transportation arrangements ahead of time.

Yosemite Falls- Hike the Legend

“Hike this Yosemite icon when the water is flowing!”

Submitted by: Jennifer Miller, Marketing & Communications Director

If you have ever stood near the base of Yosemite Falls at the peak of the waterfall season, there will be no doubt in your mind about why these falls get marquee billing in Yosemite. Falling at a breath taking height of 2,425 ft, Yosemite Falls has the distinction of being the tallest waterfall in North America. It is an exhilarating, vigorous hike to get to the top-- but well worth it for the stunning views, like those found at Columbia Point.

Get Started

Plan an early start as the trail gets baked by midday sun and be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, snacks and lots of water. The earlier you start the less crowded the trail will be on your way up to the top. The trail is about 7 miles round-trip and will take 6-8 hours to complete. Begin at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead, Camp 4 (shuttle stop #7).

The trail begins under the trees as the switchbacks bring you up to Columbia Point (official name on maps is Columbia Rock, but most refer to this spot as Columbia Point). Take a break here and enjoy the view, with nearly a 180 vista of the Valley with Half Dome dominating. Don’t worry that you can’t yet see the Falls, they’ll be visible soon. Keep winding your way up the trail and be sure to look back into Yosemite Valley when the view allows – it’s a great way to take your mind off the uphill climb.

Photo Breaks

Take another break near the base of Upper Yosemite Falls. There are many good spots for a quick respite from the sun as well as great photo opportunities to share with your friends back home. The view of the Falls will inspire you to head all the way to the top. Take it slow, be safe and have fun along the way. When you top out, you’ll feel tired but elated and have stunning views all around – the granite walls, the Valley stretched out below and the Falls thundering thousands of feet to the ground.

Enjoy your hike back down and soak in all the views that you didn’t catch on the way up. And then reward yourself with some ice cream from the Village store. You’ve earned it! If a seven mile hike is not in your plans, then be sure to take the leisurely one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. You’ll feel the mist from the world’s fifth largest waterfall without even breaking a sweat.

Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6) See stunning footage and hear ranger reflections about Yosemite Falls. Watch Episode # 2 of Yosemite Nature Notes, entitled Yosemite Falls to learn more.

Yosemite Nature Notes: Yosemite Falls

Wapama Fall at Hetch Hetchy-The Hike That Has it All!

“The reward for a day of hiking is a snowmelt shower with your clothes on!"

Submitted by Noel Morrison, Communications Manager

*Trail conditions can change suddenly. Please be aware when you are on trails that weather and snowmelt can effect conditions and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Please practice caution on any Yosemite trail. 

If you are looking for a lesser known hike that will take you through a tunnel, under two waterfalls and alongside a placid reservoir with lovely granite walls, look no further than the Wapama Fall's hike! This easy hike is 5.5 miles roundtrip over mostly flat terrain, making it a suitable day hike for almost all fitness and age levels. The meandering trail will take you past the elegant 840 foot tall Tueeulala Falls, through wildflower patches, and culminates at multiple bridges that span the cascades at the base of Wapama Fall. This is where the fun starts as aquaphobic hikers make a mad dash across the bridges while others adopt a more leisurely pace sure to leave to them soaking wet. Sunny granite slabs just past the bridge are a perfect spot to dry out and scan the reservoir for the mysterious Hetch Hetchy Loch Ness Monster.

Get Started

From Yosemite Valley, take highway 120 north and exit the park via the Big Oak Flat gate. Just past the gate you see a turn off for Evergreen Road and Hetch Hetchy. Follow Evergreen Road for 16 miles all the way to the end. There is a parking lot just before the reservoir with restrooms; these are the only ones in the area so use them before getting on the trail. Drive just past the reservoir to a parking lot that will bring you the closest to the trail head. The trail begins by crossing the O'Shaughnessy Dam. Before you start, snap some photos of lovely Kolana Rock, the large granite dome on the southern edge of Hetch Hetchy.

Tips for the Trail

The trail is mostly exposed so be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. The most exciting part of the trail is at the end when Wapama Fall rewards weary hikers with a refreshing shower, so quick drying clothes are advised. Also advised are water proof hiking boots or water shoes, as hikers will find themselves ankle deep in shallow streams during some parts of the trail. Keep an eye out for poison oak along the trail as well as the occasional rattlesnake.

Mirror Lake- Feeling Reflective?

“In the winter it’s as if we are blessed with another entirely different Yosemite – how remarkable to have more than one!”

Submitted By:  Pete Devine, Resident Naturalist

Get Started Begin at Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17). From the shuttle stop, a paved trail leads directly to Mirror Lake. From the campgrounds and lodging areas follow the signs and head to the left of Half Dome and the right of Washington’s Column, up into the gap that is Tenaya Canyon. You can walk on the road all the way or take a trail on either the north or south sides of the road and creek. Be Prepared Daily weather can vary a lot during the winter, but you should be prepared for cold, shady conditions, with snowy or icy footing. Take your time and make an expedition of it, with some lunch and a thermos of soup or a hot drink.

Sights & Sounds

Beyond the lake, you can walk another mile of mostly flat trail on the north side of Tenaya Creek for even deeper solitude. Look for a sunny spot to sit for a while and you may get to watch snow slide off the face of Half Dome right overhead. Though mostly quiet, you will hear the occasional sounds of the Steller’s jay, a bird native to Yosemite with a distinctive call. If you’re in the Valley right after a snowfall, the walk to Mirror Lake is a real journey into another world, a different Yosemite done in white and gray and silence.

Hites Cove- Buds, Blooms, Bliss

“Orange poppies, baby blue eyes, and lupine-the mountains are bursting with the first signs of spring!”

Submitted by: Angie Sberna, Accounting Director

The first signs of spring usually arrive in the form of delicate wildflowers which paint impressionistic swathes of color across the foothills. Some of the most popular flowers include poppies, owl's clover, blue dicks, lupine, and baby blue eyes.

While the valley flora is still asleep in snow banks, the Merced River Canyon begins to pop with color starting in mid-March and continuing through May. One of the most popular hikes for wildflowers is the Hites Cove trail.  To hike all the way to Hite’s Cove it is 4.5 miles both ways – the trail is mostly flat and is suitable for most people, however steep drop-offs may make it unsafe for young children. For a shorter hike, just go to 1 mile in and turn around; you will still see plenty of beautiful wildflowers. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trail and a camera is a must!

Get Started

Look for signs for the sign for Savage's Trading Post on Hwy 140, 20 miles east of Mariposa or 7 miles west of the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite. Parking is available on the side of road nearest the river. Follow the trail that goes uphill from the highway. The trail can be very sunny so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Ticks are also prevalent in the area in the spring so be sure to check yourself carefully after any hike.

If you’re looking to capture the best of Yosemite wildflowers and waterfalls, sign-up for the Yosemite Conservancy guided photography course. Click here for details.

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