01
Best close-to-town walk
Stockton Creek Preserve
Above Mariposa • Foothill Preserve With Reservoir Views • Quick Local Escape
A mellow network of trails above Mariposa with big-sky views, spring wildflowers, and easy access from town.
For Bootjack locals, this is often the go-to spot when you want an hour or two on dirt without driving into Yosemite. Short but sometimes steep paths weave through oak and pine toward views of Stockton Creek Reservoir and the town below. Expect exposed sections with limited shade, so it’s best in the cooler months or early and late in the day during summer.
02
Bucket-list waterfall hike
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Yosemite Valley • Steep Granite Canyon Trail • Iconic First-Time Visit Pick
A demanding but unforgettable climb alongside the Merced River to two of Yosemite’s classic waterfalls.
From Bootjack, many hikers make a day of heading straight to Yosemite Valley for this marquee route. The Mist Trail’s stone steps, spray-soaked viewpoints, and sheer granite walls deliver the kind of scenery people picture when they think of Yosemite. Go early to beat crowds, expect plenty of elevation gain, and carry rain gear or a light layer—you will likely get wet near Vernal Fall in high flow.
03
Best for giant trees
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
South Entrance Of Yosemite • Sequoia Grove Trail Network • Family-Friendly Wonder
Well-signed trails wind through hundreds of massive sequoias, from short strolls to half-day loops.
If you’re based in Bootjack, the drive to the park’s South Entrance is an easy tradeoff for walking among some of the largest trees on Earth. The Mariposa Grove offers everything from a gentle walk to the Grizzly Giant to longer loops that climb to quieter overlooks and higher groves. Boardwalk sections near the lower grove make parts of the area accessible, while the upper trails feel more like a backcountry forest hike.
04
Best strenuous workout
Chilnualna Falls Trail
Wawona Area • Strenuous Forest Waterfall Hike • Best For Strong Hikers
A long, steady climb from Wawona to a series of cascades and granite pools high above the South Fork Merced.
Chilnualna is a favorite among locals who want Yosemite scenery without Valley crowds. The trail switchbacks through mixed conifer forest, then breaks out to granite viewpoints and multiple tiers of falls, with seasonal pools that make ideal turnaround spots. It is a serious outing with sustained elevation gain and limited shade in places, so bring plenty of water and plan for a full half-day or more on the trail.
05
Best riverside ramble
Merced River Trail at Briceburg
Briceburg Along Highway 140 • Riverside Out-And-Back Path • Shoulder-Season Favorite
An easy-to-follow riverside path that tracks the Wild and Scenic Merced downstream from the Briceburg bridge.
On the drive from Bootjack toward Yosemite, the Briceburg area offers a scenic alternative when the high country is snowy or the Valley feels too busy. The old road-turned-trail hugs the river, with constant water views, canyon walls, and good birdlife. It’s mostly gentle walking, but summer heat can be intense, so many locals treat it as a cooler-season hike or start at dawn during warm spells.