01
Best overall pick
Mist Trail
Yosemite Valley River Corridor • Iconic Waterfall Staircase Hike • Classic First-Timer Route
A relentless climb beside Vernal and Nevada Falls delivers nonstop water, mist, and granite drama in a single unforgettable outing.[2]
For many Delhi hikers, the Mist Trail is the default choice when introducing someone to Yosemite on a long day trip.[2] The granite steps, cool spray from the Merced River, and close-up views of two major waterfalls pack a lot of payoff into a relatively compact route.[2] Start early to beat both the crowds and the valley heat, and plan to take your time on the slick, misty stone near the falls.
02
Steepest climb with a payoff
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
North Rim Above Yosemite Valley • Leg-Burning Canyon Rim Ascent • Best For Strong Hikers
This demanding trail hauls you from the valley floor to the brink of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls in a single sustained push.[2]
If you like your hikes steep and straightforward, Upper Yosemite Falls is a natural target from Delhi.[2] The switchbacks feel endless, but they pay off with airy overlooks, the roar of the falls, and a head-spinning view straight down into Yosemite Valley.[2] Expect a full-day effort with heavy vertical gain, and bring plenty of water—there’s very little shade on the exposed upper stretches.
03
Best all-day scenery
Panorama Trail
Glacier Point To Yosemite Valley • Point-To-Point Skyline Traverse • Best For Varied Views
Linking Glacier Point to the valley, this route strings together big overlooks, side canyons, and waterfalls in one continuous arc.[2]
For a Delhi-based hiker willing to plan a shuttle or bus ride, the Panorama Trail feels like a highlight reel of Yosemite.[2] You move from Glacier Point’s broad vista of Half Dome into quieter forest, then drop past Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls with angles that differ from the classic Mist Trail approach.[2] It’s a long but rewarding tour that’s ideal when you want fewer out-and-back miles and more fresh scenery around each bend.
04
Bucket-list summit
Half Dome Trail
Backcountry Above Yosemite Valley • Big-Mountain Granite Summit Push • Bucket-List Challenge
A massive day that combines forest, waterfalls, and the famous cable route to one of the most recognizable summits in the Sierra.[2]
For Delhi locals who train a bit and snag a permit, Half Dome is the obvious bucket-list objective.[2] The route uses familiar sections of the Mist Trail before branching into quieter terrain, then finishes with the exposed cable climb to the broad, panoramic summit.[2] It’s a serious undertaking—start very early, carry more water and food than you think you need, and be honest about comfort with heights before committing to the cables.
05
Best rimline viewpoints
Pohono Trail
Between Glacier Point And Tunnel View • Forest-And-Rim Viewpoint Sampler • Best For Photographers
Rolling along the south rim, this quieter trail hops between classic overlooks of Yosemite Valley’s cliffs and waterfalls.[2]
When you want big views without the crowds of the valley floor, the Pohono Trail is a smart choice from Delhi.[2] The tread undulates through pine forest, periodically spilling out onto ledges like Taft Point and Inspiration Point where the entire valley opens at your feet.[2] It’s less about a single destination and more about stacking up viewpoints, so give yourself time to linger at the overlooks and watch how the light shifts across the cliffs.