01
Best big-view climb
Smith Peak Lookout Trail
Merced River Canyon, West Yosemite • Steep Wilderness Summit Hike • Best Big-View Challenge
A stout climb from the Merced River canyon to a fire lookout with sweeping Sierra views.
Smith Peak is a locals' pick when you want a real workout and a true summit feel without driving deep into the park. The trail switchbacks through chaparral and pine before opening up to wide views of the Merced River corridor and distant Yosemite high country. Go early on warm days and bring plenty of water; shade is patchy on the upper slopes.
02
Waterfall favorite
Wapama Falls Trail, Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy, Northwest Yosemite • Lake-Edge Granite Canyon Trail • Best Waterfall Day Hike
A shoreline walk along Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to the thunder and mist of Wapama Falls.
From the O'Shaughnessy Dam, this trail hugs the granite walls above deep blue water, with constant views and just enough up-and-down to feel like a proper hike. In spring and early summer, Wapama Falls roars across sturdy bridges, often throwing spray across the trail. It is exposed and can get hot, so many Greeley Hill hikers time this one for a cool morning or shoulder-season outing.
03
Best easy mileage
Merced River Trail at Briceburg
Briceburg, Highway 140 Corridor • Riverside Rail-Grade Path • Best For Relaxed Walks And Bikes
An old rail-grade track following the Wild and Scenic Merced River with big canyon walls and mellow walking.
Starting near the Briceburg suspension bridge, this mostly level trail makes it easy to choose your own distance, whether you want a quick leg-stretcher or a several-mile wander. In spring, wildflowers light up the slopes and the river runs high; in fall, the canyon quiets down and the light gets soft and golden. It is a go-to for Greeley Hill locals when they want river access without committing to a long drive into Yosemite Valley.
04
Best forest escape
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Crane Flat, Yosemite High Country Approach • Shaded Forest Walk To Giant Sequoias • Best For Families And New Visitors
A short descent into a quiet grove of giant sequoias that feels worlds away from the road.
From the trailhead near Crane Flat, the path drops steadily down an old road grade into cooler, thicker forest where the first massive trunks appear almost suddenly. The loop through the grove is not long, but the gentle climb back out will get your heart rate up just enough to count as a hike. It is a smart choice on hot afternoons or when you want to give out-of-town visitors a taste of Yosemite without the crowds of the main valley.
05
Best lakeside wander
Barrett Cove Lakeshore Trail
Lake Mcclure, East Of La Grange • Foothill Lakeshore Ramble • Best Sunset-And-Swim Combo
A rolling path above the coves and inlets of Lake McClure with easy access to the water.
This trail trades granite cliffs for golden foothills, blue water, and open skies, making it a nice contrast to Yosemite-focused days. The walking is moderate, with low hills, scattered oak trees, and plenty of spots to drop down to the shore for a break. Many Greeley Hill hikers save Barrett Cove for cooler evenings or shoulder-season days when a picnic and a post-hike swim sound better than bundling up at elevation.