01
Best waterfall climb
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
East End Of Yosemite Valley • Steep Waterfall Staircase • Bucket-List Leg Burner
A fierce but unforgettable stone-step climb along the Merced River to two thundering waterfalls and nonstop spray-zone drama.
Start at Happy Isles and follow the river as it rockets through the gorge, climbing past Vernal Fall to the higher perch at Nevada Fall if you have the legs. Expect crowds near the bottom but far fewer hikers once you push beyond the first viewpoint. The combination of mist, granite, and rainbows makes this the hike many visitors still talk about years later.
02
Steepest valley classic
Yosemite Falls Trail to Upper Yosemite Fall
North Side Of Yosemite Valley • Historic Switchback Climb • Classic Valley Overlook
A relentless set of switchbacks that rewards every step with ever-expanding views of the Valley and the park's tallest waterfall.
This old stone trail wastes no time gaining elevation, quickly pulling you away from the road noise and into big-sky views over the Valley. Many hikers turn around at Columbia Rock for a shorter outing, but pushing on to the brink of Upper Yosemite Fall delivers a wild, close-up perspective on the cascade. Go early in the day for cooler temperatures and clearer views over the granite walls.
03
Best big-view day hike
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
South Wall Of Yosemite Valley • Rim Trail With Constant Views • Best All-Day Workout
A sustained climb from the Valley floor to Glacier Point with front-row views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome almost the entire way.
Despite the old name, this route runs longer than four miles and feels like a true mountain ascent as it switchbacks up the Valley wall. The scenery pays out continuously, with new angles on familiar landmarks around every turn. At Glacier Point, you are rewarded with one of the most famous panoramas in the Sierra, making the demanding descent back to the Valley feel well earned.
04
Best mellow valley walk
Mirror Lake Loop
Tenaya Canyon, East Valley • Gentle Forest And Creek Walk • Best For Relaxed Exploring
A mostly easy loop that trades big climbs for quiet forest paths, creekside sections, and reflective views below Half Dome.
This is the go-to choice when you want Yosemite scenery without a brutal elevation gain. The trail circles the seasonal lake and Tenaya Creek, offering sandy stretches, boulders to scramble on, and wide-angle views of the surrounding cliffs. It is an especially good pick for families, late starts, or stretching your legs on an arrival or departure day.
05
Best viewpoint combo
Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Loop
Glacier Point Road High Country • Clifftop And Dome Combo Hike • Sunset And Photography Pick
A shorter high-country loop that links a rounded granite summit with airy cliff-edge vistas straight down to Yosemite Valley.
From the trailheads off Glacier Point Road, you can stitch together a loop that tags Sentinel Dome and Taft Point without an all-day effort. Sentinel Dome serves up a 360-degree sweep of peaks and the Valley, while Taft Point brings you to dramatic fissures and rail-guarded drop-offs that plunge to the forest far below. On clear evenings it is one of the most memorable spots near the Valley to watch the light change on Half Dome and the surrounding ridges.