A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Buck Meadows, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Merced Grove

Classic Hike Route

Merced Grove

Family Friendly
moderate
3.32 mi
+679 ft
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to White Wolf

Classic Hike Route

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to White Wolf

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
29.4 mi
+4,972 ft
Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
moderate
16.47 mi
+949 ft
Bridalveil Fall Trail

Classic Hike Route

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Family Friendly
easy
0.33 mi
+70 ft
Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

Classic Hike Route

Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

River/Creek
strenuous
8.4 mi
+4,854 ft
Four Mile Trail

Classic Hike Route

Four Mile Trail

Birding
strenuous
4.73 mi
+3,819 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Merced Grove

Classic Hike Route

Merced Grove

Family Friendly
moderate
3.32 mi
+679 ft
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Hike Route

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Family Friendly
moderate
2.28 mi
+574 ft
Wapama and Tueeulala Falls

Hike Route

Wapama and Tueeulala Falls

Family Friendly
moderate
2.34 mi
+1,030 ft
Bridalveil Fall Trail

Classic Hike Route

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Family Friendly
easy
0.33 mi
+70 ft
Bishop Creek Trail

Hike Route

Bishop Creek Trail

Birding
strenuous
3.24 mi
+189 ft
Columbia Rock Hike

Hike Route

Columbia Rock Hike

Views
easy
2.23 mi
+1,284 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Hetch Hetchy Loop

Hike Route

Hetch Hetchy Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
27.64 mi
+7,038 ft
North Rim Hike: Big Oak Flat Road to Mirror Lake

Hike Route

North Rim Hike: Big Oak Flat Road to Mirror Lake

Views
extreme
24.94 mi
+5,826 ft
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to White Wolf

Classic Hike Route

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to White Wolf

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
29.4 mi
+4,972 ft
Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
moderate
16.47 mi
+949 ft
Eagle Peak and Yosemite Falls Extravaganza

Hike Route

Eagle Peak and Yosemite Falls Extravaganza

River/Creek
strenuous
11.52 mi
+5,611 ft
North Dome Out and Back

Hike Route

North Dome Out and Back

River/Creek
strenuous
15.09 mi
+6,778 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Savage-Lundy Loop

Hike Route

Savage-Lundy Loop

Birding
extreme
7.35 mi
+2,709 ft
Tamarack and Cascade Creek Tour

Hike Route

Tamarack and Cascade Creek Tour

Birding
strenuous
7.58 mi
+2,081 ft
Harden Lake Trail

Hike Route

Harden Lake Trail

Family Friendly
easy
5.51 mi
+546 ft
Dewey Point

Hike Route

Dewey Point

Views
moderate
7.12 mi
+960 ft
Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

Classic Hike Route

Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

River/Creek
strenuous
8.4 mi
+4,854 ft
North Dome via Yosemite Falls

Hike Route

North Dome via Yosemite Falls

Views
strenuous
7.08 mi
+5,016 ft