A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Yosemite Valley, 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.

Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
moderate
16.47 mi
+949 ft
Four Mile Trail

Classic Hike Route

Four Mile Trail

Birding
strenuous
4.73 mi
+3,819 ft
Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Classic Hike Route

Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Geologically Significant
strenuous
8.53 mi
+974 ft
Mirror Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Mirror Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
4.5 mi
+285 ft
Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Classic Hike Route

Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.38 mi
+2,236 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
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.

Cook's Meadow Loop

Hike Route

Cook's Meadow Loop

Birding
easy
1.14 mi
+27 ft
Glacier Point

Hike Route

Glacier Point

Fall Colors
easy
0.6 mi
+626 ft
Glacier Point

Hike Route

Glacier Point

Views
easy
0.29 mi
+67 ft
Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Hike Route

Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Views
easy
1.5 mi
+185 ft
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Hike Route

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Birding
easy
1.02 mi
+95 ft
Mirror Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Mirror Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
4.5 mi
+285 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.

Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
moderate
16.47 mi
+949 ft
Yosemite Valley Loop

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley Loop

Lake
extreme
30.76 mi
+7,876 ft
Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (Via Vogelsang Pass)

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (Via Vogelsang Pass)

Lake
extreme
31.6 mi
+8,193 ft
Yosemite Valley Traverse

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley Traverse

River/Creek
strenuous
13.65 mi
+4,163 ft
Half Dome Hike via John Muir Trail

Hike Route

Half Dome Hike via John Muir Trail

Views
extreme
17.56 mi
+5,323 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

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.

Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Classic Hike Route

Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Geologically Significant
strenuous
8.53 mi
+974 ft
Taft Point to Sentinel Dome Loop

Hike Route

Taft Point to Sentinel Dome Loop

Birding
moderate
5.21 mi
+1,443 ft
Sentinel Dome - Taft Point Loop

Hike Route

Sentinel Dome - Taft Point Loop

Views
moderate
5.09 mi
+1,395 ft
Top of Vernal Fall with Views of Nevada Fall via Winter Route

Hike Route

Top of Vernal Fall with Views of Nevada Fall via Winter Route

Less Crowded
strenuous
5.94 mi
+2,055 ft
Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Fall

Hike Route

Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Fall

Views
moderate
5.69 mi
+2,301 ft
Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Classic Hike Route

Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.38 mi
+2,236 ft