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.

Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Classic Hike Route

Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

Birding
strenuous
8.53 mi
+976 ft
Mirror Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Mirror Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
4.51 mi
+317 ft
Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
strenuous
16.63 mi
+972 ft
Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Classic Hike Route

Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.38 mi
+2,235 ft
Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

Classic Hike Route

Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

River/Creek
strenuous
8.39 mi
+3,762 ft
Four Mile Trail

Classic Hike Route

Four Mile Trail

Birding
strenuous
5.15 mi
+3,260 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.

Yosemite Valley Multi-Use Path

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley Multi-Use Path

Birding
easy
4.66 mi
+73 ft
Cook's Meadow Loop

Hike Route

Cook's Meadow Loop

Birding
easy
1.13 mi
+27 ft
Glacier Point

Hike Route

Glacier Point

ADA Accessible
easy
0.6 mi
+44 ft
Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Hike Route

Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Views
easy
1.47 mi
+185 ft
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Hike Route

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Birding
easy
1.02 mi
+45 ft
Mirror Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Mirror Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
4.51 mi
+317 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.

Yosemite Valley Loop

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley Loop

Lake
extreme
30.75 mi
+7,877 ft
Pohono Trail

Hike Route

Pohono Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
12.9 mi
+2,116 ft
Valley Loop Trail

Classic Hike Route

Valley Loop Trail

Birding
strenuous
16.63 mi
+972 ft
Happy Isles to Clouds Rest

Hike Route

Happy Isles to Clouds Rest

River/Creek
strenuous
18.08 mi
+6,343 ft
Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (Via Vogelsang Pass)

Hike Route

Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (Via Vogelsang Pass)

Lake
extreme
30.44 mi
+8,146 ft
John Muir Trail Section 1

Hike Route

John Muir Trail Section 1

Geologically Significant
moderate
56.72 mi
+12,423 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

Birding
strenuous
8.53 mi
+976 ft
Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Fall

Hike Route

Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Fall

Views
strenuous
5.69 mi
+2,297 ft
Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Classic Hike Route

Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.38 mi
+2,235 ft
Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

Classic Hike Route

Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point Hike

River/Creek
strenuous
8.39 mi
+3,762 ft
Four Mile Trail

Classic Hike Route

Four Mile Trail

Birding
strenuous
5.15 mi
+3,260 ft
Sentinel Dome - Taft Point Loop

Hike Route

Sentinel Dome - Taft Point Loop

Birding
moderate
5.08 mi
+1,172 ft