Best Yosemite Hikes

Here are some of my favorite hikes in Yosemite National Park. These are all challenging and time consuming. Along the way, each hike provides spectacular views of Yosemite wonders. Remember to bring water on your hikes. I recall one particular hike that contained a large number of switchbacks. The sun was beating down on me. I was so thirsty that a small mudpuddle along the way began calling my name!

These are three of my favorite challenging hikes:

Half Dome Trail. 

This hike is not one for the squeamish. It is over 5,000 feet in elevation. It can be a distance of anywhere between 12 and 17 miles depending upon the rout you take and where your campground is. Along the way there are views of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. At the end there is a challenging climb to get to the top.

 Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the valley floor and mountains. My advice is to leave very early in the morning when it is cool. This hike may take you from 9 to 12 hours depending upon your physical condition. Because the hike is so long, make sure to take a flashlight, compass, water and food (Protean Bars). Once it starts getting dark, these items will help to keep you from panicking. Because I’m a little slower, I began this hike by flashlight one hour before sunrise!

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. 

If you are a fan of waterfalls like I am, this difficult hike will give you a beautiful treat. This trail will lead you to the tallest waterfall in North America! From the valley floor, the elevation of over 3,000 feet. The hike is almost six miles and the terrain is challenging, so plan to spend at least 6 hours. You’ll find the trailhead by Camp 4 which is along the Valley Loop Trail. Sorry, switchbacks galore on this hike. You’ll come to believe that they’ll never end. The good news is, you’ll get to see views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock along the way. Then, all your hard work is rewarded when you see the falls.

Four Mile Trail.

 This is an old trail that was completed in 1872. This hike is one of my favorites because of the wonderful Yosemite views including the Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. The variety of views will keep you motivated to make it to the end. It’s not easy. The trail is over 8 miles long with a continuous steep grade. While this one is challenging, an experienced hiker should be able to complete it in under 3 hours. You can pick up this trail at the base of Sentinel Rock. You’ll climb all the way to the top of the valley at Glacier Point.