Yosemite National Park

The trail follows switchbacks from Glacier Point and offers spectacular views up and down Yosemite Valley. Hikers can take the shuttle bus from the valley to Glacier Point and then hike down, or those looking for an extremely strenuous hike can ascend starting from the Four Mile Trailhead just west of Swinging Bridge picnic area. Visitors interested in a long day hike can make a loop on this trail with the Panorama Trail.

One of the oldest trails in the park, the Yosemite Fall trail was built back in 1873 and ascends from the base of the high Yosemite Falls all the way to the top of the waterfall. The first ascends steeply to Columbia Rock, which offers exceptional views of the valley and Half Dome. A less strenuous further along the trail offers views of the upper Yosemite Fall. The second half of the trail is equally strenuous, but the incredible views reward those who choose to continue. In summer bring plenty of water and begin hiking early as the trail becomes extremely hot and dusty.

One of the most spectacular trails in the world, the Half Dome trail travels past Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall, and then continues rising through a pine forest before opening up near the summit of Half Dome. The final mile is a grueling trek up granite steps, followed by wire cables that lead up the steep ascent to the top of Half Dome. Hikers should bring leather work gloves to protect their hands from the cables; some gloves are often available in a pile at the bottom of the cables. While it is possible to ascend Half Dome while the cables are down (between approximately October 15 and May 15), hikers do so at their own risk. Views and scenery are unforgettable, but hikers should be aware that the final climb up the back side of Half Dome via the cables can be exhausting and, for those with even a mild fear of heights, frightening. It's best to wear a safety harness and tethers, because parts of the cable route are extremely steep and slippery. Safety harnesses have saved many lives on what's considered the most dangerous hiking trail in the US, especially on wet days. While the majority of the trail is accessible without a permit, an $10 permit is required to traverse the final stretch of the trail beyond the base of the Half Dome subdome. 300 permits are available each day (approximately 225 to hikers and 75 to backpackers), with rangers stationed on the trail to turn away hikers without permits. Permits can be obtained in advance via a pre-season lottery (apply online between March 1 and March 31, permits issued in mid-April, an additional online application fee of $4.50 applies), and approximately 50 permits are made available in an evening lottery two days prior to the hiking date.

This trail leads downhill to an old cabin built by John McGurk and a large meadow. Continue east (right) at the trail junction to get to Bridalveil Creek or continue west to a Dewey Point , which has a spectacular view of western Yosemite Valley.

The first half of this hike gains little elevation; the second half gains about . As the trail rises it offers views of the Clark Range before eventually arriving at Ostrander Lake.

From its start this trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow, an area which is wet, particularly early to mid summer (be sure to stay on the trail, even if it is muddy). Shortly after leaving Mono Meadow, the trail passes through an unmarked clearing with views of the Clark Range, Mount Starr King, and Half Dome.

This relatively easy trail leads to the edge of Yosemite Valley. As the trail approaches Taft Point watch for fissures, which are deep cracks extending hundreds of feet downwards. The railed-in Taft Point offers a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley, below.

The Sentinel Dome trail is an easy hike that leads to the base of Sentinel Dome, where you can scramble up the granite slope of the dome (it is not especially steep on its northeast side). From the top, you have a spectacular 360° view of Yosemite Valley (including Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada Falls) and parts of the high country. A loop including Taft Point is a nice addition, but the climb from Taft Point to the top of the dome goes up several hundred feet.

The trail follows the gravel road northwest past a locked gate. The Soda Springs are protected within a log enclosure. Carbonated water bubbles up through the ground, but drinking the water is not recommended due to possible surface contamination. Further along the trail is the historic Parson's Memorial Lodge, which offers exhibits.

The trail goes up steeply and crosses the Tioga Road, then continues up for to a signed junction. Continue straight to Dog Lake. Enjoy fishing and picnicking from this high country lake.

A strenuous hike that goes up steeply for to a signed junction. The trail to the left goes to the top of Lembert Dome. Expect a spectacular panoramic view of Tuolumne Meadows, Cathedral Peak, and Unicorn Peak. The top of the dome can be windy and quite a bit cooler than down below.

These two hikes can be combined in a loop that delivers some of the best scenery from any five-mile hike in the park. Do the lake first, before you get tired from the dome climb.

A moderately difficult trail that follows the gravel road as it loops behind Soda Springs and drops to Glen Aulin. The route is noted for scenic cascades, particularly Tuolumne Falls, 4 mi from the trailhead.

This moderately difficult hike climbs steadily to the glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. To reach the trailhead, drive past the group campsites to where the road ends. There are restrooms there.

From the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead the trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake.

From the Dog Lake/John Muir Trail parking area this relatively flat trail (only elevation gain over ) wanders through Lyell Canyon, mostly alongside the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River.

A moderately difficult trail that climbs gently at first ( elevation gain) to a junction with Spillway Lake. The left fork then steeply climbs to Mono Pass, at . From the pass, Upper Sardine Lake is another down the pass to the east.

A strenuous trail that climbs steeply in the first ( elevation gain) to a ridge with views to both sides. At the ridge, the trail drops to a lake and meadows, which can be explored with side trails.

The trail's first , along the John Muir Trail, are relatively level. The Rafferty Creek Trail then splits off and begins a ascent to Tuolumne Pass, followed by a climb to the High Sierra Camp. You can continue to Vogelsang Lake ( further) and spectacular Vogelsang Pass ( further).

The trail is a pleasant stroll on a fire road around the Wawona Meadow.

A moderate hike leading from the Wawona Store to the swinging bridge, the trail follows the paved Forest Drive upstream from the history center and then continues on the dirt road for a short distance to the swinging bridge (which really does swing). Cross the bridge and bear left onto the dirt road, which soon becomes paved Chilnualna Falls Road. When you reach the Wawona Stable, walk into it towards the Covered Bridge, where you started this hike.

This strenuous hike leads past the cascades of Chilnualna Fall and all the way to the top of the fall. Hikers can expect moderate exposure and a sharp increase in elevation for roughly 4 mi. For the hearty day-hiker, the trip can be extended 18 mi (round-trip) to reach Crescent Lake.

This strenuous trail climbs through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita on the drier slopes.

This generally viewless hike leads to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. From late April through September, you can take the free shuttle bus from the grove back to Wawona.

There are numerous trails leading through this grove of giant trees, all starting from the Mariposa Grove parking area. To reach the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree, follow the trail that begins at the far end of the parking area. To reach Wawona Point, continue on the trail past the Grizzly Giant into the upper grove. The old road ascends to Wawona Point from near the Galen Clark Tree.

This easy trail leads to the bottom Wapama Falls (and Tueeulala Falls in spring). This trail has very high exposure (little shade).

A moderately difficult hike that provides numerous views of the Hetch Hetch Valley.

This oddly named trail begins four miles from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station and provides quick access to the Tuolumne River, descending to the river below O'Shaugnessy Dam.

A strenuous trail from the Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station to Smith Peak. Forests and meadows eventually give way to great views of the Hetch Hetchy area.

The only guide service licensed to operate in Yosemite, offering a range of options from daily 8:30AM climbing lessons for beginners through multi-day guided ascents of El Capitan for experienced climbers. Also offers rental camping and climbing gear.

Operated by the official park concessionaire, there are three stables in the park. Each offers two-hour ($65), half-day ($88.50) and full-day trail rides. Custom guided trips are also available. Riders must be at least 7 years old, at least 44" (1,10 m) tall, and weigh no more than £225.

Opened in 1918, this 9-hole, par 35 course measures and is built to blend into its surroundings. Different tee positions afford the chance to play a full 18 holes. Open June–November, conditions permitting.

Operated by the Yosemite Conservancy and near the Village Store, the Yosemite Art Center offers artist-led workshops Monday through Saturday from April through October for those who want to capture Yosemite in paint, watercolor, charcoal, or other mediums. Advanced sign-up is recommended, although same-day reservations may be possible. Workshops are typically from 10AM-2PM and are held outdoors. Bring your own supplies, or purchase them at the Art Center.

Badger Pass is the oldest ski area in California, and offers both downhill and cross-country trails. For cross-country skiers the park offers over 350 mi of trails, with 90 mi of marked trails and 25 mi of groomed trails originating at Badger Pass. Downhill skiing options include ten runs at Badger Pass. The majority of these runs are for beginners and moderate skiers, so thrill seekers may wish to ski elsewhere. Both downhill and cross-country lessons are available. Due to NPS regulations in place to ensure the area remains as natural as possible, the Badger area has no artificially-lighted skiing and cannot make its own snow.

The ice rink at Curry Village is open from mid-November until early March, conditions permitting. Skating sessions last 2.5 hours with one hour breaks between sessions.