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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.
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loop
This flat, easy, paved one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Yosemite Fall and provides views of the waterfall along the way. During the spring the sound of the water is deafening, although it may be nearly dry by late summer. There is no parking at the trailhead, but there is a shuttle stop. The eastern part of the loop is wheelchair accessible.
loop
This flat, easy loop trail meanders through the meadow across from the visitor center and near the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, offering excellent views of Half Dome, Yosemite Fall, Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome. From the visitor center, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Fall. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks. At Sentinel Bridge parking area (shuttle stop #11), walk out onto the bridge to enjoy a classic view of Half Dome before returning to the parking area. Follow the boardwalk back across the meadow, cross the two streets, and turn right to return to the visitor center.
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.
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.
round-trip
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.