Summary:
Climb to the top of North America’s highest waterfall for a panoramic view over Yosemite Valley.

This strenuous hike is a complete contrast to the paved, crowded path to the base of Lower Fall. By climbing to the top, you can truly appreciate the scale of this magnificent waterfall, with wonderful views over the valley ample reward for your hard work.

From the trailhead, work your way up a series of switchbacks that climb from the valley floor, and follow a ridge to the top of Columbia Rock. Although you cannot see the falls from here, there are excellent views of the valley. At this point you have climbed 1,040 ft; unfortunately, another 1,660 remain.

Continue up another long series of switchbacks to the top of the massive cliff. A narrow path, protected by a railing, leads to a promontory at the edge of Yosemite Falls. From here, you can peer over the top of North America’s highest waterfall, and savor the dramatic views of the valley and mountains that surround it.

The best time of year to view any of the waterfalls in Yosemite is late spring, after the melt-off of snow at higher elevations. At this time of year, the white flowers of the valley dogwood trees are also in full bloom. By late summer, water levels will have dropped significantly; indeed, it is not unknown for Yosemite Falls to dry up completely by autumn.

Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter).

Trailhead: Sunnyside camp, accessed from shuttle bus stop 8.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 2,700 ft / 823 m

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Marked, steep switchbacks.

Features: Waterfall, birds eye view of valley and surrounding peaks.

Climate: Waterfalls are fullest by end of May. Pleasant temperatures spring and fall, hot in summer. Snow may cover the trail in winter.

Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley.

Trail Notes: Yosemite Valley gets very crowded and entrance may be restricted at busy times of year. Arrive early, park, and walk or take a shuttle bus to the trailhead.

Summary:
A high country hike through alpine scenery of lakes and glaciated granite peaks.

The trail to Sunrise Lakes starts from the western bank of stunning Tenaya Lake, the largest lake in the National Park. The glistening of the granite domes that surround it is caused by glacial ‘polish’. Moving away from the lake, a steep climb up Tenaya Canyon rewards you with great views of the lake behind you to the north and the 9,926-ft peak of Clouds Rest ahead. Fording a creek, turn left at the trail junction about 2 miles into the hike, heading towards the Sunrise High Sierra Camp. You quickly come to the first of the Sunrise Lakes on the right; a little further on, two more lakes appear on the left.

Continue on through meadow and over the rock slopes that dominate this high country region, to join the John Muir Trail at the 4-mile mark. Take the left path to quickly reach the Camp, situated at the head of Long Meadow. Proceed through the meadow, cross another creek and, ignoring a side trail to the right, continue heading north and then east towards Cathedral Fork.

The trail follows the river north as it continues to climb to the high point, Cathedral Pass, around 7.5 miles from the trailhead. Just below lies Upper Cathedral Lake; a short distance further on and 300 ft below, a spur to the left leads to Lower Cathedral Lake.

Continue on the main trail for 3 further miles of descent back to the Tioga Road. There are more great views of the granite peaks along the way, including Cathedral Peak to your right and, further on, Farview Dome to your left. At the end of the trail, it is a short walk to Tuolumne Meadows visitor center or, if you parked at the trailhead, you can catch a shuttle back to your car.

Directions: The most direct routes to Tuolumne Meadows are via the east and west entrances of the National Park along Tioga Road (Hwy 120 – closed in winter). The visitor center is 7 miles west of Tioga Pass and 55 miles from Yosemite Valley.

Trailhead: Tenaya Lake, along the Tioga Road. It can be accessed by a summer express shuttle bus that runs through Tuolumne Meadows throughout the day.

Length: 10.5 miles / 16.8 km

Trail Type: One way

Elevation Change: 1,500 ft / 457 m
And descent of 1,000 ft/305 m.

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Defined.

Features: Alpine lakes, glacial domes.

Climate: Summer-only trail – June to end September.

Accommodation: Limited lodging and cabins in Tuolumne Meadows. Camping available on first come-first served basis. Similar facilities near Tioga Pass.

Trail Notes: Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows is only guaranteed to be open in summer. Elevations in this area range from 8,000 to 10,000 ft. Trail maps available from Tuolumne Meadows visitor center.

Summary:
Follow the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to a roaring waterfall tumbling down the walls of a massive granite cirque.

The trail winds through boulders and conifers with just a gradual climb. Although the elevation change over the course of the hike is around 500 ft, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. True, you climb all the way, but the gradient is so gentle you barely notice it.

After 15 minutes or so, as the trail bears left to follow a bend in the river, you get a clear view of the immense granite cliffs that form the cirque at the head of the valley. To the right is The Watchtower, the massive promontory that forms the valley’s southern boundary and a dominant presence for the rest of the hike. In late spring, large patches of snow still remain on its north-facing lower slopes.

Around the 1 mile mark, clamber up and around some huge boulders and cross a trickle of water as the churning white water of the river thunders past on the right. Pass through a denser section of forest, and cross footbridges over branches of Horse Creek as it flows down to the river.

The scenery changes dramatically as you approach the head of the valley, and move from the wooded floor to the stark, glacial setting of the fall. At 1.4 miles a different roar joins the thunder of the river, and after a final gentle climb Tokopah Falls comes into view. The setting is majestic, as it plunges 1,200 ft down the massive granite headwall. It is an impressive sight, but continue for a few minutes to the trail end, where the power of the fall can truly be appreciated.

The path is rockier now as it heads through a jumble of massive boulders. Marmots scurry amongst the rocks here, and you may also catch a glimpse of the guinea pig-like pika. The trail ends right at the head of the valley, at the very edge of the seething falls. A large boulder here makes a wonderful place to sit and admire the valley’s beauty. But do not go any further; a sign warns that steep cliffs make travel dangerous beyond this point.

In spring, the full force of the waterfall surges right before you and its cooling spray is wonderful on a warm day. Standing at the head of the valley, you can look down at the conifer-covered floor, surrounded by immense cliffs. Hike mid-week and off-season, and you may well have this all to yourself – as we did.

Lakes Trail via The Watchtower
This wonderful high-country hike is only guaranteed to be passable in summer and early fall – the precipitous route over The Watchtower is closed by ice or snow. From The Watchtower there are magnificent views over Tokopah Valley and, if you have a head for heights, you will enjoy the continuous views along the “white knuckle” section, a ledge cut into the cliff above Tokopah Falls. The trail continues to Heather Lake (a popular turnaround point for day hikers), and then on to other alpine lakes: Emerald, Aster and Pear. Length (out and back): 9.2 miles/14.7 km to Heather Lake; 11.4 miles/18.2 km to Emerald Lake; 13.4 miles/21.4 km to Pear Lake. Elevation change: up to 2,300 ft/700 m. Trailhead: Wolverton parking area, at the end of a spur road off Generals Highway, 2 miles south of Lodgepole.

Directions: From Visalia, take Hwy 198 through Three Rivers to the Ash Mountain Park entrance and Foothills visitor center. Continue up Generals Highway, a steep, narrow and winding road (not advised to long vehicles) for around 1 hour, and turn right on the short spur road past Lodgepole visitor center to the campground.

Trailhead: Log Bridge section of Lodgepole campground. If you are not camping here, park in the large lot just before the bridge. The trailhead is immediately on the right as you cross the bridge, a couple of minutes walk away.

Length: 3.4 miles / 5.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 500 ft / 152 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Clear and easy to follow.

Features: Waterfall, river, cliffs, forest.

Climate: Cool spring and fall, warm in summer. Deep snow in winter.

Accommodation: Lodgepole campground next to the trailhead and nearby lodging at Wuksachi Village, a mile away along Generals Highway. Outside the Park, further accommodation at Three Rivers and just before the Ash Mountain entrance.

Trail Notes: Buy trail map at Foothills or Lodgepole visitor centers. For greater solitude, avoid weekends or set out early. The river and waterfall are at their fullest and most impressive during late spring/early summer.

Summary:
Circle the picturesque meadows of Giant Forest – John Muir’s “Gem of the Sierra” – to a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide.

Keeping the meadow to your left, take the paved Crescent Meadow Trail around its south end. Cross a couple of footbridges over branches of Crescent Creek, then climb gently to a junction after two minutes. Keep left on the paved trail, and enjoy lovely views up Crescent Meadow as you stay close to its east side. Cross another footbridge, this time over a creek that runs between the southern ends of Crescent and Log Meadows, and reach a second junction.

Turn right for Tharp’s Log, and head through fir forest towards Log Meadow (ignoring the narrow path to the right after 0.1 mile). The paved trail heads up the west side of Log Meadow to Tharp’s Log, at the 0.8-mile mark. Hale D Tharp, the first white man to visit the Giant Forest, used the meadow to graze his cattle in the 19th century. He built a primitive cabin into the trunk of a downed sequoia and lived here every summer from 1861 to 1890.

Bear right onto unpaved Trail of the Sequoias, around the north end of Log Meadow and across a couple of creeks for 0.3 mile. Keep ahead at the junction to continue for 0.5 mile down the east side of the beautiful meadow, covered with grasses and wildflowers in summer. At the south end turn left, away from the meadow, for the short connection to High Sierra Trail. This 70-mile route heads east across the Park, all the way to the summit of Mt Whitney, the highest point in California.

At the four-way junction on the very edge of Giant Forest, bear left along High Sierra for 0.25 mile to Eagle View. Climbing gently on a rockier path, a sign describes the far-reaching consequences of just one person’s thoughtless act: “A carelessly discarded cigarette along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River started the Buckeye Fire in October of 1988. The fire quickly spread through the tinder-dry foothill vegetation, burning 3,100 acres from the riverbank to the forest above the High Sierra Trail. It required 1,200 firefighters over a week to extinguish the blaze, and cost $2.5 million.”

With just low shrubs to the side of the path, the views are excellent – and as the trail along the open ledge bears left you arrive at Eagle View. It is well named. The panorama encompasses: the peaks of the Great Western Divide to the left; Castle Rocks directly ahead; the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River to the right; the San Joaquin Valley far in the distance, as usual shrouded in smog; and to the extreme right, the granite dome of Moro Rock.

Wander a little further down the level trail. Either side, above and below, is thick with flowering shrubs, a garden landscaped by nature, accompanied by a magnificent view of the mountains. Deserted when we were there in May, it is a fabulous spot.

Retrace your steps to the four-way junction and keep ahead, descending very gently for 0.4 mile through the forest back to the southern end of Crescent Meadow. 0.1 mile before Crescent Meadow parking area, climb off left to Bobcat Point. The path winds through woods on the edge of the Forest, undulating through low manzanita bushes and tiny wildflowers covering the ground.

In no more than 10 minutes, you reach a granite knoll with a wide view of forested hills. This is Kaweah Vista. Bobcat Point is just a minute or so further on, and Moro Rock looms ahead as you approach it. The outcrop has another great view of Moro Rock, Middle Fork of the Kaweah and Castle Rocks, but from here the mountains are largely hidden by trees.

The trail leaves the outcrop and heads downhill back into the forest. Winding down to the next junction in 0.2 mile, you hear Crescent Creek just before you spot it through the trees. Emerge onto a large expanse of rock, follow the cairn and jump across the pretty creek at its narrowest point. This is another beautiful spot, the creek cascading through eroded boulders with a backdrop of hazy hills in the distance.

The trail bears left and climbs away from the creek a very short way to the junction with Old Pine Trail. Left leads to Moro Rock in 0.9 mile; you turn right to return to Crescent Meadow in 0.5 mile. Follow the creek as you climb the rocky path through open forest. In a few minutes, a sign indicates some Indian mortars to the right. Carved in the bedrock about 100 ft off the trail, these large holes were used by Indian women to food. Continuing ahead on the trail, across more granite slabs, it is now an easy climb through the woods. At the final trail marker, bear left for the parking area, a minute away.

Moro Rock
A distinctive landmark as you drive up Generals Highway, the parking area for this grand monolith can be accessed by road, or on foot from Crescent Meadow via Old Pine Trail. From there, the popular climb to the top is up nearly 400 steps built into the rock, with metal handrails in places. Although it is rather over-developed, it is well worth the 0.3 mile/0.5 km, 300 ft/90 m climb for the amazing views all the way up, particularly to the peaks of the Great Western Divide (see main picture). In our view though, it still cannot beat the tranquility of Eagle View.

Directions: From Visalia, take Hwy 198 through Three Rivers to the Ash Mountain Park entrance and Foothills visitor center. Continue up Generals Highway, a steep, narrow and winding road (not advised to long vehicles), for around 45 minutes to Giant Forest.

Trailhead: Crescent Meadow parking area. Turn sharp right off Generals Highway immediately before the new Giant Forest Museum and continue to the end of the road.

Length: 3.7 miles / 5.9 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m
Total climb 400 ft/122 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained with marked junctions, paved initially.

Features: Meadows, forest (some giant sequoia), panoramic views.

Climate: Best in spring and fall. Summer brings hot temperatures, mosquitoes and lots of visitors. Heavy snow in winter.

Accommodation: Inside the Park, Lodgepole is the nearest campground and Wuksachi Village the nearest lodging – 3 and 4 miles north of General Sherman respectively along Generals Highway. Further accommodation at Three Rivers and just before the Ash Mountain entrance.

Trail Notes: Buy trail map at Foothills and Lodgepole visitor centers. For greater solitude, avoid weekends or set out early. Take insect repellent during early summer months.

Summary:
Discover the majesty of the giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite’s largest grove.

From the Mariposa parking area, take the path to the right, cross the tram route and climb 330 ft through the Lower Grove to Grizzly Giant. At 2,700 years old and with a base of 30 ft, this is one of the Sequoia star turns. It is a popular place for visitors as the tram stops close by.

Ignoring the trail to your left, continue climbing past the California Tunnel Tree on the right and cross the tram route once more as the trail veers to the right. At the junction, take the left trail to reach a fork a short distance later – about 1 mile from the trailhead.

From here, you can take either path. The left more closely follows the tram route, and passes close to some of the grove’s most impressive trees, such as Faithful Couple and Clothespin. At 1 mile in length, it is a little longer than the track on the right. Both meet at a four-way trail junction on the tram route, close to the Columbia Tree and some restrooms.

Take the trail to the right, which heads south initially before veering east to loop anti-clockwise around the Upper Grove. You will pass Telescope Tree and the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree in a little under 1 mile, at which point you will have completed 1,000 ft of the climb.

Continue ahead, ignoring the trail on the left down to the museum. Where the trail moves close to the tram route, an easy 0.5 mile spur on the right leads to the high point, figuratively and literally, of Wawona Point. From here, there is a magnificent view over the forested Wawona basin, taking in Wawona Dome, meadow and mountain peaks in the distance. As this place is easily accessible from the tram route, it is well worth hiking early or late in the day to enjoy the views in relative peace. The view at sunset is particularly recommended.

Returning to the main trail, there are a number of options for the descent back to the Lower Grove. We recommend the quieter outer loop through the forest that heads away to your right. This will return you to the Mariposa parking area in a little under 3 miles, and keeps well away from the tram. This route also gives you the option of hiking the 6 miles back to Wawona – take the right fork after you have gone about 1.75 miles along the outer loop.

An alternative to the outer loop is to go back to the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, where you take the trail to the right. This heads west past the museum and connects with other well-marked paths that lead past Columbia and Clothespin trees and Faithful Couple, crossing the tram route several times. This shorter option will take less then 2 miles to return to the Mariposa parking area.

Directions: The most direct route to Mariposa Grove is via the south entrance of the Park, on Hwy 41 north from Fresno. If approaching from the west, take Hwy 140 from Merced or 132 and 120 from Modesto.

Trailhead: At the south entrance station, turn right on the 1.5-mile spur road to Mariposa Grove. Alternatively, continue ahead for 4 miles to Wawona. The parking area at Mariposa Grove can get very crowded, so in summer it is a good idea to park at Wawona and take the free shuttle bus.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,210 ft / 369 m

Duration: 4 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined, signed junctions.

Features: Sequoia forest, panoramic viewpoint.

Climate: High summer temperatures are more bearable under the shade of the big trees. Snow can cover trails in winter – snowshoes may be needed.

Accommodation: Limited lodging in Wawona – reservations usually essential, especially in summer. Camping available in Wawona and just outside the south entrance on first-come, first-served basis. Lodging and camping also available in Yosemite Valley, 35 miles to the north – again, reservations usually essential.

Trail Notes: An open-air tram runs through Mariposa Grove from May to October, converging with the trail at popular points of interest. It is possible to avoid the climb by taking the tram to the Upper Grove and hiking back down.

Summary:
Wind through a peaceful forest of giant sequoias, the largest living things on Earth.

The Congress Trail begins just to the right of General Sherman. The easy paved path heads over the footbridge and into the forest. The sequoias are so distinctive, not just through their massive size but also from the beautiful red-brown lined bark. In 0.4 mile, bear left, ignoring the little connecting trail to the other side of the Congress loop, and climb gently.

In another 0.4 mile, leave the paved trail (and most of the people) behind and fork left onto Trail of the Sequoias. In 0.1 mile, pass another massive sequoia with a huge fire scar – Chief Sequoyah Tree – and here the path again diverges. Fork left, staying on Trail of the Sequoias. Climb steadily for 10 minutes or so, through mixed-conifer and sequoia, many showing signs of fire damage. One of the reasons the sequoias live so long is their ability to survive a blaze, due to the fire resistance properties of the thick bark. Resistant also to insects and fungi, their only weakness being the extremely shallow root system. It is not surprising therefore that toppling is the main cause of sequoia deaths.

After a final couple of switchbacks the trail reaches the highest point (around 7,300 ft) and levels. Pass through a more open area of forest, scattered with large rocks and boulders. There is a brief glimpse of snow-capped peaks through the trees on the right (due east) before an easy descent to denser forest. More massive boulders are to the left as you approach a log and boulder-jammed trickle of water. Cross using fallen logs and the trail bears right.

After 20 minutes of easy walking, through peaceful forest filled with birdsong, you reach a junction at 3.2 miles. Straight ahead leads in 0.5 mile to the High Sierra Trail, from where you can access Eagle View. To keep on Trail of the Sequoias (unsigned when we hiked), turn right for the steep yet short descent to Log Meadow, then right again, signed Tharp’s Log in 0.3 mile. Immediately before Tharp’s Log (a cabin built into a downed sequoia trunk), take the trail to the right, signed Chimney Tree. Pass the burnt out remains of this sequoia after 0.3 mile and keep ahead to start the loop back to Sherman Tree.

Now you are above the head of Crescent Meadow – and you can see its full length through a gap in the trees. This is a lovely part of the hike, the ground covered with lupine and red snow plants, which feed on decaying matter. Bear right after 0.2 mile, ignoring the path to the left down the west side of Crescent Meadow. A minute later the path divides again; take the right fork to Sherman Tree. Climb for several minutes, through another section of forest dwarfed by sequoia, to a junction at 4.6 miles. Turn right for Circle Meadow and Congress Trail, and right again 0.1 mile later, signed Senate Group.

Just after the junction you reach the lower part of Circle Meadow, which you follow for a while. The meadows are filled with bird-life and are a great place to spot bears – a hiker on the trail three days before us saw five black bears. The trail undulates for the next ten minutes, eventually winding down to a creek. Cross it and bear left, moving away from the meadow through forest scattered with rocks and boulders.

After a few minutes, a gentle climb takes you into an area with many sequoias. One group that crowds the trail is known as The Senate. They signal the 5.7-mile mark and the end of Trail of the Sequoias, and it is here that you rejoin the paved Congress Trail to return to the trailhead. Turn left to complete the final mile of the Congress loop. After a couple of minutes pass the House Group of sequoias, and another huge tree, General Lee, a minute later. Keep to the paved trail around McKinley Tree, and pass more sequoias as you complete the descent to the car park.

Directions: From Visalia, take Hwy 198 through Three Rivers to the Ash Mountain Park entrance and Foothills visitor center. Continue up Generals Highway, a steep, narrow and winding road (not advised to long vehicles), for around 45 minutes to Giant Forest.

Trailhead: General Sherman Tree parking area, a couple of miles past the new Giant Forest Museum.

Length: 6.7 miles / 10.7 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 500 ft / 152 m

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: Smooth maintained trail, blazed with yellow triangles. Paved at start and finish.

Features: Giant sequoias, forest, meadows, wildlife.

Climate: Best in spring and fall. Summer brings hot temperatures, mosquitoes and lots of visitors. Heavy snow in winter.

Accommodation: Inside the Park, Lodgepole is the nearest campground and Wuksachi Village the nearest lodging – 3 and 4 miles north of General Sherman respectively along Generals Highway. Further accommodation at Three Rivers and just before the Ash Mountain entrance.

Trail Notes: Buy trail map at Foothills and Lodgepole visitor centers. For greater solitude, avoid weekends or set out early. Take insect repellent during early summer months.

Summary:
Hike to high alpine lakes and meadows above Tioga Pass.

Other day hikes are easily accessible from Tioga Pass. A little further west along the Tioga Road is a parking area and trailhead for the 8 mile, out and back trail to Mono Pass. The trail passes further relics from the mining days as it climbs 1,000 ft/305 m, with views of 12,764-ft Mount Gibbs and Mono Lake.

Just outside the National Park boundary east of Tioga Pass, a spur road to the left heads to Saddlebag Lake. There are various trails in this area, including one to Greenstone, Wasco and Steelhead Lakes, and another to Hummingbird, Odell and Helen Lakes. A boat-taxi runs across Saddlebag Lake from the resort at the south shore, giving easier access to these high alpine trails.

Directions: The most direct routes to Tioga Pass are via the east and west entrances of the National Park along Tioga Road (Hwy 120 – closed in winter). It is 7 miles east of Tuolumne Meadows visitor center and 62 miles from Yosemite Valley.

Trailhead: Just west of the National Park entrance station at Tioga Pass.

Length: 6 miles / 9.6 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 1,000 ft / 305 m

Duration: 4 hours

Trail Condition: Defined.

Features: Alpine lakes, meadows.

Climate: Summer-only trail – June to end September.

Accommodation: Limited lodging and cabins near Tioga Pass just outside the National Park. Camping available on first come-first served basis. Similar facilities available in Tuolumne Meadows.

Trail Notes: Tioga Road is only guaranteed to be open in summer. The trail reaches an elevation of 10,760 ft. Trail maps available from Tuolumne Meadows visitor center.

Summary:
Explore the major features of the National Monument – basalt formations, soda springs and a 101-ft waterfall.

The trail follows the middle fork of the San Joaquin River as it heads south towards Devils Postpile. After 0.25 mile, take the short side-trip to Soda Springs – cold, carbonated springs on a river gravel bar.

Carry on along the main trail, turning left just before you reach the Postpile to climb to the top of it. Here you have a good opportunity to examine the seven-sided shape of the columns, formed from cooling basalt lava. Continue over the Postpile and descend to rejoin the main trail.

At the next junction, take the left trail to start a loop that leads to Rainbow Falls. After 0.75 mile, cross the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails, and continue on for a little over 0.5 mile to another junction. Here turn left, and take a side trail to the right after less than 0.25 mile to reach the main falls. The lower falls are 0.5 mile further on.

Retrace your steps along the side trail and complete the loop. Keep left at the trail junctions, to return via the face of Devils Postpile to the trailhead.

Directions: From US 395 between Bishop and Yosemite, take Route 203 west for 10 miles, then a further 7 miles on a paved mountain road.

Trailhead: Close to the ranger station. A shuttle bus runs late June to early September.

Length: 5.5 miles / 8.8 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined.

Features: Fascinating basalt formation, waterfall.

Climate: Summer-only trail.

Accommodation: Camping available both inside the Monument and nearby at Red Meadows and along the San Joaquin River.

Trail Notes: Access road closed in winter.

Summary:
Hike through groves of coast redwood, the world’s tallest living thing, at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.

Follow the main trail from the visitor center, keeping Redwood Creek to your left. Pass the first bridge, and after less than 0.25 mile take the Ocean View Trail, which climbs away to the right. As you climb from the canyon floor away from the redwoods, you start to leave the crowds behind.

After about 1 mile, take the left turn-off from Ocean View onto the Lost Trail. A landslide in the 1930s covered this trail for 30 years, giving it its name. Enjoy this wonderful stretch of peaceful Douglas-fir forest as you make the short descent back down to the redwoods. The Lost Trail ends after 0.25 mile when it connects with Fern Creek Trail.

Turn left and follow Fern Creek through redwoods for just over 0.25 mile. You now re-join the main paved trail along Redwood Creek and, no doubt, the crowds. Turn left to follow the trail back to the visitor center, passing along the way Cathedral Grove and, on the other side of the creek, Bohemian Grove, accessed via bridge 2 or 3. These groves contain the biggest redwoods in Muir Woods.

Directions: From San Francisco, take US 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge, then Hwy 1. Vehicles over 35 ft are not allowed on the steep access roads to Muir Woods.

Trailhead: Muir Woods visitor center.

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: Negligible

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well marked. The first part of the trail along the floor of Redwood Canyon is paved and busy.

Features: Redwoods and other flora.

Climate: Cool year round, warmest in early fall (70 F). Fog in summer.

Accommodation: Nearest lodging in Mill Valley, Corte Madera and Sausalito. Camping also nearby, although not allowed in Muir Woods.

Trail Notes: Muir Woods National Monument is open 8am-sunset. This and the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park get very busy due to their proximity to San Francisco – arrive early and avoid weekends.

Summary:
Follow a creek through a canyon of old-growth redwoods, before climbing to a meadow and peaceful forests.

From the visitor center, follow the main trail for 0.75 mile along the right side of Redwood Creek. Just beyond bridge 3 is Cathedral Grove, containing some of the largest redwoods in Muir Woods. Continue on, leaving the paved trail at bridge 4 to follow the Bootjack Trail.

Continue following Redwood Creek through the forest for around 1 mile, until the forest opens at Van Wyck Meadow. At the four-way trail junction, take the level TCC Trail (built by the Tamalpais Conservation Club during WW1) to the left.

You will reach the next trail junction after another 0.75 mile or so – a ranger station is close by. Turn left, and a short distance later take the left fork onto the Stapelveldt Trail. Descend via switchbacks to reach the Ben Johnson Trail.

The trail descends gradually towards the main Muir Woods trail for about 1 mile. At the junction close to Redwood Creek and bridge 4, take the right-hand Hillside Trail. This climbs slightly to follow the creek for 0.5 mile away from the paved trail, offering a different perspective of the giant trees on the floor of Redwood Canyon. Descend to join the main trail at bridge 2, pass through Bohemian Grove, and cross bridge 1 to return to the visitor center.

Directions: Directions: From San Francisco, take US 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge, then Hwy 1. Vehicles over 35 ft are not allowed on the steep access roads to Muir Woods.

Trailhead: Muir Woods visitor center.

Length: 5 miles / 8.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: Well marked. The first part of the trail along the floor of Redwood Canyon is paved and busy.

Features: Redwoods and other flora.

Climate: Cool year round, warmest in early fall (70 F). Fog in summer.

Accommodation: Nearest lodging in Mill Valley, Corte Madera and Sausalito. Camping also nearby, although not allowed in Muir Woods.

Trail Notes: Muir Woods National Monument is open 8am-sunset. This and the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park get very busy due to their proximity to San Francisco – arrive early and avoid weekends.