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 leisurely walk around a pretty meadow and lake, with beautiful views of Half Dome and other granite cliffs.

From the shuttle bus stop, follow the cycle/foot path the short distance towards Tenaya Creek. At Tanaya Bridge, a number of paths converge; turn left to follow the south bank of the creek. After 0.75 mile, you reach a bridge crossing the creek. Either cross here to loop clockwise around the lake and meadow, or continue ahead to follow the trail anti-clockwise.

The trail passes along the edge of Mirror Lake and then on through meadow, looping back to return to the lake after a couple of miles. If the lake is full, the reflection in the water of Half Dome and other granite peaks is a beautiful sight.

At this point, a choice of paths leads through woods to the north of the creek, turning left after about 0.5 mile to return to Tenaya Bridge.

This trail is very popular, and we would certainly recommend it outside of the main summer season when there are fewer crowds. Wildflowers, and the lake itself, are at their peak in June. At any time of year, however, it is a relief just to get away from the traffic that blights the beauty of Yosemite Valley.

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: Accessed from shuttle bus stop 17.

Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined.

Features: Meadow and lake (may be dry by end of summer), granite cliffs.

Climate: Valley is hot in summer. Best out of the busy season – daytime temperatures warm in spring and fall, and mild in winter, with minimal snow on valley floor.

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: 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:
From the stunning views at Glacier Point, descend through the High Sierra past three majestic waterfalls to Yosemite Valley.

Returning to the car park, the Panorama Trail is clearly signed to the left. As you head through open woods, you soon leave the crowds behind and can start to enjoy the splendor of Yosemite in peace and quiet. After 1.75 miles, the trail branches to the left, leading to remote Illilouette Fall and, after another 0.5 mile, a bridge over the river.

A short distance later, the trail divides – the Panorama Trail continues to the left. A little over 1.5 miles later, you reach another junction; again take the left-hand track. The constant descent continues through forest as you head north towards the Merced River. 5 miles into the trail, and after travelling down switchbacks for some time, you reach the junction with the John Muir Trail.

Ignore the sign pointing left to Vernal Fall, and instead turn right. A short distance on you come to the top of awesome Nevada Fall. A guardrail allows you to look right down the 600-ft drop – a dizzying sight. Follow the rock trail over the falls and briefly head northeast to the junction with the Mist Trail.

The John Muir Trail continues ahead and leads, after another 5 miles or so and a strenuous climb of 2,800 ft, to the 8,842-ft summit of Half Dome. The reward for the grueling effort (including a vertigo-inducing haul up fixed cables on the final steep ascent) is an unsurpassed view of Yosemite Valley. Leave this for another time and instead turn left to continue your descent down the Mist Trail.

As you follow the track down, with Nevada Fall to your left and the towering 7,000-ft Liberty Cap to your right, the numbers of people on the trail will be steadily increasing – Nevada and, particularly, Vernal Fall are a popular destination from the valley. At Emerald Pool, cross the Merced River and continue following the south bank to the top of Vernal Fall – the 6.5 mile mark. As you carefully descend through the spray down the wet and slippery steps alongside the waterfall, you will understand how well the trail is named.

At the base of the fall, continue heading west, following the south bank of the river. Pause along the way to admire the views of Vernal Fall and surrounding peaks. Footbridges cross the river a couple of times as you round Grizzly Peak and head to the valley. The trail ends at Happy Isles Nature Center, where you can pick up a shuttle bus back to your car.

For those seeking a longer and more strenuous hike, forego the bus to Glacier Point and instead climb there from the valley via the Four-Mile Trail. The trailhead is on Southside Drive – watch out for the parking area about 1.5 miles after Three Brothers Vista. There are great views of the valley, Yosemite Falls and the High Sierras on the 3,200-ft climb to Glacier Point, from where you pick up the Panorama Trail. The total distance of this combined hike is 13.3 miles/21.3 km and it will take around 10 hours to complete.

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: Park your car in Yosemite Valley and take an early morning tour bus up to Glacier Point. Book at least a day in advance to ensure you get a seat – buy tickets at Curry Village or the lodge tour desks.

Length: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km

Trail Type: One way

Elevation Change: -3,179 ft / -969 m
Includes climb of 760 ft / 230 m.

Duration: 6.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined. Trail closed in winter due to snow.

Features: Alpine views, waterfalls.

Climate: Pleasant in the high country in summer and early fall. Deep snow in winter and spring. High summer temperatures in the valley.

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: Access road to Glacier Point is closed in winter due to snow and does not reopen until June.