Member-only story

Yosemite National Park: Your Complete Hiking Guide

Logan Cox

·7.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Elizabeth Wenk

5 min read · 1 month before

1.2k View Claps

68 Respond

Save

Listen

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United States. With its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite offers a breathtaking backdrop for a hike.

This guidebook will help you plan your perfect hiking trip to Yosemite National Park. We've included detailed descriptions of over 100 trails, along with maps, photos, and elevation profiles. Whether you're a beginner hiker or an experienced backpacker, we have a trail for you.

Before you hit the trails, it's important to plan your trip. Here are a few things to consider:

Yosemite National Park: Your Complete Hiking Guide

by Elizabeth Wenk

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1020 pages

When to go: Yosemite is open year-round, but the best time to hike is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
Where to stay: There are several campgrounds and lodges located within Yosemite National Park. You can also find lodging in the nearby towns of El Portal, Mariposa, and Oakhurst.
What to bring: Be sure to pack plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. You'll also want to wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing that you can layer.
Permits: Some trails in Yosemite require a permit. You can obtain a permit online or at the park's visitor center.

Yosemite National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Here are a few of our favorites:

Easy day hikes:
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail: This 1-mile trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
- Mirror Lake Trail: This 2-mile trail loops around Mirror Lake, offering stunning views of Half Dome and the surrounding mountains.
- Mariposa Grove Trail: This 3-mile trail leads through a grove of giant sequoia trees.
Moderate day hikes:
- Vernal Fall Trail: This 3-mile trail climbs to the top of Vernal Fall, offering panoramic views of the Merced River canyon.
- Cloud's Rest Trail: This 6-mile trail leads to the summit of Cloud's Rest, the highest point in Yosemite Valley.
- Yosemite Falls Trail: This 7-mile trail climbs to the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
Challenging day hikes:
- Half Dome Trail: This 16-mile trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite. It climbs to the summit of Half Dome, offering stunning views of the park.
- El Capitan Trail: This 11-mile trail climbs to the base of El Capitan, one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in the world.
- Tuolumne Meadows Loop Trail: This 17-mile trail loops around Tuolumne Meadows, offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

If you're looking for a more challenging adventure, Yosemite National Park offers several multi-day backpacking trips. Here are a few of our favorites:

John Muir Trail: This 211-mile trail traverses the entire length of Yosemite National Park. It's a challenging hike, but it offers hikers the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the park.
Yosemite High Sierra Camp Loop: This 3-day loop hike takes hikers through some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Yosemite National Park. It's a great way to experience the park's backcountry without having to carry all of your gear.
Tuolumne Meadows to Lyell Canyon Loop: This 4-day loop hike offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's a great hike for hikers who are looking for a challenging but rewarding experience.

Yosemite National Park is a hiker's paradise, with trails for all levels of experience. This guidebook will help you plan your perfect hiking trip, with detailed descriptions of over 100 trails, maps, and photos. Whether you're a beginner hiker or an experienced backpacker, we have a trail for you.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Yosemite hiking adventure today!

Yosemite National Park: Your Complete Hiking Guide

by Elizabeth Wenk

4.9 out of 5