Half Dome
16.3 miles / 5,318 ft. elevation gain
Permit Required to summit
Half Dome is truly one of the most rewarding hikes in California. The year we climbed Half Dome, the lottery permit system really did a number on us since we applied for Mt. Whitney and Half Dome the same year. Well…turns out we got both permits a day apart from each other. A normal human being would have picked one but no, not us (face palm). Nonetheless, Half Dome actually felt easier since Whitney decided to murder us the day beforehand. The two hardest things about Half Dome are the permit lottery and the cables.
“Work on your upper body” is what I would have told myself before this hike. Since I was training for Whitney, most of my training was hiking different trails, the stair master, treadmill on an incline, etc. but the cables require a good amount of upper body strength so don’t neglect your back and arms! If you have a fear of heights, the sub dome and the cables may make this hike very difficult. But if you’re able to conquer your fear, I can assure you the view and the adrenaline are SO worth it.
Cloud’s Rest
11.9 miles / 3,120 ft. elevation gain
I underestimated this hike. The views are stunning! Yosemite’s back country is probably the most underrated area of Yosemite. Plenty of glacial lakes, minimal hikers and panoramic views. But because of the lakes and lush wildflowers, bring on the mosquitos. Pack extra mosquito repellent for this hike.
If you have a fear of heights, the peak of Cloud’s Rest has quite a steep drop. You can see Half Dome in the foreground and Yosemite Valley is right below you. The views are incredible.
Vernal & Nevada Falls via Mist Trails
7.2 miles / 2,217 ft. elevation gain
If you do the Half Dome hike starting at Happy Isles, you technically already do this trail. This trail is great for first-time Yosemite visitors and it’s perfect for families. I remember doing this hike as a little kid with my family during many summers and it’s still one of my favorites. If you’re only visiting Yosemite for a short time and want to do just one hike, I’d go with this one. It’s a perfect day hike to visit some of Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls.
The Four-Mile Trail
9.2 miles / 3,612 ft. elevation gain
Don’t let the name fool you as 4 miles is just one-way down the trail. Make sure you do this trail during the summer/fall months as this trail can get very icy in the winter and you will need crampons or micro spikes to safely hike this. The first few miles are a steep uphill but the views are quite breathtaking.
Panorama Trail
9 miles / 2,257 ft. elevation gain
There are various ways to do the Panorama Trail. You can do this trail via the Vernal & Nevada Falls trail or you can take a YARTS bus up to Glacier Point and start the Panorama Trail from up there. If you need a chill hike but with lots of beautiful valley views, this is the one. This one doesn’t have much of an elevation gain and is great for beginners.
Bonus – Taft Point
2.3 miles / 374 ft. elevation gain
If you are in Yosemite for only half a day and need a very short hike but want a beautiful view of the entire valley. This is the hike for you. During sunset, this spot is STUNNING.
Jessica Uchi 