Yosemite South
Yosemite Valley, incl. Lower and Upper Falls, Mist Trail, Half Dome, Glacier Point Area
Duration
full day incl. hikes and stops
+1 full day for the Half Dome Hike!
Distances
Yosemite Valley - Glacier Point by car: 31 miles/ 50km
Glacier Point - Valley hike: 8.5 miles/ 13km
Valley - Half Dome hike: 14.2 miles/ 23km
Death Valley – Lee Vining/entrance Tioga Pass: about 246 miles (396 km)
Death Valley – Yosemite Village: summer 320 miles (515 km), winter 450 miles (725 km)
Death Valley – Mariposa: summer 350 miles (564 km), winter 431 miles (694 km)
San Francisco – Yosemite Village: 190 miles (306 km)
Los Angeles – Yosemite Village: 311 miles (500 km)
South Lake Tahoe – Yosemite Village: summer 187 miles (301 km), winter 200 miles (322 km)
full day incl. hikes and stops
+1 full day for the Half Dome Hike!
Distances
Yosemite Valley - Glacier Point by car: 31 miles/ 50km
Glacier Point - Valley hike: 8.5 miles/ 13km
Valley - Half Dome hike: 14.2 miles/ 23km
Death Valley – Lee Vining/entrance Tioga Pass: about 246 miles (396 km)
Death Valley – Yosemite Village: summer 320 miles (515 km), winter 450 miles (725 km)
Death Valley – Mariposa: summer 350 miles (564 km), winter 431 miles (694 km)
San Francisco – Yosemite Village: 190 miles (306 km)
Los Angeles – Yosemite Village: 311 miles (500 km)
South Lake Tahoe – Yosemite Village: summer 187 miles (301 km), winter 200 miles (322 km)
1st stop: Yosemite Village
Walks and hikes through Yosemite Valley
Maps and more details are listed under the Yosemite National Park webpage: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm
Before you start hiking Yosemite I recommend going to the visitor center to consult a ranger about hikes, conditions, closures etc. The last you should underestimate are the weather changes in Yosemite!
The rangers have the latest information available and can recommend the perfect tracks matching your interests. Stopping in the village you can stuff up your food and drinks and finally use the bathrooms before you are leaving for a hike. The following link gives you an overview of all Yosemite Valley hikes: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleyhikes.pdf
Hike through the Valley Meadow:
If you want to explore the meadow in the Valley covering all Valley sights, such as the Lower Yosemite Falls, the Swinging and Sentinel Bridge, and Yosemite Chapel combine the Cook’s Meadow Loop and Sentinel Meadow Trail. This 2- mile-round trip (3.2 km) circles the Valley and offers great views over the cliffs and falls. This hike is really easy and the flat trail takes you about 1 hour. On your way you will hit the masses at the mentioned sights but walking through the meadow you should be almost for yourself.
Walks and hikes through Yosemite Valley
Maps and more details are listed under the Yosemite National Park webpage: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm
Before you start hiking Yosemite I recommend going to the visitor center to consult a ranger about hikes, conditions, closures etc. The last you should underestimate are the weather changes in Yosemite!
The rangers have the latest information available and can recommend the perfect tracks matching your interests. Stopping in the village you can stuff up your food and drinks and finally use the bathrooms before you are leaving for a hike. The following link gives you an overview of all Yosemite Valley hikes: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleyhikes.pdf
Hike through the Valley Meadow:
If you want to explore the meadow in the Valley covering all Valley sights, such as the Lower Yosemite Falls, the Swinging and Sentinel Bridge, and Yosemite Chapel combine the Cook’s Meadow Loop and Sentinel Meadow Trail. This 2- mile-round trip (3.2 km) circles the Valley and offers great views over the cliffs and falls. This hike is really easy and the flat trail takes you about 1 hour. On your way you will hit the masses at the mentioned sights but walking through the meadow you should be almost for yourself.
Lower and Upper Yosemite Fall
These two trails are popular and you have to expect many people accompanying you. Hiking the lower falls is an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip starting at the Visitor Center taking about 30 minutes. The best time doing this hike is in late spring and early summer since the falls usually dry out in late July.
On your way you have nice views on the upper falls and if you like to hike up there is an additional 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip from the Lower Falls trailhead. This hike will take 6-10 hours in total.
Please be aware that this hike gives you a real strenuous workout since it’s peppered with steep stairs. Nevertheless the workout is worth it since a great view over all Yosemite Falls is waiting for you uphill. BTW – this is the only outlook next to Sentinel Dome that opens a view over all falls.
If you like it more easy and want to extend the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, combine it with the Cook’s Meadow Loop and Sentinel Meadow Trail.
These two trails are popular and you have to expect many people accompanying you. Hiking the lower falls is an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip starting at the Visitor Center taking about 30 minutes. The best time doing this hike is in late spring and early summer since the falls usually dry out in late July.
On your way you have nice views on the upper falls and if you like to hike up there is an additional 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip from the Lower Falls trailhead. This hike will take 6-10 hours in total.
Please be aware that this hike gives you a real strenuous workout since it’s peppered with steep stairs. Nevertheless the workout is worth it since a great view over all Yosemite Falls is waiting for you uphill. BTW – this is the only outlook next to Sentinel Dome that opens a view over all falls.
If you like it more easy and want to extend the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, combine it with the Cook’s Meadow Loop and Sentinel Meadow Trail.
Mist Trail, incl. Vernal and Nevada Fall
Doing this hike you come across two waterfalls and have scenic views over Yosemite. One tip I like to give especially to the females hiking here in spring: don’t wear white or similar colored clothes or if so add a bikini as first layer! The spray is making you as wet as a shower and I just want to safe you from appearing naked to other hikers.
You can decide whether you want to hike the whole distance to Nevada Fall, which would be a 7 miles (11 km) round trip taking 5 – 6 hours or if you want to turn around at Vernal Fall a 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip taking 3 - 4 hours. Whatever you are going for the hike is steep and people afraid of heights should be prepared. If you are not in the shape doing this moderate hike walk only up to the first bridge and enjoy the view up the falls. Best time hiking the trail is late spring and early summer.
Doing this hike you come across two waterfalls and have scenic views over Yosemite. One tip I like to give especially to the females hiking here in spring: don’t wear white or similar colored clothes or if so add a bikini as first layer! The spray is making you as wet as a shower and I just want to safe you from appearing naked to other hikers.
You can decide whether you want to hike the whole distance to Nevada Fall, which would be a 7 miles (11 km) round trip taking 5 – 6 hours or if you want to turn around at Vernal Fall a 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip taking 3 - 4 hours. Whatever you are going for the hike is steep and people afraid of heights should be prepared. If you are not in the shape doing this moderate hike walk only up to the first bridge and enjoy the view up the falls. Best time hiking the trail is late spring and early summer.
2nd stop: Glacier Point
Walks and hikes from/ to Glacier Point
Maps and more details are listed under the Yosemite National Park webpage:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierhikes.htm
The road to Glacier Point is closed from Nov - May no wonder since it is in a high elevation, winding and steep. But all other months you shouldn’t miss the marvelous scenery. The outlook is accessible for everyone; incl. wheel chairs and you get there either by driving yourself or with a shuttle leaving in the village. Please note that the bus shuttle requests a reservation and operates from late May to October. A one-way fare for an adult is $25.
If you consider hiking down to the valley from Glacier Point leave your car in the valley and take the Glacier Point bus from the Yosemite Lodge. An alternative if you are traveling in a group could be that someone who isn’t joining you on this hike is driving you up to Glacier Point. Or you are hiking up to Glacier Point using the 4-Mile-Trail before you are continuing on Panorama Trail. Doing that you are ending up with a 15 miles (24 km) hike from the parking lot.
Taft Point and Sentinel Dome
Using your car you have the advantage of being able to stop at the lookouts on the way up to Glacier Point. Within a few miles from the parking lot you are getting to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. The hike is moderate and a 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip (2 - 3 hours) to each outlook. The easier hike is Taft Point Trail since you do not have to climb up the Dome. These hikes are not recommended for people afraid of heights.
Washburn Point
Shortly before Glacier Point is another lookout offering a nice view towards Half Dome. Getting there just needs to walk down the few stairs at the parking lot.
Finally getting to Glacier Point you can choose between several hikes.
Glacier Point Lookout
A short and easy trail to the lookout over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome none should miss. It’s a 1-mile (1.6 km) roundtrip to several platforms accessible by wheelchair offering you incredible views over Yosemite’s high country and the valley. The outlook is a wonderful spot spending the sunset watching the light on Half Dome changing and for stargazing during night.
Panorama Trail
This trail is my favorite. It has a length of 8.5 miles (13.5 km) down to the village and includes sights like Panorama Point, Illilouette Fall, Vernal and Nevada Fall, Mist Trail, and Happy Isles in the valley. Doing this moderate - strenuous hike takes you about 6 – 8 hours. The trail has steep parts and might be hard to handle for people afraid of heights at some point.
If you only have one full day in Yosemite this one covers the nicest parts, if you do not want to do Half Dome.
The best time hiking here it is late spring after the snow melt, when the falls are pouring over the rocks. In the beginning it even can happen that you are by yourself at some points. Approaching the valley this is going to change. Around Nevada and Vernal Fall and along Mist Trail you have to share the way with the hordes.
As I mentioned before you can combine this trail with the 4-Mile-Trail starting from the Valley’s Swinging Bridge hiking uphill to Glacier Point. This combination is only recommended if you are in a real good shape and are starting early since you are facing a 15-mile roundtrip (24 km) hike.
4-Mile-Trail
This trail (4.7 miles (7.5 km) one-way, 3 – 4 hours) offers beautiful views over all Yosemite favorites and connects Yosemite Valley with Glacier Point. Depending on your fitness you can start the hike either in Yosemite Valley at the Swinging Bridge hiking uphill or at Glacier Point descending to the Valley. The latter way is easier but less scenic. The best time doing this hike is in late spring when the falls are pouring.
Pohono Trail – not listed on the park’s webpage, ask the rangers in the visitor center for it.
Another one-day hike leaving from/going to Glacier Point is the Pohono Trail. The hike is about 13 miles (21 km) one-way and takes 7 – 9 hours. Taking this trail you are coming across Taft Point, Dewey, Crocker and Stanford Point offering different views towards El Capitan, Inspiration Point with views onto Half Dome and finally Tunnel View. Although this hike is very scenic I have to mention that there will be some non-view points you have to pass.
3rd stop: Half Dome
Hiking the famous Half Dome requires a permit you have to purchase online in advance under:
http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Cables_On_Half_Dome_Yosemite_National_Park/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=79064&topTabIndex=Permits
One permit is valid for 4 people and the reservation fee is $1.50 per person. They are selling out fast since only 400 permits are issued per day when the cables are up (making the summit accessible). Please note that you cannot purchase permits in the park. They are only available online, up to 4 months in advance. More info about the regulations is listed on the park’s webpage: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm
Half Dome is reachable from several points in Yosemite and is the most strenuous hike you can find here. The two shortest trails are starting in the village and at Glacier Point. The first route over Happy Isles and Mist Trail is a 14.2 miles (22.7 km) roundtrip. The hike towards Half Dome is strenuous and goes uphill most of the time.
The second trail leaving Glacier Point is about 20 miles (32 km) long. It is less exhausting since you use the Panorama Trail first, which is going downhill until you reach Little Yosemite Valley. Taking this route you should arrange a shuttle bringing you to Glacier Point in the early morning. This enables you to finish the hike in the village instead of returning to Glacier Point. The latter includes an exhausting climb back to the point. Both trails are taking you usually about 10 – 14 hours. As an experienced, well-trained hiker even less than 10 hours.
Nevertheless, which trail you are choosing hiking Half Dome you are sharing the way with the crowds, in particular in summer during the weekends. If you cannot avoid the peak times start your hike very early in the morning reaching the summit around noon to avoid the congestion and to return before sunset to the village. Some Half Dome hikers recommend carrying a flashlight. The downhill hike takes longer than you might expect and easily can last until night if you started too late into the day.
Last but not least: Climbing up the cables needs your full concentration and energy, if you are afraid of heights or didn’t feel good after the hike reaching the cable area reconsider the climb and turn around if necessary.
Hiking the famous Half Dome requires a permit you have to purchase online in advance under:
http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Cables_On_Half_Dome_Yosemite_National_Park/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=79064&topTabIndex=Permits
One permit is valid for 4 people and the reservation fee is $1.50 per person. They are selling out fast since only 400 permits are issued per day when the cables are up (making the summit accessible). Please note that you cannot purchase permits in the park. They are only available online, up to 4 months in advance. More info about the regulations is listed on the park’s webpage: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm
Half Dome is reachable from several points in Yosemite and is the most strenuous hike you can find here. The two shortest trails are starting in the village and at Glacier Point. The first route over Happy Isles and Mist Trail is a 14.2 miles (22.7 km) roundtrip. The hike towards Half Dome is strenuous and goes uphill most of the time.
The second trail leaving Glacier Point is about 20 miles (32 km) long. It is less exhausting since you use the Panorama Trail first, which is going downhill until you reach Little Yosemite Valley. Taking this route you should arrange a shuttle bringing you to Glacier Point in the early morning. This enables you to finish the hike in the village instead of returning to Glacier Point. The latter includes an exhausting climb back to the point. Both trails are taking you usually about 10 – 14 hours. As an experienced, well-trained hiker even less than 10 hours.
Nevertheless, which trail you are choosing hiking Half Dome you are sharing the way with the crowds, in particular in summer during the weekends. If you cannot avoid the peak times start your hike very early in the morning reaching the summit around noon to avoid the congestion and to return before sunset to the village. Some Half Dome hikers recommend carrying a flashlight. The downhill hike takes longer than you might expect and easily can last until night if you started too late into the day.
Last but not least: Climbing up the cables needs your full concentration and energy, if you are afraid of heights or didn’t feel good after the hike reaching the cable area reconsider the climb and turn around if necessary.