With the massive granite walls, majestic waterfalls, flowing rivers, gigantic boulders, and an impressive U-shaped valley, Yosemite National Park is home to beautiful geological features that make it the most visited national park in California.
I first visited Yosemite National Park about ten years ago on a family trip to hike Half Dome. I immediately fell in love with the beautiful landscape and 6 years later I found myself working as a camping, hiking, and backpacking guide in Yosemite in the park!
With almost 1200 square miles, and over 750 miles of hiking trails, here are some of the best hikes Yosemite National Park has to offer.
When to Go Hiking in Yosemite National Park
While it’s possible to hike in Yosemite National Park year-round, the most popular time to hike is from late spring to fall before the snow starts. However, each season offers different sites and hiking opportunities.
Spring
Late spring is generally when hiking season starts in Yosemite. Parts of the park, including Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed for the season, due to snow; however, there are plenty of hikes starting from Yosemite Valley’s floor.
This is also the best time of the year to enjoy the waterfalls at their fullest! The first time I visited the park in the spring, the roaring falls poured over the edge of the granite cliffs rising over 2,000 feet above me. I felt so small. The mist of the waterfalls sent a cool spray in contrast to the warm valley temperatures. It was an incredible experience and only possible on an early spring visit.
Summer
Summertime in Yosemite offers the most accessibility throughout the park (and the most sweat—pack that sunscreen)! Yosemite Valley gets very hot during summer months, so this is the best season for higher altitude hikes starting from Tioga Road or Glacier Point Road.
As the snow is generally melted by mid to late summer, this is the ideal time to access the high country alpine lakes and peaks.
Fall
Fall is still a great time to hike in Yosemite National Park. Until the first snowfall, you have almost unlimited options of where you want to explore.Plus, this is when Yosemite Valley starts to cool off again.
Although the waterfall hiking trails remain open, be prepared for very little water. Most water tends to dry up during the summer months. But don’t worry, the fall leaf colors and comfortable hiking temperatures make up for it!
Winter
By winter the high elevation hikes in the park close. This…
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