Strap up your boots and get ready to tackle these easy hikes in Yosemite National Park. Explore stunning waterfalls, lush meadows, and majestic natural landmarks on these epic scenic trails.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite offers visitors plenty of tricky and rugged trails. But, for those looking to experience the park’s beauty without tackling strenuous routes, we’ve compiled a guide to all of our favourite hikes. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, these trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in the park’s near-magic scenery and natural wonders – without breaking too much of a sweat.

Easy Yosemite Hikes

Grizzly Giant Loops Trail

Distance: 3.2km • Duration: 1 hour • Elevation: 117m • Map

We don’t like to play favourites, but the Grizzly Giant Loops Trail has a very special place in our hearts. Why? Well, this easy Yosemite hiking trail takes you on a scenic journey through a majestic forest filled with towering giant sequoias. 

Starting from the Grizzly Giant Accessible Parking area, you’ll head out along a wide, flat trail with breathtaking views of the park’s most magnificent natural wonders. We guarantee you’ll be captivated by the sight of the Grizzly Giant, the largest sequoia tree in the area, as well as the iconic California Tunnel Tree. 

If you’re after all the nerdy details, there are plenty of info panels along the way that reveal fascinating insights into the life and ecology of these impressive trees. During the springtime, the trail is also blanketed with an array of wildflowers, making this journey an even more remarkable experience.

The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

Distance: 5km • Duration: 2 hour • Elevation: 345m • Map

The Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls is one of the most popular trails in the entire national park – and for good reason. The trail is moderately challenging, but still manageable for most people. Not to mention that the views are absolutely stunning.

The trail starts at the Happy Isles Trailhead, which you’ll find near the Curry Village and parking lot. From there, you’ll follow the Mist Trail up a short but steep paved path.

Listen up as you make your way along the trail as you’ll soon start to hear the sound of rushing water – a sign that you’re getting close to Vernal Falls. Once you reach the bridge with views up to the falls, make sure you snap a few photos! 

After crossing the bridge, you’ll face the trickiest part of the trail: a steep rock stair set up to the falls themselves. Be careful; these stairs can be extremely slippery due to the mist from the falls. However, once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with yet more expansive views of Vernal Falls. And, if you’re lucky, you might just see a rainbow.

Tenaya Lake Trail

Distance: 5.6km • Duration: 1 hour 10 mins • Elevation: 56m • Map

For families visiting Yosemite, look no further than the Tenaya Lake Trail. This well-maintained path takes you along the back side of Yosemite’s beautiful Tenaya Lake, with easy beach access on one side. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to walk down to the lake and take a dip or rent a kayak during the warmer months.

The mostly shaded trail winds through the woods, offering plenty of great views along the way. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket, and spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Better yet, there are plenty of smaller easy Yosemite hikes to explore along the way – which means that you can extend your hike (and make it a little bit more difficult) if you’d like.

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Distance: 1.9km • Duration: 30 mins • Elevation: 17m • Map

When it comes to easy Yosemite hiking trails with clear views of one of the coolest waterfalls in the world, Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is the perfect option. This trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter months, so be sure to check the conditions before heading out.

The trailhead is located at shuttle stop #6 and is a short walk from the Yosemite Lodge. As you head down the trail, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, as well as Middle Cascade. 

We love this trail because, even though the route is easy, the views are still absolutely breathtaking. So, be sure to bring your camera and snap some photos of one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world.

Like all waterfalls in Yosemite, Yosemite Falls is often dry from late July or August through October. The best time to see the falls is in the spring when the winter snow is melting and the upper lakes are full.

Glacier Point Trail

Distance: 0.8km • Duration: 20 mins • Elevation: 15m • Map

Short but sweet, the Glacier Point Trail is one of the top easy Yosemite hikes. The trail is a 1km loop and takes around 20 minutes to complete. This makes it a perfect option for anyone looking for a quick stroll through some beautiful scenery.

As this is a popular area for walking, you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring the trail. Don’t let that put you off, though – the views make the crowds well worth it. 

The trail is particularly pretty during the months of June through October, when wildflowers bloom and the foliage is at its greenest. As you hike along the Glacier Point Trail, keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that calls the area home.

While the trail is open to hikers of all ages, dogs are not allowed on this particular route. So, if you’re hiking with furry friends, you may want to consider a different trail.

Mirror Lake Valley Loop Trail

Distance: 7.1km • Duration: 20 mins • Elevation: 15m • Map

Another brilliant Yosemite hike is the Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail, situated in the Tenaya Canyon, between North Dome and Half Dome. This well-marked trail is significantly less crowded than other trails in the park, making it a perfect escape for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite without the crowds. 

The pathway around Mirror Lake is a must-see for its picturesque reflections of Half Dome and its abundance of wildflowers during the early summer months. Even more impressive is that it’s the last remnant of a large glacial lake that once filled the entire Yosemite Valley.

You’ll find the trailhead at the far east end of Yosemite Valley – you can take a free shuttle bus or hike east from Curry Village, where there is a parking area and drinking water available. The trail itself is a leisurely hike, with a short paved trail walkway and bike path along Tenaya Creek to the north side of the lake, and an unpaved trail along the south side. 

Excited to hike this trail? Take our advice and make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, as the trail can get hot and buggy in the summer months.

Columbia Rock Trail

Distance: 3.5km • Duration: 1 hour 40 mins • Elevation: 309m • Map

The Columbia Rock Trail might be steep, but it’s fairly short and rewards you with sweeping views of the valley. Located on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Columbia Rock is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of Yosemite without committing to a long hike.

The hike to Columbia Rock is steep and full of switchbacks, which can be tough on the knees coming back down. Hiking poles may be helpful here, especially for those who are not accustomed to hiking steep trails. If you’re heading out on this Yosemite hike in the summer months, you’ll be glad to hear that the trail is well shaded. 

If you have the time and energy, consider hiking the rest of the way up to Upper Yosemite Falls. Or, you can hike as far as you want past Columbia Rock if you don’t want to go all the way up, with views of the upper falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Ahwahnee Valley.

Sentinel Dome Trail

Distance: 3.5km • Duration: 1 hour 10 mins • Elevation: 140m • Map

Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders – and the Sentinel Dome is one of the most magnificent spots to experience it all. This fairly easy but rewarding hike is a must-do for newbies and experienced hikers alike, offering spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and beyond.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it accessible to all. As you hike up the trail, you’ll be surrounded by the towering Jeffrey Pine trees that make up the Yosemite forest. 

The trail then opens up to a granite floor, with majestic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. After a gradual climb, you’ll reach the base of the dome. Take a sharp left and hike straight up to the top of the dome.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Yosemite National Park that’s pretty incredible. From here you can spot Merced River canyon, the iconic El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, as well as Half Dome and other popular peaks.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Trail

Distance: 10.8km • Duration: 3 hour 10 mins • Elevation: 371m • Map

Looking for a moderately challenging Yosemite hike that seriously impresses? The Mariposa Grove trail is ideal as it is filled with towering ancient sequoias. This protected area is home to over 300 giant sequoias – some of which are almost 2,000 years old. 

This trail will take you through the grove and show you the most popular trees while giving you a lesson on the history of the area, made famous by Galen Clark. Not to mention that you’ll come away with some fascinating facts about the life cycle of sequoia trees.

Take your pick from various trails that criss-cross the Mariposa Grove, including the trail that leads to the Grizzly Giant or Wawona Point. Hike beyond these points and explore the Upper Grove and Wawona vista point, passing by the Galen Clark Tree, the Clothespin tree, and the faithful couple on your way back.

To get here, you’ll need to head to the Mariposa Grove parking lot just north of the Fish Camp entrance and take a 5-minute shuttle to the trailheads.

Cathedral Lakes Trail

Distance: 15.3km • Duration: 4 hour 30 mins • Elevation: 507m • Map

Another hike that should be easy for most people is the Cathedral Lakes Trail. Be prepared for a 1,000 feet ascent – however, this is spread out over the entire trail.  Head to the trailhead off Tioga Road to begin your climb.

Along the way, you’ll get to gaze at views of the Tuolumne Meadows area and Cathedral Peak. This peak towers above a pristine alpine lake surrounded by a meadow filled with colourful wildflowers. We recommend swinging by Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center before your hike. While there, remember to fill up your water bottles and use the bathroom – it is a longer hike, after all.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Distance: 10.6km • Duration: 5 hour 20 mins • Elevation: 990m • Map

Okay, so we know that this is an article on the best Yosemite hikes for beginners. But, you’ll forgive us when you see how gorgeous this trail is, we promise.

If you’re looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, the Yosemite Falls Trail is a must-do. This trail is about 5km one way, gaining approximately 3,000 feet in elevation over the course of the climb. But don’t let the difficulty deter you – the payoff is worth the effort.

The hike starts near the famous Camp 4 and begins ascending along switchbacks through the trees. Take a look at the rocky cliffs of Eagle Peak to your left. This popular rock climbing wall is also inhabited by eagles, so keep an eye out for them soaring above.

As you continue along the trail, you’ll come to the Lower Gate, where you’ll have a great photo op of the falls with views of Half Dome in the background. But the real reward comes when you reach the top of the valley.

Best Yosemite Hikes: What to Know Before You Go

Best Time to Hike in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a top destination for hikers year-round. But the best time to hike depends on what you want to see and experience. Winter, from December to March, is the quietest time in Yosemite. Some trails will be closed due to snow, but there are still plenty of hikes available. 

Springtime, from April to June, is when the waterfalls are at their peak flow and the wildflowers are in full bloom. However, some trails may still have snow and ice, so it’s important to check trail conditions before heading out.

Summer, from July to September, is the busiest time in Yosemite. The weather is warm, and most trails are accessible, but the crowds can be overwhelming. And you’ll need to book your accommodations well in advance.

Autumn/fall, from October to November, is our top pick for when to hike in Yosemite. It’s a great time to visit Yosemite if you want to avoid the crowds. The temperatures are cooler, and the fall foliage is beautiful.

What is the Easiest Yosemite Hiking Trail

Picking the easiest Yosemite hike is totally subjective, but we recommend the Grizzly Giant Loops Trail. Not only is it seriously gorgeous, but it leads you to one of the most iconic landmarks in the park. Don’t be put off if you’re not a seasoned hiker – Yosemite National Park has plenty of beginner-friendly hikes.

What to Pack For Yosemite Hiking

Don’t worry – you don’t need any special equipment for these easy Yosemite hikes. Still, w​hen planning a hiking trip, it’s important to pack appropriately to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Whichever hike you tackle, you’ll want to make sure that you wear sturdy hiking boots or supportive hiking trainers. A comfy backpack is ideal to carry plenty of water and snacks, too. If you’re hiking in the summer months, bringing sun cream and a hat is imperative.