The vast, 1,200-square-mile wilderness of Yosemite National Park is filled with scenic waterfalls, canyons, meadows, valleys and sequoia trees. Hiking trails provide you with an avenue through the wilderness, snaking through the park's challenging terrain. Each part of Yosemite Park is accessible from several hiking paths, some more challenging than others. You can choose between scenic day hikes and physically challenging, multi-day expeditions.
Yosemite Valley
The Yosemite Valley is the hallmark of the park, featuring a series of waterfalls and rock formations. Several trails through the valley are less than three miles long, such as Mirror Lake, Cook's Meadow or Lower Yosemite and Bridalveil Fall. For a greater challenge, attempt to summit the iconic half-dome or explore the valley from the bottom, hiking the 13-mile Valley Floor Loop. Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Upper Yosemite Fall and Panorama and Four Mile Trails are especially strenuous hikes that will take you to several of the park's waterfalls.
Hetch Hetchy
Peaks, valleys and waterfalls are all accessible from strenuous trails around the Hetch Hetchy area. Take the short two-mile hike up to Lookout Point for a one-hour adventure that ends with a panorama of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. A more strenuous hike to Smith Peak will take between six and eight hours. Rancheria Falls and Wapama Falls are also points of interest in the area. Continue past Wapama Falls for 8.5 miles to reach Rancheria Falls.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point Road is typically open between late May and November depending on the weather. It is the only access point to five hikes around Glacier Point. These hikes are strenuous and include Mono Meadow, Ostrander Lake, Sentinel Dome, McGurk Meadow and a one-way hike from Glacier Point to the Yosemite Valley. Each hike offers a variety of challenges and scenic opportunities. The Sentinel Dome hike passes over Taft Point where you will have views of the Yosemite Valley.
Overnight Hiking
In 2009, 18,777 visitors in Yosemite chose to acquire a backcountry permit and hike into the wilderness to stay the night. Several backcountry campgrounds are located throughout the park. Many backpackers plan their hikes around these campgrounds, staying at them as they hike from one end of the park to another. Other backpackers choose to camp in the wilderness. This method, called dispersed camping, comes with some additional regulations. You should check with the park office before camping in the wilderness to obtain the proper permit and receive an orientation from a ranger.
Safety
Yosemite National Park is a wilderness filled with all the dangers that are associated with the term. Bears, wolves, mountain lions, weather and plants are all things that get hikers into trouble. When you are hiking in the park, remember to keep track of all the members of your group, stick to the trails, carry extra water, food, rain gear and warm clothing. Carry a first aid kit and always respect wildlife.
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