Best day hikes with water views
The valley at Yosemite is the most popular area to visit in the park. Â There are 10 day hikes for you to have your best adventure on. Â Make sure these three are on your list.
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
If you’re looking for the chance to see multiple waterfalls, this is the trail for you. Â The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16). Â It’s a pretty consistent hike up with about 400-2000 feet of elevation gain. Â You’ve got three options for this trail in terms of distance and sites to see.
Option #1 Vernal Fall Footbridge
This is the easiest of the three options, although it is considered a moderate hike. Â It’s 1.6 miles (round-trip) with 400 feet of elevation gain. Â This option ends on the Vernal Fall footbridge with a view of the falls.
Option #2 Top of Vernal Fall
If you’re looking to see more of the falls, you’ll want to continue on the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall. Â The trail takes you right next to the fall so be prepared to get wet (possibly even soaked) while you hike up. Â This is a 2.4 mile (round-trip) hike with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Â Because of all of the steps you’ll ascend getting to the top of the fall, this is a strenuous hike.
Option #3 Top of Nevada Fall
And if you’re still craving more and more waterfall views, continue on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. Â This hike is 5.4 miles (round-trip) with 2000 feet of elevation gain and is certainly the most difficult of all three options. Â You’ll find beautiful views of the waterfall and other areas of the park.
Lower Yosemite Falls
This beautiful waterfall hike shares its name with the park and is a great trail for absolutely everyone. Â It’s an easy 1 mile loop that starts at shuttle stop #6. Â Be prepared for amazing views of both the lower and upper Yosemite Falls. You’ll get a much closer view of the lower falls, but the upper is just as spectacular. Â There is an opportunity to hike to the top of the upper Yosemite Fall. Â You’ll need to go over to Camp 4 Area to begin this 7.2 mile, strenuous hike with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Â Regardless of how you see the falls, just make sure you do. Â They are a must in the park.
Mirror Lake
Try to save this hike for the end of the day because the combination of water views and a sunset sounds like a big win. Â Mirror Lake Loop Trail begins at shuttle stop #17. Â This hike can either be done as an out-and-back in 2 miles or a loop in 5 miles. Â It’s your choice as you’ll get gorgeous views either way. Â
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Yosemite National Park or the National Park Service.
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