Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [10]
Yosemite Falls Trail.
This is the highest waterfall in North America. The upper fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and the lower fall (320 feet) combine for a total of 2,425 feet and, when viewed from the valley, appear as a single waterfall. The ¼-mi trail leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, a strenuous 3½-mi climb rising 2,700 feet, takes you above the top of the falls. | Trailhead off Camp 4, north of Northside Dr. 95389
MODERATE
Mist Trail.
More visitors take this trail (or portions of it) than any other in the park other than Lower Yosemite Falls. The trek up to and back from Vernal Fall is 3 mi. Add another 4 mi total by continuing up to 594-foot Nevada Fall; the trail becomes quite steep and slippery in its final stages. The elevation gain to Vernal Fall is 1,000 feet, and to Nevada Fall an additional 1,000 feet. Merced River tumbles down both falls on its way to a tranquil flow through the Valley. | Trailhead at Happy Isles 95389.
Panorama Trail.
Few hikes come with the visual punch that this 8½-mi trail provides. The star attraction is Half Dome, visible from many intriguing angles, but you also see three waterfalls up close and walk through a manzanita grove. Before you begin, look down on Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, a special experience in itself. | Trailhead at Glacier Point 95389.
DIFFICULT
Chilnualna Falls Trail.
This Wawona-area trail runs 4 mi one way to the top of the falls, then leads into the backcountry, connecting with miles of other trails. This is one of the park’s most inspiring and secluded—albeit strenuous—trails. Past the tumbling cascade, and up through forests, you’ll emerge before a panoramic vista at the top. | Trailhead at Chilnualna Falls Rd., off Rte. 41, Wawona 95389.
Four-Mile Trail.
You can take the hiker bus up to Glacier Point ($25), and then descend from there, zigzagging through the forest to the valley floor, where you can catch a free shuttle back to your starting hiker-bus stop. If you decide to hike up Four-Mile Trail and back down again, allow about six hours for the challenging 9½-mi round-trip (the original 4-mi-long trail was lengthened to make it less steep). The valley floor trailhead is on Southside Drive near Sentinel Beach, and the elevation change is 3,220 feet. | Trailheads at Glacier Point and on Southside Dr. 95389.
Fodor’s Choice | John Muir Trail to Half Dome.
Ardent and courageous trekkers can continue on from the top of Nevada Fall, off Mist Trail, to the top of Half Dome. Some hikers attempt this entire 10- to 12-hour, 16¾-mi round-trip trek from Happy Isles in one day; if you’re planning to do this, remember that the 4,800-foot elevation gain and the 8,842-foot altitude will cause shortness of breath. Another option is to hike to a campground in Little Yosemite Valley near the top of Nevada Fall the first day, then climb to the top of Half Dome and hike out the next day; it’s highly recommended that you get your wilderness permit reservations at least a month in advance. Be sure to wear hiking boots and bring gloves. The last pitch up the back of Half Dome is very steep—the only way to climb this sheer rock face is to pull yourself up using the steel cable handrails, which are in place only from late spring to early fall. Those who brave the ascent will be rewarded with an unbeatable view of Yosemite Valley below and the high country beyond. | Trailhead at Happy Isles 95389.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Reservations for guided trail rides must be made in advance at the hotel tour desks or by phone. For overnight saddle trips, which use mules, call | 559/253–5673 on or after September 15 to request a lottery application for the following year.