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Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park

Granite cliffs, waterfalls and high-country trails in the Sierra Nevada. We track 4 trails in Yosemite National Park, California, from short day hikes to routes up to 9 miles. Compare them below by distance, elevation and the best time to go.

hiking 4 trails straighten 18 mi mapped wb_sunny best Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Units

Best time to hike Yosemite National Park

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Based on climate data for trails in the park, the best months to visit are June, July, August, September. Check each trail’s month-by-month weather guide for details.

Trails in Yosemite National Park

Clouds Rest Trail
straighten9.1 mi15 km trending_up2,156 ft657 m gain trending_flatPoint-to-point publicLocal route
Panorama Trail
straighten5.0 mi8 km trending_up2,356 ft718 m gain trending_flatPoint-to-point publicLocal route
Half Dome Trail
straighten2.0 mi3 km trending_up1,503 ft458 m gain trending_flatPoint-to-point publicRegional route
wb_sunny Best from June to September
Mist Trail
straighten2.4 mi4 km trending_up302 ft92 m gain trending_flatPoint-to-point publicLocal route
wb_sunny Best from May to October

Yosemite National Park hiking FAQ

What are the best hikes in Yosemite National Park?
Popular trails include Clouds Rest Trail, Panorama Trail, Half Dome Trail, Mist Trail. Compare them above by distance, elevation and difficulty.
When is the best time to hike Yosemite National Park?
Based on climate data for trails in the park, the best months are June, July, August, September.
How long are the trails?
Routes range from about 2.0 to 9 miles (3–15 km).