There are multiple hikes at Yosemite National Park, which includes towering granite pinnacles amidst the domains of waterfalls all set against some of North America’s most staggeringly beautiful landscapes. Though tougher treks like Half Dome tend to get most of the attention, there are plenty of shorter and easier hikes in the park for all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re a first-timer, new to hiking or with young kids in tow, Yosemite has enough easier hikes that make it possible for most visitors (with no permit and less danger than some of the more difficult trails) to see its stunning sights.
Here are my 17 best easy hikes in Yosemite National Park that everyone can do with the whole family. Lastly, I have also included a huge bonus of tips to ensure your time at what is undeniably one of the best National Parks in America.
Essential Tips for Safe Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Before diving into my list of favorite easy hikes in Yosemite, it’s important to keep a few essential tips in mind when exploring the park:
- Stay Out of Perilous Areas: Never go swimming in water above a waterfall or over railings Unfortunately, each year there are fatal falls and drownings in Yosemite — most of which could be prevented. Remain aware of all caution and warning signs, especially around water (swift flows) or along cliff edges.
- Leave No Trace: Please adhere to Leave No Trace principles. You’re asked to stay on the trails and leave anything that has any sort of historical or Indigenous significance untouched.
- Where Pets are Not Allowed in Yosemite: On most trails. Dogs on leash are welcome on the paved trails that lead from Yosemite Valley, including all of the Valley bicycle paths (and other walkways where bicycles are allowed), Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail and pavement when it is visible at Mirror Lake. Wawona Meadow Loop in Wawona permits pets as well.
Wildlife Safety in Yosemite
Seeing bears and other wildlife can be a highlight of your visit. However, it’s crucial to know how to interact safely with Yosemite’s wild creatures.
- Do Not Feed or Approach Wildlife: Even if it, something as cute and harmless looking as a squirrel, never feed an animal at RMNP. Any action you take on your own may cause serious injury, law violation and or death to the animals in question.
- Bear Safety: Keep food and scented items in bear-proof lockers if provided. Always store food overnight in bear-proof canisters or hang it 10 feet up and four feet out from a vertical structure that would support the hanging of five pounds of gear. It’s also worth noting that “a fed bear is a dead bear.” Panhandled bears that loose their hesitance to humans and follow them for food can end up being a danger bear who, depending on the situation in which it was trained will need put down. When you don’t follow these guidelines, not only do the bears have to die but so could you.
- Seeing a Bear: While black bear sightings are very few and far between, if you do see one it will be unforgettable. If you come across a bear, stick together and do not move. Don’t run. If you were to find yourself in this scenario, the best plan of action would be wait for the bear to move away and then slowly back up. If a bear approaches, strike it if you have something in hand.
- Mountain Lion Sighting: Mountain lion sightings are extremely rare. If you come across one, remain where you are and attempt to front the animal as big as possible without moving. Back away slowly, but continue to face the animal. Wield any of those sticks and wave a rock, If that works.
So keep these tips in mind, and you can enjoy all that Yosemite offers worry free. Bears and mountain lions – while fearsome on paper, are seldom seen in the flesh. I had been there probably 20 times by then and only ever saw a bear once. Obey the rules, especially food storage strategies and you should enjoy a safe as well as unforgettable experience.
Essential Gear for Hiking in Yosemite National Park
While high-end hiking gear isn’t necessary for these basic Yosemite hikes, you will certainly need a few essentials to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and comfortable.
Closed-Toe Shoes: The most appropriate types of shoes for Yosemite are hiking boots, trail runners or even just a sturdy pair of sneakers. Hiking sandals for one might be acceptable on some terrains but they can most definitely lead to pain or injury in many situations. In my own personal experience, I wear a pair of Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes or Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners.
Layers- Weather in the mountains can switch up quickly, layers that you are able to put on or discard quickly is vital.
Protection from the Sun — Check Water and Hat, glasses like we covering for Sport.
Must-Have Items for a Hike in Yosemite National Park
Stay warm, dry and safe in this gear so you have all the time of a day to appreciate Yosemite place around with no irritations. Yosemite, so it does not distract you from the beauty of nature around.
Key take-away even an easy trail requires preparation! These are the things you absolutely must have in your pack when hiking Yosemite
Water: Summers in Yosemite are hot, plus you’re at elevation so bring more water than you think. Even if you are going for a short hike, bring at least 1 pint of water to every half hour and more along with you all day.
First Aid Kit: You should always have a first aid kit in your bag for unforeseeable events.
Snacks: High energy, nutrient-dense snacks to fuel your hike. Add salt and minerals which your body sheds itself in sweat sometimes by eating salty snacks while cycling, they also help keep you hydrated whilst on the trail.
Perhaps one of the most necessary things, a reliable backpack is needed to carry all your gear comfortably.
So, pack these 18 items to enjoy every bit of Yosemite makes available for you and any trail in the park!y your time in Yosemite, no matter the trail you choose.
Top Short & Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park. Most visitors choose to stay in the Valley, where a wide variety of accommodations, activities, dining options, and, of course, short and easy hiking trails await.
1. Lower Yosemite Falls
- Distance: 1.2 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 50′
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #6 (Valleywide Shuttle). Also accessible from Yosemite Visitor Center and Village (15 min walk) and Yosemite Lodge (5 min walk).
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most wonderful waterfalls, where none are more spectacular than Yosemite Falls. At 2,425 feet over three cascades, it is the highest waterfall in North America.
Lower Yosemite Falls, This is an easy hiking route which offer a up-close shot of the waterfall for hiker. Starting from the Shuttle Stop, it wind through huge Pines and granite boulder-strewn forest for an easy half mile to the bottom of lower cascade.
The waterfall is year-round, but a trickle by late summer. In winter and spring, months of maximum snowmelt flow (May – June) -a breathtaking 2,400 gallons per second plummet over the ledge.
The paved, even trail can be enjoyed by people of all ages at different functional levels—strollers and wheelchairs are also welcome. Dogs on leash are also able to use this trail.
The trail starts at Shuttle Stop #6 in Yosemite Valley and can also be entered from elsewhere, such as the Yosemite Visitor Center or Yosemite Lodge via the series of connected walking.
2. Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 75′
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop #6
A popular trail that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley from unique perspectives of Half Dome, Glacier Point and the Merced River.
This trail is a flat 1 mile loop with only a slight elevation gain of 75 feet making it perfect for an easy walk or quick hike. The trail, paved and incorporating sections of boardwalk as well is wheel – stroller- handicapped accessible (not all the way to water’s edge) allows pets.
Cook’s Meadow is among the best places for wildlife viewing in Yosemite and to capture early morning or evening light.
The trail begins at Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop #6 and is also accessible from the nearby visitor center in Yosemite Valley, offering an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out on the trails.
3. Mirror Lake
- Distance: 5 Miles (1 Mile Paved)
- Elevation Gain: 300′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: Yes (On Paved Areas)
- Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #17 / Mirror Lake
This easy, family-friendly trail winds it’s way to the base of Half Dome and up Tenaya Canyon. For a more kid-friendly route, you can start from the Shuttle Stop and follow this 1-mile paved service road to Mirror Lake itself. This section of the trail is also paved and dogs are allowed.
Natural erosion has slowly been filling the lake with silt in the millennia since. Sometimes, you will be accompanied by a dreaming pond in the spring background, It overlooks half dome and granite cliffs By late summer, the region frequently takes on appearance of a prairie. Still possible the anvil hadn’t landed yet 😛 anyway, it’s worth to visit all of them.
The path turns into an unpaved dirt trail along the waterfront closest to the lake and Tenaya Creek. After passing over a few bridges you’ll loop back onto the paved road taking in both natural and manicured vistas.
4. Bridalveil Falls
- Distance: 0.5 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 80′
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead: Bridalveil Fall Parking Area / No Shuttle Service
Upon entering Yosemite National Park visitors might see their first waterfall — Bridalveil Fall, which plunges 620 feet down into the valley.
The wind catches the water as it falls, causing it to spread out into a broad veil-like appearance that gives Bride’s Veil Falls its name. According to the Ahwahneechee tribe, a mirage sha (a good spirit) resided in the falls and watched over Yosemite.
The parking area and short, paved trail were just as nice to the base of the falls which got a recent facelift. Pets on leashes are welcome along the trail, which makes it a good choice for dog walkers. Wheelchair accessibility might be difficult due to a slant on the trail.
5. Valley Loop Trail
- Distance: 20 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,286′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Accessible from multiple Shuttle Stops
While you don’t have to hike all 20 miles, the Valley Loop trail is a moderate 18.6-mile loop that provides an excellent way for visitors and new hikers to get deeper into Glacier’s landscape without heading off-trail or having anything like alpine skiing experience (more on this in another post) before they’re equipped. The mellow Valley Loop Trail loops entirely around Yosemite Valley, with various ways in and out to adjust the length shreddiness of your hike.
While parts of the trail are paved it is primarily a dirt path that winds through meadows and pines past some of Yosemite’s most famous sites, such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail- take a short and sweet stroll or hike it in its entirety, this trail is perfect for those who want direction but not commitment within Yosemite.
6. Mist Trail to Vernal Footbridge
- Distance: 1.6 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 400′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #16 / Happy Isles
Yosemite National Park is home to hundreds of beautiful trails and some are already world-famous like Half Dome summit, El Capitan rock climbing or John Muir Trail among the few ones. Though most of the Mist Trail is famous for ascending with sharp, wet stone steps — there’s a (slightly) easier version in store for folks who’d like to experience it without all that grunt work.
You can also do the easy version and just hike 0.8 miles on a paved walkway to reach Vernal Footbridge and where trail intersects with John Muir Trail junction. Over to the footbridge, due a mile-wide gash alongside Vernal Fall proper and roar as the Merced River comes boiling over into Yosemite Valley.
This claim is accurate as the hike up Vernal Fall provides a moderate challenge with 400 vertical feet gained in just a few short switchbacks, but it is also much less strenuous than climbing all of Mist Trail.
Top Short Hikes in the Wawona & Mariposa Areas
There is more to Yosemite National Park than just the Valley. Every single Yosemite itinerary needs to include the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias — home to some of Earth’s largest living organisms. Situated at the south end of Yosemite, down from the crowded parking lots of Yosemite Valley, more laid-back Wawona offers an array of great short and easy hikes — one that was completely even dog-friendly.
Between the two these areas offer some of our top easy short hikes for all ages and levels in Yellowstone. We list a handful to give you some ideas on how to set out experiencing these incredible places.
7. Grizzly Giant Loop
- Distance: 2 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 350′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Center Shuttle
What makes Yosemite famous are the roaring waterfalls and towering granite cliffs, but also it’s ancient groves of Giant Sequoias — the world’s largest trees.
You can gaze upon some of the park’s most recognizable trees — like Grizzly Giant, California Tunnel Tree, The Bachelor and Three Graces while enjoying an easy hike in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove.
This mostly flat 2-mile loop can be done in less than an hour, making it the perfect hike for kids and other people looking to enjoy a leisurely walk among some of California’s monster trees.
More trails intertwine in this area allowing you to expand your hike into new portions of the grove.
It starts in the Wawona area and is not far from Yosemite Valley (about an hour down towards South Entrance of Yosemite National Park).
The Mariposa Grove Welcome Center has been newly renovated so park here and take the free shuttle bus to drive you right up in front of their gift shop!
The shuttle runs seasonally from April-November, depending on conditions. Shuttles operate NAU Castle parking—a free lot from 6 AM–1:20 PM that are scheduled to arrived every 10-15 minutes beginning at and between the hours of—8AM until either 3:30 or7PM (be sure to check times on their website).
8. Wawona Meadow Loop
- Distance: 3.6 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 350′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead: Wawona Hotel Parking Area / No Shuttle Service
A 3.5 mile round trip dog-friendly trail through Wawona Meadow The walk follows a trail through pine forest with views of the meadow and surrounding mountains. Watch for wildlife like deer, coyotes and the occasional bear.
Mostly level, and unfenced, the trail is a gentle swathe of unsealed bush path with one or two modest inclines. Note that, during rain or snow the trail could get very muddy.
Stop by the historic Wawona Hotel in its ambience with a steep Victorian roofline, initially built and opened for custom back at the end of 1800s before setting off on this way trail.
9. Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail
- Distance: 1.4 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 80′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: End of Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona / No Shuttle Service
In the Wawona area, this short easy jaunt leads across a wooden bridge over Merced River.
Although this is may be the least adventurous trail on the list, it finishes in a location that makes for perfect lounge spot at rivers edge. It is even a good place to swim in the summer, enjoying of natural swimming holes.
This hike is best for visiting the Wawona Campground, staying at the Wawona Hotel or renting a Redwoods cabin vacation rental and perfect as an easy summer afternoon in Yosemite National Park.
10. Lower Chilnualna Falls
- Distance: 1.4 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 80′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona / No Shuttle Service
After years of wandering Yosemite Park this slightly hidden trail is still one of my favorite.
Chilnualna Falls is a relatively undiscovered set of cascading waterfalls hidden in the neighborhoods and vacation homes area of Wawona, near the South Entrance to Yosemite.
The hike starts out as an relatively even trail but has the last 10 minutes with sharp stone steps on its way up to where it ends at the falls.
You can return the way you came from the falls, or continue on for a difficult all-day hike that is 4 extra miles and an additional 2,400 feet of elevation gain to get up high enough after another upper falls where you will be able to see Wawona Valley far below.
Short & Easy Hikes on Glacier Point Road
Enjoy a morning at Glacier Point Road for unbeatable vistas just an hour or two of easy walking. An open paved road from early summer to late fall, The climb is nearly 3000 ft in just over 16 miles. You will have to work for that view, but along the way you get a great perspective as you climb up from Yosemite Valley to this point at Glacier Point.
Along the way, there are several short and sweet hikes that will treat you to sweeping views of all those Yosemite staples — Half Dome, Yosemite Falls.
11. Taft Point
- Distance: 3.2 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 350′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Taft Point Parking Area on Glacier Point Road / No Shuttle Service
The trail to Taft Point is one of the best short hikes along Glacier Point Road, and in Yosemite National Park as a whole.
From a small parking lot off of Glacier Point Road, the easy to follow trail winds its way among lush coniferous old growth on it’s approach towards Taft Point.
When you get to Taft Point, with the fissures — narrow cracks in granite that descend 2,000 feet off of cliff edges and down into Yosemite Valley below.
One of the most exquisite views inside Yosemite, Taft Point. 2,000 feet down the valley in front of you literally fell off a cliff. It is important to keep back from the edge and not walk too near it.
Note: Due to some large drop-offs that are 2,000+ feet down with no railing and steep descents causing skidding if you pop out of your cleats; this is absolutely not a safe trail for children. Children should be supervised, and adults should stay far back from the edge.
To extend the hike, go back to the trailhead and continue on a short one-mile loop with a detour up Sentinel Dome.
12. Sentinel Dome
- Distance: 2.2 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 500′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Taft Point Parking Area on Glacier Point Road / No Shuttle Service
Anyone looking for a few fantastic views and only has time to do one short hike during his or her visit should put the Sentinel Dome trail at the top of their list along Glacier Point Road in Yosemite. The trail leaves from the same parking lot as Taft Point and meanders through a pine forest on its way to the iconic granite dome, Sentinel Dome.
And when you finally make it to the base of this dome, a path beckons across broken rock inviting you to scramble your way up it’s granite face. The gentlest slopes rise on the northeast side. The final climb up the dome becomes a little tougher, but is still suitable for most people in good health and wearing solid footwear (closed-toed).
From the top of Sentinel Dome, enjoy incredible panoramas that extend to the Half Dome view on one side and deep into Yosemite Valley well below. Feel on top of the world atop this dome.
13. Glacier Point
- Distance: 0.5 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 50′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Taft Point Parking Area on Glacier Point Road / No Shuttle Service
Arguably more of a walk than a hike, the path to Glacier Point offers some of Yosemite’s most mesmerizing vistas.
The trail is very short and super easy to hike with parking at the large lot located right off of Glacier Point Road. From here, it’s an easy hike to the overlook that offers incredible views of Half Dome (and most likely as a sandwhich) Yosemite Valley and into the High Sierra backcountry.
This half mile trail is well worth your time to explore beautiful landscapes on all sides.
If you’re fortunate, possibly even see some individuals enjoying the wild endeavor of rock climbing their way up El Capitan throughout the Valley.
Sunset is the perfect time to head up for an unforgettable view of some fantastic lighting on many classic Yosemite landmarks , so there couldn’t be a more lyrical way to end your day.
Top Short & Easy Hikes in the Tioga Road Area
Explore the high country of Yosemite on Tioga Road, a 46-mile scenic drive through some of the most dramatic vistas in all the Sierra Nevada. Higher elevations—above 9,000 feet—are all about granite spires and ridgelines with evergreen crowns nestled among alpine meadows and its high-country lakes.
The weather has to be warm enough that it is entirely ice-free, which occurs from the early summer into autumn before snow covers most high elevation regions of the park.
14. Tenaya Lake
- Distance: 2.7 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 100′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Tenaya Lake Parking Area, Tioga Road
Take a leisurely stroll on the path leading around Tenaya Lake, which is one of Yosemite’s largest alpine lakes and an incredibly popular spot in summer for picnicking, swimming or canoeing.
Park in one of several parking areas off Tioga Road. A trail wanders along the edge of the lake, beneath the great granite features and spires that typify high country Yosemite.
The lake is named after Chief Tenaya, the last chief of the Ahwahneechee — whom once resided in what now bears his name before being pushed out by U.S. military forces and Californian settlers, like for so many other Native tribes across America that came long (or confined) “westward” expansion waves during this mid-1800s period.
It is a short hike great for families and or someone trying to get in an easy walk in one of Yosemite’s most beautiful areas.
15. Soda Springs & Parsons Memorial Lodge
- Distance: 1.5 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 100′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Lembert Dome / Dog Lake Parking Area
A nearby easy trail at Tuolumne Meadows leads to two important historic sites: Soda Springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge, dedicated after the Sierra Club President who played a central role in preserving Yosemite. There is also a little museum and creaky deck at the lodge.
How to get there: Park at the Lembert Dome / Dog Lake parking and walk out from road straight ahead. The result: a slab of the Pacific Crest Trail, one part in an unbroken 2,650-mile.
A easy, flat hike with stunningly beautiful views of Tuolumne’s alpine meadows across a very short distance—ideal for families or even just the stroller set.
16. Tuolumne Grove
- Distance: 2.7 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 625′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Tuolumne Grove Parking Lot
Worth turning off the beaten path to visit While not as well known, Tuolumne Grove is another lovely grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite but a little harder to get too.
The Tuolumne Grove starts with a walk from the parking lot down to the grove that is about 500 feet lower than where you parked. Here, a leisurely walk along an easy nature trail reveals Sequoias standing over 300 feet tall.
You get a good workout returning on the up slope, and though not extremely hard it is nonetheless one of those short but sweet Yosemite hikes that represent somewhat off-the-beaten path Tioga Road treasures.
17. Olmstead Point
- Distance: 0.4 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 40′
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead: Olmstead Point Parking Lot
And for a brief, but scenic stop along Tioga Road head to Olmstead Point. From this point looking directly ahead is an expansive view of Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Canyon.
The Olmstead Point parking area, which is about an hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley.
A granite plateau punctuated by lodgepole pines on the trail to Olmstead Point is mere footsteps from where you park, opening onto wide views over Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest across Tenaya Canyon into Sierra backcountry.
Conclusion
Sitting as one of the jewels in America’s crown, and presenting a landscape whereby nature reminds us just how small we are beneath towering waterfalls and ancient trees; Yosemite National Park. Known for some of the most challenging and famous hikes in our country, this park has many shorter trails that do its beauty justice.
The above shorter hikes show that you do not have to tackle the most challenging treks in order to enjoy some of this spectacular park.
