Hiking in Yosemite

Lower Yosemite Fall in spring.

From a short walk to the base of a waterfall to a multi-day hike deep into the Yosemite Wilderness, taking a hike is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite's spectacular scenery. Yosemite has an extensive network of over 800 miles of hiking trails.

Explore detailed trailhead information in the Hiking Trails section of this app or on the website.

As you are planning your trip, be aware that many trailheads are only accessible by car seasonally. Glacier Point Road is typically open from May to November. Tioga Road is typically open from late May or June to November. Seasonal road closures are dependent on conditions and vary each year. Check historical road opening and closing dates, or find the current road status.

For those wanting to explore further, almost 95% of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and connection. In order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips. Learn more about obtaining a wilderness permit.

Things to Remember While Hiking

• Stay on trails: taking shortcuts causes trail erosion--and is both dangerous and illegal.
• Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water.
• Pets and bicycles are only permitted on bike paths.
• Horses and mules have the right of way on trails.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Trails are not maintained nor are they regularly patrolled: travel carefully and at your own risk.
• Smoking while traveling on trails is prohibited, though you may smoke while stopped except when fire restrictions are in effect. (Crush out and dispose of cigarette butts in a trash receptacle.)

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are allowed on paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley as well as Bridalveil Fall trail, Cook's Meadow loop, the paved road to Mirror Lake (not on the unpaved areas), Lower Yosemite Fall trail, and the Wawona Meadow loop. Pets are not allowed on any other trails, even if carried. Do not leave your animal in your vehicle.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Accessibility varies widely throughout the park's many hiking areas. Some areas are paved and/or wheelchair accessible. Refer to specific trailhead pages for route descriptions and accessibility information.
Service animals are legally permitted on trails. Service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals, as well as service animals in training, are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations.