Six Easy Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in California. It's said that in Yosemite you'll find one of the most amazing waterfalls in the state. It got me really excited as we'd planned to go there with numerous failed attempts: no available campground spots, forest fires, closure due to the ashy air quality, and, of course, the infamous COVID virus. Finally, things went according to plan and we were able to drive to Yosemite in October 2020. Let's go!
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Sidenote about us: little did we know I was already pregnant with our little boy during this visit. I was puzzled why I was feeling tired, moody, and sleepy; so my very understanding husband decided we do the easy hikes. Therefore, these six hiking trails are doable for an early first-trimester pregnant lady so even beginner hikers can manage these hikes. If you're pregnant, check out my "Journey to Motherhood" Pregnancy Tips when traveling and Minimalist Baby Essentials."
First things first...
What you need to know before visiting Yosemite National Park
1. As of 2023, a Reservation is NOT needed to enter the park.
(The reservation was imposed back then due to safety and pandemic protocols. Normally, you don't need a reservation. The reservation fee is 2 USD per vehicle and is valid for 7 consecutive days. You must register an account with recreation.gov and get a vehicle permit. Check out the Yosemite Park website for the latest updates).
2. You will need a PARK PASS. This is available at the Yosemite Park Entrance and costs around 35 USD per vehicle. However, if you plan on visiting more than one national park for a year, you might as well get an Annual National Park Pass for 80 USD which is valid for a year with access to other national parks like Grand Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and more. The annual pass is available at REI or Big 5 stores. We have the annual pass which saved us time at the entrance station. Knowing that we're supporting our national forests makes us really happy.
3. Make sure to check ROAD CONDITIONS in advance by calling 209-372-0200. Press 1 then 1. Also, check on the WEATHER CONDITION which can be found here at National Weather Service.
4. We brought our own FOOD supplies for convenience. There's also a grocery store inside the visitor center if you need more supplies; however, due to the pandemic, there will be a line going inside the store.
5. There are plenty of ACCOMMODATIONS in Yosemite: campgrounds, inns, hotels, and motels. You need to reserve 3-6 months ahead of time for the campgrounds unless you're lucky enough to find a cancellation. We booked a lodge at Mariposa, the closest town to Yosemite Park. This is located all the way outside the park so expect some driving.
First Day
Check-in: Mother Lode Lodge @ booking.com
Address: 5051 CA-140, Mariposa, CA 95338
4 days 3 nights for 300 USD
We stayed at Mother Lodge as all the campsites were booked and only limited camps were available due to the pandemic. The lodge is conveniently close to restaurants, souvenir shops, and a gas station.
Drive from Mother Lodge to Yosemite National Park: 1 hour
Gas ahead of time at Mariposa if you want to save some money. There's a Chevron on the endless road to the visitor center; but of course, expect the price to be really high.
First Hike: Mirror Lake Loop
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Behind me is the bone-dry Mirror Lake and the awesome view of Half Dome. Half Dome is a popular granite rock formation that lies on the east end of Yosemite Valley. If you want to hike Half Dome, you will need to get a permit obtained through a lottery process.
How to get there: follow the signs and trail map given at the park entrance
Location: Near Yosemite Valley
AllTrails route: Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation: 147 ft
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: Mirror Lake and view of Half Dome
On our way to Mirror Lake, we saw this beautiful bridge and stayed there for a few minutes to take some photos.
After we finished the hike, we passed by this kinda "Game of Thrones" feels tree roots along the paved road.
Hiking tip: Invest in reliable hiking boots for comfort and safety.
Check out our Favorite and Trusted Hiking Gears
Second Day
Second Hike: Bridalveil Falls
10:30 - 11:30 am
The Bridalveil Falls during the month of October. If you want to see more of its watery veil, visit in the month of May or June. From the street parking area to this view was a very short walk. The trail is cut off short from here due to construction.
How to get there: (Our hike was cut short due to construction).
Location: Near Yosemite Valley
All trails route: Bridalveil Falls Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation: 85 ft
Duration: 15 minutes
Highlights: Bridalveil Falls and view of El Capitan
El Capitan is located on the opposite side of Bridalveil Falls. El Capitan is an iconic vertical rock on the west end side of Yosemite Valley. T his majestic granite rock formation is about 3,000 feet above the valley floor and a favorite spot for rock climbers.
Third Hike: Lower Yosemite Falls
Lunch @ Falls view
11:45 am - 12:45 pm
The glorious Yosemite Falls with no water flowing on it and with no interruptions. We only saw three hikers here, a group of bike riders passing by, and a family having a picnic. It's best to catch the falls in May or June after the snow melts but expect a crowd of people on summer days.
How to get there:
Location: Near Yosemite Valley
All trails route: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation: 59 ft
Duration: 30 minutes
Highlights: Lower Yosemite Falls
Another viewing area is Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. There's a bench here where you can grab a bite and just look at the magnificent rock formation in front of you.
Fourth Hike: Vernal Falls
1:30 - 2:30 pm
From the footbridge, you will see Vernal Falls here during the summer season. Vernal Falls is a beautiful 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River located in Yosemite Valley.
How to get there: (Our hike was cut short due to a trail closure).
Location: Near Yosemite Valley
All trails route: Vernal Falls Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 59 ft
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Highlights: Vernal Falls
During our hike, the famous Mist Trail was closed so we took the John Muir Trail.
A scenic route to Vernal Falls.
Third-Day
Fifth Hike: Taft Point
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Lunch break view of the magnificent Yosemite Valley.
How to get there:
Location: Near Yosemite Valley
All trails route: Taft point and the fissures
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation: 374 ft
Duration: 1 hour
Highlights: Overlooking view of Taft Point
Sixth Hike: Tuolumne Grove
Tuolumne Grove is the first stop along Tioga Road. This is part of the Tioga Pass which is on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park.
How to get there:
Location: Near Yosemite Valley, Tioga Road
All trails route: Tuolumne Grove Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 374 ft
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Highlights: Overlooking view of Taft Point
A Sequoia tree standing tall and mighty can be seen in this grove. This is a great introduction to our next hiking trip to Sequoia National park.
Sunset along Tioga Road was a perfect way to end this trip.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Check out the easiest trail in Malibu the Topanga Lookout Trailhead, California.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to another U.S. state situated in the Pacific Ocean, the Beautiful Island of Hawaii.
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