A nice, short hike for those who want to have something to do before or after checking into the…read morehotel for your Yosemite trip. The trail is uphill for about 20-25 minutes at a moderate pace, before going downhill slightly. There you will find "Glass Rock" where there is a lot of natural rock seating for you to enjoy the lake view. If you time it right, you can enjoy the sunset here, but make sure to bring a headlamp to assist with the return trip since it will be pretty dark by then. The hike uphill is grueling enough to make you squirm a little bit, but rewarding with a great view and seating. This area is really remote, with only a few road-side parking spots. To spot the "trailhead" look for the trail right next to the cut up logs. The trail is in average condition. Hopefully people can take better care of it by carrying out their own trash and adhere to "no trace" exploring. It seems someone also built a fire pit here too (not sure if that is legal).

Elizabeth Lake is a spectacular lake you can hike to when traveling in Yosemite along Tioga Pass…read more There's no roadside signs pointing to it, as the trailhead begins at the back of the Tuolumne Meadows campground. There's a parking lot just prior to the entrance to the campground that is for general parking, if you're coming from the direction of Tenaya Lake (go past the Cathedral Lakes and Visitor Center parking.) There was also a small lot near the trailhead itself but it wasn't clear if it was reserved for campers or not. Parking at the lot just prior to the campgrounds, I took a small path through the woods and followed the "B" campsites to B50, towards the back of the campgrounds. There's a restroom with flush toilets and the sign to the trail itself you'll see facing the woods. The trail climbs steadily but not too steeply. You'll gain about 900 feet over about 1.5 miles, then it levels out a bit until you reach a signed junction to Elizabeth Lake on your right. That's where the real views begin. While it's a nice forested hike, on the way up, the scenery is average. Once you turn off towards the lake, though, you start to get more spectacular views of the granite peaks, rock hop across a creek and wind your way over to the lake itself. It's a beautiful area with the reflection of granite peaks visible with the right lighting. There's a discernible trail to take all the way around the lake, which I decided to do, since out and back to the lake itself is short (less than 5 miles RT.) Around the lake had a few muddy patches and I would imagine that early in the summer, it may be too muddy to take the full trail around. After doing the full loop, it was nice to sit on the lakeside boulders to enjoy lunch before heading back down the trail. It's either flat or all downhill on the way back. Not too crowded on a weekday-we saw about 5 other parties the whole way there and back. Great way to experience the higher elevation hiking of Yosemite on a fairly moderate, shorter hike.

Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Cathedral Range…read moreLength: 4.6 total miles Elevation Gain: Minimal Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate, only because of steady climbing Duration: 2 to 4 hours Season: All summer; whenever Tioga Road is open Local Contacts: Yosemite National Park Local Maps: USGS Vogelsang Peak quad Elizabeth Lake lies in a picture postcard setting at the foot of Unicorn Peak, a walk of only an hour or two from the Tuolumne Meadows Campground, so it is very popular; start early in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you have less than a full day to spend in the high country, but would like a true taste of subalpine backcountry travel in a small dose, this hike is a good choice. It?s also a perfect warm-up hike if you have just arrived in Tuolumne Meadows and need to acclimatize before tackling a longer or more demanding trip.

Fresno Dome: 2025 Sep 23 (5 of 5)…read more We're hosting a friend who's never been to Fresno Dome so we decided to take him there. Fresno Dome looks like a smooth dome from afar but it's actually granite rocks of different shapes and sizes coming together to create this geological marvel. I'm always amazed when we reach the top of the dome. Once you get to the top of this granite dome, you can be assured of breathtaking panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Southern Yosemite National Park. Its rocky facade made this easier to climb, but the last time I hiked Fresno Dome was in July - so, I felt a need to get lessons from a goat. Goats are incredibly agile climbers - ascending steep slopes and leaping over mountains in their sure-footed hooves. I wonder if they'll give me lessons on how to climb mountains. Hmm... What to wear: Layer your clothing. You get sweaty on the way up, but at the top, you may feel a chill. Hiking shoes or hiking boots are a must. We actually saw a woman in sandals. That's a firm No-No. One slip and you'll be flying down the slopes. What to bring: Water and snacks. You'll need more than one bottle of water per person (I usually bring 3). Dehydration sets in fast, especially when you sweat. We bring snacks because when you reach the top, you would want to stay to enjoy the breeze and the views. Just remember to bag your trash and take them with you. What to expect: Mosquitoes, bugs, ants, etc. It's their land you're wondering into. On the flip side, you'll be amazed by beautiful butterflies, plants and wildflowers (depending on the season).

Situated between Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 7,450 feet, Fresno Dome is…read moreone of those elegant granite formations for which the Sierra Nevada is famous for. Fresno Dome is a popular destination for rock climbers, but hikers can also reach the summit via a short trail that climbs the dome's gently sloping backside. Reference: MAREK WARSZAWSKI / THE FRESNO BEE | FEBRUARY 03, 2009 11:17 AM I didn't realize it's only a 1.6 mile round trip , it felt much longer but it's an easy peasy hike which rewards you with beautiful views of the Sierra from the top. Easy at first but gets pretty steep at the top . Since my baby bear has intellectual disabilities and autism, he's not too aware of danger, we stopped midways of the dome . We were still rewarded with gorgeous views from midways. It was pretty muddy at the begging of the hike , we had to hop from one rock to another to avoid getting our hiking boots wet. After that it's a easy hike ( except pretty steep at the top). Hella winding road to get to the trailhead, it's unpaved dirt road towards the end. I don't recommend you going if you don't wanna get your vehicles dirty lol. We saw a beautiful owl with his wings wide opened atop a tree stump near the trailhead. I wasn't able to capture it with my phone but the image is still very clear in my head after four years. Cheers to the great outdoors (^｡^)

Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: El Portal…read moreLength: 12.6 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,170 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult Duration: 6 hours-2 days Season: Best July to September Trailhead Elevation: 7,500 feet Top Elevation: 9,670 feet Other Uses: Horses The Ten Lakes Basin is extremely popular with weekend backpackers, for with only a few hours' hiking effort you can attain any of its seven major lakes. The three most accessible receive moderate-to-heavy use, but the other four, off the beaten track, are worth the effort for those who want relatively secluded camping. These lakes plus the two Grant Lakes are situated at about 8950 to 9400 feet, making them subalpine. Still, at least the three lowest of the Ten Lakes Basin warm sufficiently for enjoyable midsummer swimming

Soda Springs is one of my favorite spots to visit in Tuolumne. It's easy to get to, and it's…read morebeautiful in an other-worldly sort of way. Several small natural springs bubble up from the ground in this area. The mineral content causes the surrounding soil to become all shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. There is a small wooden fence built around the main springs to protect them from grazing wildlife. The walk out to the springs is a very short, accessible five minute walk from the parking lot. To make a day trip out to Soda Springs, you don't need any kind of special permit for hiking or parking (although you do need these things if you are planning to backpack overnight). The visitation fees are included in the entrance fees to Yosemite. The first time I ever visited Tuolumne, my friend showed me Soda Springs. Back then, it was not quite so touristy, and the water was not thought to be contaminated. We used to bring sterile water bottles to fill up, but these days, I would strongly advise against doing this-- you might be clean, but the person who filled up an hour before you might have contaminated the spring. (I've seen people let their dogs walk through the springs.) (Pets are not allowed in any water source in Yosemite, including the spring water.) The view of Tuolumne and the mountains from the springs is very pretty. Definitely worth checking out or including in your hike if you're in the area.

Nice flat easy hike on dirt trail from Tuolumne Meadows to the Soda Springs…read more I think it's worth it to hike here because it's a really beautiful area with the creeks and meadows. You can drink the water but it doesn't taste very good as it's really high in iron. We tried a sip!

How we even stumbled upon this trail is beyond me. Probably the highlight of my trip there. Was…read morepretty easy flat trail getting there. Took some time though just on account of going off the trail and seeing as much as possible. Nice trail and the views are spectacular!!!

This is one of the best hikes I've ever been on…read more To get here, you go to glacier point and go off towards the sides and there is a sign that tells you how long each trail is. I think you can also get to Nevada falls but it was about 5 miles away (one-way). It says on the sign that this hike is 1.5 miles (one way)....THAT IS A LIE. I swear it's about 2-3 miles!! It's completely downhill but don't let that fool you! The trail can get very rocky and unstable so watch your step!! Some parts are also very steep so don't slip! And don't forget that you have to climb all the way back up to get back to glacier point!! When we reached the bottom, you get to a bridge and then you see Illilouette Fall. It's not your typical waterfall, where you see the water coming off the cliff. It's more off a cascade of water going downwards, beautifully glistening off the rocks. It just looks like a piece of art, the water gently gliding down the very smooth rocks. Be careful about stepping into those part because its very slippery! At the bottom of the fall, there is a pool of water, perfect for swimming!! I just love how you can literally sit next to the waterfall, dipping your feet in. Just laying there made me feel so rejuvenated. I went in mid-late July so there wasn't as much water. This is probably why I could sit next to the waterfall on some of the smooth rocks. The hike back up was such a mind game. It was so steep on some parts that I had to just remind myself to take it one step at a time. Remember, it's all uphill when you go back!! It's weird though, it took us 1.5-2 hours to get down to the falls, but 1 hour to get back! I guess when you really put your mind to it, going uphill isn't so bad!!

Vernal Fall is one of those places that makes you feel completely alive. We hiked the Mist Trail in…read moreearly May, and the waterfall was absolutely roaring from the snowmelt. The closer we got, the louder it became -- until the sound of the water completely took over the entire trail. The famous stone steps beside the fall are intense, steep, slippery, and honestly exhausting, but that's also what makes the experience unforgettable. The mist was everywhere, soaking everyone on the trail, but it felt refreshing after the climb. At some points it almost felt like hiking through rain created by the waterfall itself. What I loved most was the raw energy of the place. Vernal Fall doesn't just look beautiful -- you actually feel its power. The massive granite walls, the rushing emerald water, the cold mist in the air, and the views opening up behind you all create something truly special. Early May was the perfect time to go because the waterfall was at full force, yet the trail still felt surprisingly peaceful compared to peak summer season. Every turn looked like a postcard. It's definitely a challenging hike, especially with all the stairs, but completely worth it. Vernal Fall is not just another scenic stop in Yosemite -- it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Vernal Falls -- Worth Every Single Step If you only have one…read moreday in Yosemite, make Vernal Falls your non-negotiable stop. We tackled the Mist Trail, and those roughly 600 steps are no joke -- massive, uneven granite blocks stacked steep and relentless all the way up. My legs felt it. My lungs felt it. But every single step was earned and every single step was worth it. As you climb, the roar of the waterfall gets louder and the mist starts hitting your face -- cool, refreshing, almost surreal. And then you see it: a full rainbow forming right at the base of the falls from the spray. I'm not exaggerating -- it stopped me in my tracks. Standing there watching that rainbow arc through the mist with the massive cascade thundering down the granite wall behind it? That's a moment no camera fully captures, but you'll never forget it. Crowds weren't bad for us, which made it feel almost personal. The view from the top looking out across the valley is the cherry on top. Come prepared: solid grip shoes are a must -- those steps are wet and slippery. Bring water, a poncho, and start early. This hike is a workout, but it delivers one of the most breathtaking natural moments you'll ever experience.

Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK…read moreLength: 13 total miles Elevation Gain: 3700 Trail Type: Out n Back Skill Level: Moderately Strenuous Duration: 3.5-4.0 Season: Year-round Smith Peak is the highest point in the area and offers outstanding views. It has two trail head options. One route begins 6 miles beyond the entrance station. This trail is 13 miles round trip with 3700 feet elevation gain. Patches of snow the week of Thanksgiving day was everywhere. This is a very much less visited area of Hetch Hetchy. The trail to go up the peak itself is not very clear so a GPS is highly recommended. The beginning of the hike starts on an almost vertical switch back from the start. The trail head is the last one on your right as you're driving in before you reach the reservoir. The top boasts of an expansive view of the Hetch Hetchy area. The sun was shining and it was warm when we got to the top. A "seal" that was placed there in the 1940's was at the very highest point. Rocks to sit and enjoy the view was everywhere. Definitely a vertical fall if one is not careful. This is definitely a place to visit and to enjoy solitude. NO ONE was on the trail except us. The other route begins at the entrance station is 16 miles round trip with 3300 feet gain. The Smith Peak trails can be used to access the high country.