Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with miles of trails climbing among massive granite towers, roaring waterfalls, and across some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America. And while it might be best known for it’s strenuous treks like Half Dome, there are a ton of incredible easy and short hikes in Yosemite that hikers of all ages and abilities will love to explore!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to, beginner hiker, or traveling with young kids, Yosemite has a ton of easy hikes that get you up close to the stunning scenery — without the exhausting work, permits, or danger of some of it’s more famous hikes!
In this guide, I’m sharing my 17 favorite easy hikes in Yosemite National Park that are perfect for everyone in the family to enjoy. I’ve also included some important tips for exploring my favorite National Parks.
Disclosure: This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!
A Quick Look at the Best Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park
This guide covers each of the best easy trails in Yosemite below, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, here’s a quick look at some of my absolute favorite hikes on this list:
Best Easy Hike in Yosemite With Views: Glacier Point, Taft Point
Best Pet-Friendly Easy Hike in Yosemite: Wawona Meadow Loop, Lower Yosemite Falls
Best Easy Hike in Yosemite for Kids: Grizzly Giant Loop
Best Wheelchair Accessible Hike: Lower Yosemite Falls
Want to learn more about visiting Yosemite National Park? Check out these Yosemite blog posts for suggestions on how to plan the perfect trip to Yosemite National Park.
More Yosemite Posts to Plan Your Next Trip
17 Amazing Easy & Short Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Reservations and Permits 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Best Entrance to Yosemite National Park & Tips for Driving to Yosemite
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite
Want to learn more about planning an epic National Parks trip? Grab my free Ultimate National Parks Planning Guide, including 70+ pages of National Park packing checklists, planning tips, and everything you need to know to start planning a trip to all 63 National Parks!
Important Tips for Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Before we jump into the list of my favorite easy hikes in Yosemite, here are some important tips to keep in mind when hiking in Yosemite National Park:
Update for 2024: Yosemite National Park will require day-use and peak-hours reservations to enter Yosemite for dates in February & April – October 2024. Learn more about these new changes, here.
- Do not enter the water above falls or cross over railings. Unfortunately, fatal falls and drownings occur every year in Yosemite, most of them preventable. Obey all signs and warnings, especially around water and cliff edges.
- Always remember to practice Leave No Trace, stay on designated trails, and respect historic and Indigenous sites.
- Pets in Yosemite: Pets are not permitted on most trails. Leashed pets are allowed on the paved Valley trails (essentially where bicycles are permitted) including the Valley bicycle trails, Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and the paved sections of Mirror Lake. Pets are also permitted on the Wawona Meadow Loop in Wawona.
Bear & Wildlife Safety in Yosemite
Bears and other wild animal sightings are a highlight of visiting Yosemite! In order to keep them, and ourselves safe, it’s important to know how to safely interact with Yosemite’s wild creatures.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife, even the harmless looking squirrels and deer. Doing so puts you at risk of injury, fines, and the animals at risk of illness or death.
- Store food and any scented items in bear-proof lockers where provided, never in tents and never in your vehicle overnight! Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear! Bears that become accustomed to human food or associate people with food can become a problem and may need to be euthanized. Save our furry friends and protect yourself by carefully obeying these food rules.
- If you see a bear: Black Bears sightings are a rare treat in Yosemite. There are no Grizzly Bears in California. Avoid surprising bears by making noise, like talking, while you hike. If you see a bear, remain still, stay together as a group, and do not run away. Once the bear has left the area, back up slowly and calmly to create distance. If you are attacked by a bear, fight back with any objects available.
- If you see a mountain lion: Mountain Lion sightings are extremely rare in Yosemite. Stay calm, do not run away or turn your back to the animal. Make yourself look as large as possible, and pick up small children and pets while slowly creating distance while continuing to face the animal. Throw rocks and wave sticks if necessary.
All that being said, you really don’t have to be scared of bears in Yosemite. I’ve visited this park probably 20 times in my life, and I’ve only been lucky enough to see a bear once. Just obey all rules, especially the ones about food storage, and you’ll almost certainly be fine.
What to Wear for a Hike in Yosemite National Park
You don’t need any fancy hiking gear to tackle these easy hikes in Yosemite. But if you want to stay comfortable and enjoy your hike, I suggest packing these hiking clothes:
- Closed Toe Shoes: A good pair of hiking boots, trail runners, or even sneakers with good tread are a must when visiting Yosemite. While it’s possible to wear hiking sandals on most of these trails, in my experience you’ll be pretty uncomfortable and more likely to injure yourself.I love my Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes or my Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners.
- Layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so wear layers that can be easily removed or added as needed.
- Sun Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and tons of sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense Sierra sun.
Learn more about dressing for a day hike and my favorite clothes for hiking, here.
What to Bring on a Hike in Yosemite National Park
It’s important to be prepared – even on an easy trail! Don’t forget these essential hiking items on your trip to Yosemite.
- Water : Summers are hot in Yosemite, and hiking at higher elevation plus the relentless heat means you’ll need plenty of water, even on an easy hike! Bring more water than you think you need! – at least 1/2 Liter for every hour of hiking, more if you plan on exploring all day.
- First-Aid Kit: Always carry a small first-aid kit in case of any emergencies.
- Snacks: Pack high-energy and nutrient-dense snacks to keep your energy levels up during the hike. Salty snacks and electrolytes can help you retain water and are critical to staying hydrated while exploring.
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack is necessary to carry all your essentials comfortably. Check out my favorite day-hiking backpacks, here.
Learn more about what to bring on your next day hike in my in-depth guide, here.
Map of My Favorite Easy Hikes in Yosemite
An important thing to remember is Yosemite is huge – about 748,000 acres, or about the size of the state of Rhode Island! Make sure to carefully plan your day before, and pick hikes and activities that are close together – otherwise you might waste hours driving from spot to spot!
You can use the map below to see where each trailhead is located.
How to Use This Map: Click the Icons on the map to see more information about each location. Click the star at the top of the map to add the map to your Google Maps account.
If you want to take the stress out of planning the perfect Yosemite itinerary, check out these downloadable Yosemite Itinerary Guides, filled with daily itineraries and the best insider tips to navigating Yosemite National Park!
Best Short & Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is the heart of Yosemite National Park. Most visitors stay in the Valley, where there are tons of hotels, campgrounds, activities, dining, and of course a huge selection of short and easy hiking trails!
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 world-famous for her waterfalls, and it doesn’t get any better (or bigger!) than this one! Yosemite Falls thunders 2,425 feet over 3 cascades, making it the tallest waterfall in North America.
The Lower Yosemite Falls hike is an easy and accessible trail that offers stunning views of the waterfall. From the Shuttle Stop, the trail winds for an easy half mile through tall pines and granite boulders, before arriving at the bottom of the lower cascade.
The falls flow year-round, although they are little more than a trickle during late summer. During the peak spring snowmelt (May – June) an astounding 2,400 gallons PER SECOND flow over the top.
The trail is paved and flat, making it perfect for all ages and abilities. You can even take a wheelchair or stroller on this hike, and leashed pets are permitted.
The trail starts at Shuttle Stop #6 in Yosemite Valley, but you can also access it from other locations such as the Yosemite Center, and and Yosemite Lodge, via the interconnected walking and biking trails.
Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop
Distance: 1 Mile
Elevation Gain: 75′
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop #6
The Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop is a popular trail that offers breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, including stunning vistas of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point.
The loop trail is only 1 mile long, with an easy elevation gain of 75 feet, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick hike. This is a paved trail and boardwalk, and is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Cook’s Meadow is a great spot for wildlife viewing, especially at dawn and sunset.
The trail begins at the Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop #6, and is also easily accessible from the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
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
Walk to the base of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon on this easy, family-friendly trail. From the Shuttle Stop, walk 1 mile on the paved service road which leads to the lake. Dogs are permitted on this paved section of the trail, only.
Due to natural erosion, this lake is slowly filling with silt. In the spring you might find a glassy pond, reflecting Half Dome and the surrounding granite cliffs. But in summer, you’ll probably only find what looks like a large meadow. Either way, the views are worth it!
From the lake’s edge, the trail becomes a unpaved dirt, following the edge of the lake and Tenaya Creek and across several bridges, before returning to the paved road.
Bridalveil Falls
Distance: 0.5
Elevation Gain: 80′
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Trailhead: Bridalveil Fall Parking Area / No Shuttle Service.
Bridalveil Fall cascades 620 feet into Yosemite Valley, and is often the first waterfall visitors encounter when entering Yosemite National Park.
The falls get their name from the wind whipping through the falls, making the ribbon of water look like a graceful bride’s veil.
The Ahwahneechee tribe believed the fall to be the home of a protective spirit who watched over the valley.
This recently renovated parking area and short paved trail leads to the base of the falls. Leashed pets are welcome on this trail. Due to the grade of the trail, wheelchairs are not recommended.
Valley Loop Trail
Distance: 20 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,286′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Accessible from multiple Shuttle Stops.
Don’t worry – you don’t need to hike all 20 miles to enjoy the Valley Loop Trail. This gentle loop trail circles the entire Yosemite Valley in one giant loop, with dozens of access points and short connector trails to make this as short, or as long, of a hike as you want.
While some sections of the trail are paved, most of it is a dirt trail that winds through meadows, pines, and along the base of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks, like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Bridelveil Falls, and Glacier Point.
Mist Trail to Vernal Footbridge
Distance: 1.6
Elevation Gain: 400′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Shuttle Stop # 16 / Happy Isles
One of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite, the Mist Trail takes you up close and personal with two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls – Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The entire Mist Trail is a strenuous trail, with thousands of feet of elevation gain over slippery stone stairs.
For a much easier version of this hike, walk the paved 0.8 miles to the Vernal Footbridge and John Muir Trail junction.
From here, you can see Vernal Fall about a mile away, as well as the thundering roar of the Merced River below you as it makes its way down into Yosemite Valley behind you.
This trail is more on the moderate side of easy, with 400 feet of elevation gain in under a mile.
Best Short Hikes in the Wawona & Mariposa Area
There’s more to Yosemite than just the Valley. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite is home to some of the largest trees in the world, and a must-see on any Yosemite itinerary. Away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley, Wawona is a (slightly) quieter side of Yosemite with some great short and easy hiking trails, including an entirely dog-friendly trail!
These two regions offer some of the best easy and short hikes in the park, perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your adventure in these stunning areas.
Grizzly Giant Loop
Distance: 2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 350′
Wheelchair Accessible:
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Center Shuttle
Yosemite is famous for it’s roaring waterfalls and granite giants, and also it’s magnificent groves of Giant Sequoia trees, the largest trees on earth.
On this easy hike in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove, you can see the most famous trees in the park, including the Grizzly Giant, California Tunnel Tree, the Bachelor, and the Three Graces.
This 2 mile loop is mostly flat and can be easily completed in under an hour, making it a perfect short hike for families or those looking for a leisurely stroll through the giant trees.
There are tons of interconnected trails here, making it easy to extend your hike if you want to explore more of the grove.
The trailhead is located near the Wawona area and South Entrance of Yosemite National Park, approximately 1 hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley.
Park at the newly renovated Mariposa Grove Welcome Center, and take the free shuttle bus to the Grove.
The Shuttle operates seasonally, April through November, depending on conditions. Shuttles arrive every 10 to 15 minutes starting at 8AM and ending between 3:30 and 7PM (check website for specific operating times).
Wawona Meadow Loop
Distance: 3.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 350′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Trailhead: Wawona Hotel Parking area / No Shuttle Service
This is an easy loop through Wawona Meadow and is the only dog-friendly trail in the Park outside of Yosemite Valley.
The trail winds through the pine forest with views of the meadow and surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for a chance to see wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and the occasional bear.
The trail is mostly flat and unpaved with a few small inclines. In my experience, this trail can get pretty muddy during rain and snow.
Stop by the historic Wawona Hotel, a Victorian-style lodge dating back to the late 1800s, before heading out on this easy trail.
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
Another favorite easy trail in the Wawona area is the Swinging Bridge Trail. This easy short trail leads to a wooden bride over the Merced River.
While it’s not the most exciting hike on this list, this hike ends at the perfect spot for a chill picnic along the river, or during summer, the perfect swimming hole for playing in the river.
If you’re staying at the nearby Wawona Campround, Wawona Hotel, or Redwoods vacation rentals, this makes for the perfect easy afternoon hike for a lazy summer day in Yosemite National Park.
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 literally decades of visiting Yosemite National Park, this semi-hidden gem trail is one of my favorites!
Chilnualna Falls is a lesser-known set of cascading waterfalls hidden in a residential / vacation home area of Wawona, near the South Entrance to Yosemite National Park.
The trail is mostly flat to start, with about 10 minutes of steep stone stairs as you reach the falls at the end.
From here you can return the way you came, or if you’re prepared for a strenuous all-day hike, continue another 4 miles and 2,400′ of elevation gain to the top of the upper Falls with great views of Wawona Valley below.
Short & Easy Hikes on Glacier Point Road
For out-of-this-world views that only require short easy hikes, spend the day driving Glacier Point road. This paved road, open from early summer to late fall, climbs over 3000 feet in just 16 miles. Along the way you’ll be treated to incredible views as you ascend from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point.
Stop and check out some of these short and easy hikes along the way, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, as
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
One of the best hikes along Glacier Point Road, heck in all of Yosemite is the short and easy trail to Taft Point.
The trail starts from a small parking lot just off Glacier Point Road and follows a well-maintained path through beautiful forested areas until reaching Taft Point.
Once you near Taft Point, you’ll start to see the fissures – narrow cracks int he granite that lead all the way to the Valley floor, 2000′ feet below.
Waiting for you at Taft Point is simply one of the most beautiful views in Yosemite (which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful place in the world, so 🤷♀️). From here, the valley suddenly drops over 2,000 feet below you. Use your common sense and stay back from the ledge and watch your step here!
A fair warning for hiking with small kids here: There are no railings, and steep sudden drops of over 2,000 feet along this hike. Stay back from the edge and watch children carefully here.
To make this hike a little longer, return to the trailhead and take the trail on the left to combine it with a short hike to nearby Sentinel Dome, below.
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
If you’re looking for a short hike with incredible views, the short trail to Sentinel Dome is a must-do in Yosemite along Glacier Point road. The trail starts at the same parking lot as Taft Point and steadily climbs until you reach the giant granite dome, Sentinel Dome.
Here you’ll have to pick a route to scramble up the granite dome to the top. The Dome is easiest to climb from the northeast side, where the grade is less steep.
The modest incline and short climb up the Dome at the end makes this hike more on the moderate side, but still very doable for anyone wearing closed-toe shoes with good traction.
From the top of the dome, you’ll have 360 degree views, including Half Dome, the high sierra backcountry, and Yosemite Valley thousands of feet below you. You’ll honestly feel like you’re on top of the world!
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
Less of a hike and more of a short walk, it’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful than view from Glacier Point!
To access this short and super easy trail in Yosemite, park at the large parking lot at the end of Glaicer Point Road. From there , it’s a short walk to the overlook where you’ll find stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the high sierra backcountry.
Although this trail is only half a mile long, make sure to take your time and really soak in the breathtaking scenery.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot some rock climbers scaling up El Capitan across the Valley.
For an unforgettable experience, hike to Glacier Point at sunset and witness the sky light up with brilliant colors over the iconic landmarks of Yosemite. It’s an incredible way to end a day in Yosemite National Park.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in The Tioga Road Area
Ascend into Yosemite’s high country via Tioga Road, a scenic 46-mile drive that takes you through some of the most breathtaking views in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you wind your way up to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, you’ll be surrounded by stunning vistas of granite peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal clear lakes.
Due to winter weather, this area of the park is only open each year for a short season, from early summer to late fall. Check Park road updates, here.
Tenaya Lake
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 100′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Tenaya Lake Parking Area, Tioga Road
Take an easy hike around Tenaya Lake, one of Yosemite’s largest alpine lakes, and a popular spot in the summer for picnicking, swimming, and canoeing.
Park in one of the several parking areas along Tioga Road. The trail winds along the shores of the lake, past massive granite formations and spires that dominate the Yosemite high country.
The lake is named for Cheif Tenaya, the last leader of the Ahwahneechee, who once inhabited Yosemite, before being driven from the land by US military and California settlers.
This short hike is perfect for families or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll in one of Yosemite’s most picturesque locations.
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 flat trail through Tuolumne Meadows to two historic sites: Soda Springs, where carbonated water naturally bubbles out of the ground, and Parsons Memorial Lodge, dedicated to Sierra Club President Parsons who fought to preserve Yosemite, which houses a small museum and sitting area.
To access this trail, park at the Lembert Dome / Dog Lake parking area, and follow the road straight ahead. You’re currently walking on the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650 mile hiking trail that winds from the Mexican border in San Diego to the Canadian Border in Washington.
The gentle terrain and short distance make this hike perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxed walk in the beautiful Tuolumne alpine meadows of Yosemite.
Tuolumne Grove
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 625′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Tuolumne Grove Parking Lot
The Tuolumne Grove is a lesser-known grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite, but these giants are just as impressive, if not a little harder to get to.
This trail begins at the Tuolumne Grove parking lot and descends about 500 feet to reach the grove itself. Once you’re in the grove, an easy nature trail winds past massive Sequoias.
The uphill return is not easy, making this more of a moderate trail, but still a relatively short hike in Yosemite, and a hidden gem in the Tioga Road area.
Olmstead Point
Distance: 0.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 40′
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Pet Friendly: No
Trailhead: Olmstead Point Parking Lot
For those looking for a short and scenic stop along Tioga Road, Olmstead Point is a must-see destination. This viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Tenaya Canyon.
Park at the Olmsted Point Parking area, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley.
The trail is an easy climb/walk over the granite plateau to Olmstead Point, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest, and the Sierra backcountry.
Conclusion
Yosemite National Park is one of the wonders of America’s National Parks, and a must-see for anyone who loves mind-blowing views, thundering waterfalls, and majestic, ancient trees. While this Park is famous for some of the world’s most challenging and iconic hikes, it also has a ton of equally awesome short and easy hikes.
These short and easy hikes in Yosemite are proof that you don’t have to tackle the hardest trails to experience the beauty of this incredible National Park.
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New River Gorge: Beautiful Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
