A hiking we will go...
What is so fabulous about Yosemite? There are dozens of incomparable meadows, more than a hundred lakes, plus waterfalls as tall as a 200-story building, trees the size of rocket ships, mountains the size of - well, mountains - and even a few beaches.
Here is a sneak peek of three popular hiking adventures.
Plunging 620 feet, Bridalveil Falls Trail is often the first waterfall you will see when entering Yosemite Valley. This trail is considered to be one of the easiest hiking trails as elevation is 80 feet and usually takes 20 minutes to explore as it is 0.5 miles.
Enjoy some solitude in western Yosemite Valley on the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. This mostly level trail follows many of the Valley’s first east-west trails and wagon roads. Hike through meadows, forests, and beside the Merced River. Along the way, enjoy striking views of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Three Brothers, Yosemite Falls, and more. The Trail is 11.5 miles and takes 5-7 hours to hike the full loop and is 7.2 miles and takes 2.5 – 3.5 hours to do half loop.
Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Valley Loop Trails are open year round.
Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. The 14- to 16-mile round-trip Half Dome Day hike to Half Dome can take 10 to 12 hours and is considered strenuous and difficult. Much of the hike to Half Dome is an adventure into wilderness and along the way, you will see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Half Dome Day hike is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day and tickets are available via lottery in March.
