Best Scenic Backpacking and Overlook Trails in Yosemite National Park
Explore Yosemite National Park's top backpacking and overlook trails where rugged terrain meets stunning panoramas. This guide highlights essential routes, offers practical trail advice, and prepares you for the park’s unique challenges.
Stay Hydrated
Carry at least 3 liters of water for longer hikes and use water purification methods if refilling from natural sources.
Wear Proper Footwear
Hiking boots with good tread and ankle support help navigate wet rocks and uneven granite slabs safely.
Start Early
Begin hikes at dawn to avoid afternoon crowds and heat, and to catch the best natural light for seeing and photographing views.
Respect Weather Changes
Be prepared for sudden temperature drops and afternoon thunderstorms, especially at higher elevations.
Best Scenic Backpacking and Overlook Trails in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park offers some of the most accessible yet breathtaking backpacking and overlook trails in the Sierra Nevada. Each path challenges you to engage with nature as a living force—granite cliffs that hold their ground, rivers that dare you to follow their rush, and forests that whisper the secrets of time. From towering vantage points to quiet forest streams, these trails provide immersive experiences balanced by clear logistical considerations.
Start with the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: A 7-mile roundtrip boasting an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. The trail clings to the river’s edge, where water sprays cool you down and slick rocks demand careful footing. The payoff is a panoramic view of two thundering waterfalls framed by granite cliffs and blue sky. Best tackled early in the day to avoid crowds and slippery conditions.
For backpackers seeking solitude and sweeping panoramas, the Four Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point covers roughly 9.6 miles one-way, gaining nearly 3,200 feet in elevation. The terrain shifts from dense pine forests to exposed rock slabs revealing Yosemite Valley’s full scale below. The climb is steady; carry adequate water and pace yourself for the sustained ascent.
If you want a shorter, manageable overlook trek, the Taft Point and Sentinel Dome loop (about 5 miles) delivers expansive cliffs and views of El Capitan’s sheer face. Exposed sections and some rock scrambling are part of the challenge, but the reward is a broad horizon that holds the park’s iconic granite giants like a silent audience.
Plan for hydration, sturdy footwear with solid tread, and layered clothing to adjust to temperature swings. Trails can be exposed or shaded, and weather changes quickly in the high country. Start hikes early for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography. Keep a sharp eye on river crossings and steep drop-offs—the terrain demands respect.
Yosemite engages every hiker on personal terms: a mix of awe, challenge, and practical preparation. The park’s landscapes don’t submit to conquest but invite thoughtful exploration. These trails offer a reliable structure to unlock that interaction and bring you face to face with natural forces that are as dynamic as your own will to move forward.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near Mariposa
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Mariposa special.
No landmarks available
We're still collecting detailed landmark information for Mariposa. Check back soon for updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are needed for backpacking in Yosemite?
Wilderness permits are required for overnight backpacking in Yosemite. They can be reserved in advance through the park’s permit system, especially during peak seasons to limit trail congestion and protect natural resources.
Are dogs allowed on Yosemite’s backpacking trails?
Dogs are only permitted on paved trails and in developed areas but are not allowed on most backpacking or overlook trails to minimize environmental impact and wildlife disturbances.
What wildlife might I encounter on these trails?
Expect to see mule deer, black bears, coyotes, and a variety of birds like Steller’s jays and peregrine falcons. Maintain a safe distance and store food properly to avoid wildlife interactions.
How difficult is the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point?
It’s considered challenging due to its 3,200 feet elevation gain over nearly 10 miles one-way. Steady pacing and good conditioning are key, and the trail is best undertaken in spring through fall.
Are there lesser-known viewpoints worth visiting?
Yes, sites like Kolana Rock in Hetch Hetchy and Eagle Peak in the Tuolumne Meadows area offer spectacular views with fewer visitors, providing a more solitary experience of Yosemite’s grandeur.
What environmental considerations should hikers keep in mind?
Practicing Leave No Trace principles is vital: pack out all trash, stay on established trails to prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plant life sensitive to human contact.
Recommended Gear
Hiking Boots
Provide support and grip needed for rocky and uneven terrain throughout all seasons.
Hydration System
Critical for maintaining hydration, especially on longer trails and during warm seasons.
Layered Clothing
Allows adaptation to temperature shifts from valley floors to higher elevations.
Trekking Poles
Aid balance on steep or slippery sections and reduce impact on knees during descent.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Illilouette Falls Overlook offers solitude with a striking view of the falls cascading beneath rugged cliffs."
- "Pohono Trail segments showcase less traveled paths with diverse flora and impressive valley views."
Wildlife
- "Black bears frequent meadows in early morning and dusk."
- "Golden-mantled ground squirrels are common on exposed rocky areas."
History
"Yosemite’s trails have been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Ahwahneechee people carved paths that modern hikers use today, reflecting a deep connection to the land."