Friday Five
In case you forgot (I know I always do), one of our nation’s greatest national parks is just three to four hours away. And starting back on November 1, visitors can now go back to visiting Yosemite National Park without needing to reserve a day permit. So in case you’ve been itching to get some nature in, it’s time to get in a car and enjoy the crisp fall air while it lasts. We’ve compiled five easy to moderate hikes where you can enjoy the views that Yosemite has to offer, without you having to free solo the El Capitan or score one of those elusive camping permits. Don’t forget to stay safe by masking up and socially distancing whenever possible on these hikes.
Note: Yosemite National Park may close some roads for the winter, so make sure to check here to plan your visit accordingly.
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1. Sentinel/Cook’s Meadow Loop
Distance: 2.25 miles round trip
If you’re feeling especially cooped up in your apartment, start with this hike when you arrive at the park. Get breathtaking views of the meadows, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock, and Half Dome without having to exert superhuman effort. This flat, easy hike has no elevation, although it may take longer than you anticipate — you’ll want to stop at every couple of minutes to snap a shot. Since this hike is paved, it’s also another dog-friendly hike. If you feel like going a little longer, this trail also goes past the trailhead of Lower Yosemite Falls, where you will be able to see part of North America’s tallest waterfall.
2. Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Distance: 2.5 miles
If you’re a fan of feeling small amongst gigantic trees, this hike’s perfect for you. While the neighboring Mariposa Grove is usually the more popular destination for giant sequoias, the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to cars from the end of November until at least March 15. Located on the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolomne Grove not only offers you the chance to get lost in dozens of mature giant sequoias, you can even walk through a Tunnel Tree. The route to the grove starts by going downhill — guys, it’s not even a hike! Not to mention, if you’re bringing along your furry friend to Yosemite, this hike’s one of the few dog-friendly hikes in the park.
3. Inspiration Point
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
This hike’s for the photographers who want a breathtaking view of the Valley that’s not Tunnel View. Starting from the parking lot across from the Tunnel View, this trail can seem a little challenging. While it starts out quite steep, don’t get discouraged — the trail flattens out after the first half-mile. Another thing to note is that most of this hike is covered with trees, so you won’t be able to see the view until you actually get to Inspiration Point. To view the gorgeous views of El Capitan and Half Dome, climb down to another granite shelf, about 15 feet below the main shelf. If you visit in the winter, you may even see white snow on the peaks against the classic Yosemite evergreens.
4. Mirror Lake
Distance: 2 miles round trip to the lake; 5 miles to loop around the lake
This hike is an especially popular hike, since the trailhead, which is located in the Valley, is super accessible. The first mile of the trail leads to Mirror Lake, where you can get scenic views of the Half Dome reflected in the water. At the end of this first mile, you can continue onto Tenaya Creek, crossing two bridges before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. Even as we’re approaching the cooler months, Mirror Lake is still a great hike since it’s one of the trails that remains open all year. If you’re visiting deep into the winter, the Tenaya Creek may even be completely frozen.
5. Mist Trail
Distance: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall, 7 miles round trip to Nevada Falls
The Mist Trail may be one of the most challenging ones on this list. It’s a classic Yosemite hike that you can’t miss, with the promise of not one, but two waterfalls. The first half-mile of the Mist Trail, a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps, can seem discouraging, but don’t lose heart! You’ll be rewarded with views of the Vernal Fall, which will be gushing in the spring and early summer. If you’re up for a real challenge, venture onward another 1.5 miles to Nevada Falls, where you’ll find a waterfall crashing down 594 feet. If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to check here to plan your route as certain parts of the trail may be closed. While you may not get to view the waterfalls, the views of the Valley from Nevada Falls are still pretty hard to beat.
