Yosemite Best Hikes: A Bucket’s Worth of Bucket List Journeys
Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, you're in for an adventure filled with granite cliffs, waterfalls, meadows, and ancient trees. But the best way to experience Yosemite isn’t just by driving from viewpoint to viewpoint. It’s by hiking. Whether you have just a day or a full week, there’s a trail that will help you truly connect with the landscape.
From relaxing walks through sequoia groves to challenging multi-day backpacking trips, Yosemite has it all. Here are some of the top hikes and routes to explore in 2025, including a few of our favorite guided backpacking trips that take you off the beaten path.
If you love peaceful meadows, riverside trails, and wide-open views, the Merced River Loop should be at the top of your list. This backpacking route follows the Merced River through some of the park’s quieter backcountry. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a more mellow wilderness experience with beautiful scenery around every bend.
You’ll pass grassy fields, sparkling streams, and plenty of spots to stop and soak in the views. The landscape opens up with mountains in the background and the sounds of running water guiding your steps. It’s a great way to reset and unplug for a few days.
Yosemite’s high country is often overlooked, but it offers some of the most incredible hiking in the entire park. The Vogelsang Alpine Loop takes you into this stunning area, where granite peaks tower over alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows stretch out for miles.
The loop gives you a little bit of everything. One moment you’re walking through an open valley, the next you’re climbing up to a high mountain pass. Each campsite feels more remote than the last, and stargazing is unbeatable. If you want a real backcountry experience without too many people around, this one’s for you.
Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most iconic sights. You’ve probably seen pictures of people standing on its rounded summit, arms raised in victory. With this trip, you get to be one of them. But instead of doing it in a single, grueling day, this backpacking route gives you time to take it slow and enjoy the journey.
You’ll hike through beautiful forest trails and camp in quiet spots along the way. The final climb to the top of Half Dome is steep and exciting, with metal cables to help you reach the summit. Once you’re up there, the view is unforgettable. Looking out across Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
This route is for those who want a mix of iconic sights and quieter trails. It starts near Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, and climbs up to the rim of the valley. From there, you’ll make your way across the high country, following peaceful trails through pine forests and open ridgelines.
You’ll get amazing views of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and the valley below. This trip includes both dramatic climbs and relaxing stretches of trail, giving you time to explore and enjoy the scenery. It’s a great pick for hikers who want to experience some of the best parts of Yosemite, both well-known and hidden.
If you want a full Yosemite experience in one trip, this route is hard to beat. It starts in the quiet high country near Vogelsang, where you’ll pass alpine lakes and mountain meadows, and ends with a summit of Half Dome.
Along the way, you’ll see dramatic shifts in the landscape, from wide-open wilderness to the steep granite cliffs of the valley. You’ll cover a lot of ground, but every day brings something new. This trip is perfect for hikers who want to push themselves a little and experience the variety Yosemite has to offer.
This route offers not one, but two incredible summits. You’ll start by climbing Clouds Rest, a lesser-known but equally stunning peak with views that stretch across the entire Yosemite Valley. It’s a bit off the tourist path, which makes it feel even more special.
Then, you’ll head toward Half Dome, finishing your trip with one of the most iconic hikes in the country. The combination of these two peaks gives you a wide-angle look at the park’s beauty from above. And in between, you’ll enjoy forest trails, peaceful campsites, and some of the best sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see.
Not every hike in Yosemite has to be a multi-day backpacking trip. There are plenty of shorter trails to explore if you’re looking for something more casual.
- Mirror Lake is a relaxing walk with beautiful reflections of Half Dome on calm days.
- Taft Point offers dramatic cliffside views and fewer crowds than Glacier Point.
- Mariposa Grove is home to giant sequoias that have stood for thousands of years.
- Sentinel Dome is a short climb with panoramic views across the entire park.
- Bridalveil Fall is an easy trail that leads to a stunning waterfall just a short walk from the parking area.
These shorter hikes are great for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to mix in some lighter exploring between longer treks.
Yosemite is always popular, but 2025 is expected to be an especially busy and exciting year for the park. Trail conditions are great, guided trips are available, and more visitors are making early plans. If you want to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time, planning ahead is key.
Permits, campsites, and tours fill up quickly, especially for popular hikes like Half Dome. Luckily, our team at Four Season Guides, handle the logistics, and make sure you’re prepared for a smooth, unforgettable trip.
If you're looking to spend multiple days on the trail, be sure to check out Three Best Yosemite Backpacking Trips. It’s a great starting point for anyone curious about extended hikes in the park.
Before you head out, here are a few tips to help make your Yosemite hiking experience even better:
- Start early to beat the crowds and catch the best light.
- Pack smart. Bring enough water, snacks, and layers for changing weather. Here’s how to pack for Yosemite.
- Leave no trace. Pack out all your trash and stay on marked trails.
- Give yourself time. Don’t try to rush through it all. Enjoy the quiet moments.
- Know your limits. Choose hikes that match your comfort and experience level.
- Think about a guided trip. It takes the stress out of planning and gives you a richer experience on the trail.
Check out our Yosemite tours now. Whether you're dreaming of summiting Half Dome, wandering through alpine meadows, or camping beside a high mountain lake, Yosemite is waiting for you. Let’s make 2025 your year for adventure.
Four Season Guides, 506 N Grant St suite o, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
+19285251552
35.19653980, -111.62000560
Read More
