8 Best Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park (Map+Tips)

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Yosemite National Park is famous for its jaw-dropping granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and endless wilderness, but you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to experience its magic. Some of the best views in the park are surprisingly easy to reach!

If you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or just want to soak up Yosemite’s beauty without an intense trek, there are plenty short and easy hikes in Yosemite that deliver big scenery.

From strolls through ancient sequoia groves to breathtaking valley viewpoints, these hikes prove that you don’t need to climb Half Dome to have an unforgettable Yosemite adventure.

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Table of Contents

1. Yosemite National Park Hike Map
2. Lower Yosemite Falls
3. Taft Point Trail
4. Bridalveil Fall Trail
5. Mirror Lake Trail
6. Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop
7. Glacier Point Trail
8. Tenaya Lake
9. Grizzly Giant Loop

Yosemite National Park Hike Map

NUMBER 1

Lower Yosemite Falls

If you want to see one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls without much effort, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is perfect. This short, mostly flat walk takes you right to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, the final drop of North America’s tallest waterfall.

The best part? You’ll hear the roar of the falls before you even see them. In spring and early summer, the mist alone can drench you (in the best way possible). In late summer and fall, the flow might be just a trickle—but the views are still great.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Yosemite Valley, near Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop (#6)
Length: 1-mile loop
Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
Elevation Change: Minimal (flat and paved)

Lower Yosemite Falls / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

This is one of the easiest and most accessible trails in Yosemite, making it great for families, strollers, and anyone looking for a quick and rewarding walk.

The trail is paved and well-maintained, with two viewing areas: one at the base of the waterfall and another on a footbridge with a fantastic head-on view.

In spring, when Yosemite Falls is at full force, the mist can be intense—so be ready to get wet! Even in drier months, standing beneath the towering granite cliffs and gazing up at the 320-foot drop of Lower Yosemite Fall is an unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky, you might even see a rainbow in the mist.

Lower Yosemite Falls

NUMBER 2

Taft Point Trail

If you want jaw-dropping Yosemite views without a long, grueling hike, Taft Point is a must. This trail is short, scenic, and leads to an overlook that will leave you speechless.

From here, you’ll get one of the best views of Yosemite Valley—without the crowds of Glacier Point.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Trailhead (Glacier Point Road)
Length: 2.2 miles round trip
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Elevation Change: About 200 feet (downhill going out, uphill coming back)

The hike starts off easy. You’ll cross a small wooden bridge and walk among towering pines before the landscape starts to open up.

As you approach Taft Point, you’ll notice the famous fissures—massive cracks in the rock that plunge straight down into the valley.

Taft Point Trail / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

Once you reach the viewpoint, get ready for one of the most spectacular panoramas in Yosemite! On a clear day, you can even spot Yosemite Falls in the distance.

Taft Point Trail / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

There’s a small railing at the main overlook, but much of the area is unfenced, so be mindful of that.

GOOD TO KNOW: Glacier Point Road is only open seasonally, usually from late spring to fall, so check road conditions before you go.

PRO TIP: For an even better Yosemite adventure, combine Taft Point with Sentinel Dome for a longer loop hike (about 4.9 miles total). You’ll get two incredible viewpoints in one go!

Sentinel Dome Trail / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

NUMBER 3

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Bridalveil Fall Trail is a short, easy hike that leads right to the base of the falls. The waterfall gets its name from the way the water gracefully flows over the cliff, resembling a bridal veil. On a breezy day, the wind catches the water, making it swirl and dance before hitting the rocks below.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Bridalveil Fall Parking Area, Yosemite Valley
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Time Needed: 15–20 minutes
Elevation Change: About 80 feet (gently uphill)

Bridalveil Fall / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

The trail is slightly uphill but not strenuous. As you get closer, you’ll start to hear the roar of the falls.

In spring and early summer, the mist is very intense, so if you don’t want to get soaked, bring a rain jacket or a poncho.

Bridalveil Fall / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

Bridalveil Fall flows year-round, though it’s much lighter in late summer and fall. Even when the flow is lower, it’s still a beautiful sight, framed by the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley.

PRO TIP: For a picture-perfect view, head to Tunnel View after your visit. From there, you’ll see Bridalveil Fall cascading down alongside El Capitan and Half Dome—one of the most iconic Yosemite sights!

NUMBER 4

Mirror Lake Trail

Mirror Lake offers a close-up view of Half Dome from the valley floor and, in spring, a nearly perfect reflection of the cliffs in its still waters.

Though called a lake, it’s actually a seasonal pool fed by Tenaya Creek, which can dry up by late summer.

The hike is easy and accessible, making it a good option for families and casual walkers.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Mirror Lake Trailhead (Shuttle Stop #17, near North Pines Campground)
Length: 2 miles round trip to the lake (5 miles for the full loop)
Time Needed: 1 hour to the lake (2–3 hours for the full loop)
Elevation Change: About 100 feet (mostly flat)

The first section is a wide, paved path leading through a forested area along Tenaya Creek.

The lake (or pond, depending on the season) sits beneath towering granite walls, including Half Dome and Mt. Watkins. The main viewing area has large boulders and benches, making it a great resting spot.

Mirror Lake / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

For a longer hike, the full loop continues around the creek on an unpaved trail with fewer crowds. Along the way, you’ll see evidence of past rockfalls, including massive boulders scattered across the valley floor.

GOOD TO KNOW: Mirror Lake is slowly disappearing as sediment fills in the basin—it will eventually become a meadow.

NUMBER 5

Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop

Sentinel Meadon & Cook’s Meadow Loop is a flat, short trail that takes you through two of Yosemite Valley’s iconic meadows, with views of Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and Yosemite Falls.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Sentinel Bridge (near the Yosemite Village Shuttle Stop #16)
Length: 2-mile loop
Time Needed: 1 hour
Elevation Change: Minimal (flat trail)

The loop is an easy walk through lush meadows, following the Merced River. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock, with plenty of photo opportunities!

Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

This trail is stunning in spring and early summer when the wildflowers bloom. While wildlife sightings are common, you might spot deer and birds.

GOOD TO KNOW: The loop can be muddy in the spring, so be prepared for wet conditions.

Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

NUMBER 6

Glacier Point Trail

Glacier Point Trail offers one of the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. The scenery makes it a must-do for anyone visiting Yosemite, especially at sunset when the landscape is bathed in warm golden light!

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Glacier Point (accessible by car during summer, closed in winter)
Length: 1 mile (one-way)
Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
Elevation Change: 300 feet (moderate uphill)

The trail begins at the Glacier Point parking lot and climbs moderately uphill for a short distance. The route is well-maintained, and as you near the summit, the views keep getting better.

When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a jaw-dropping vista of Yosemite Valley below, with iconic landmarks like Half Dome, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall in the distance.

Glacier Point / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

The view is stunning at any time of day, but sunset is truly magical.

Glacier Point at Sunset / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

GOOD TO KNOW: Glacier Point is only accessible by car from late May to October due to snow and road closures in winter.

NUMBER 7

Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake is one of Yosemite’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes, surrounded by granite peaks and pine forests. It’s easily accessible and offers a short, easy walk along its shoreline,

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Tenaya Lake (along Tioga Road)
Length: Up to 2.5 miles (various short walks along the shore)
Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how far you go
Elevation Change: Minimal (mostly flat)

Sitting at 8,150 feet, Tenaya Lake is one of Yosemite’s largest and most scenic alpine lakes. You can take a leisurely walk along the eastern shore, where the terrain is mostly flat and sandy, offering incredible reflections of the surrounding granite domes. The west side is rockier and quieter, ideal for a more peaceful experience.

If you’re up for an adventure, kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an unforgettable experience. The lake’s calm, glassy waters make for smooth paddling, and you’ll get an entirely different perspective of the surrounding peaks as you glide across. Since motorized boats aren’t allowed, it’s incredibly peaceful on the water.

Tenaya Lake / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

GOOD TO KNOW: Tioga Road is only open from late May to October, so plan accordingly. There are no kayak rentals at Tenaya Lake, so you’ll need to bring your own.

NUMBER 8

Grizzly Giant Loop

The Grizzly Giant Loop is an easy hike through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

Trail Stats:

Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (shuttle access) or Mariposa Grove Arrival Area
Length: 2 miles (loop)
Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
Elevation Change: ~300 feet

The trail starts at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, where you’ll walk along a well-maintained dirt path surrounded by towering sequoias.

Highlights Along the Way:

Fallen Monarch – A massive sequoia that fell centuries ago but remains well-preserved due to its natural resistance to decay. Its exposed root system is a striking sight.
Grizzly Giant – The star of the trail, this enormous tree stands 209 feet tall and has a base diameter of nearly 30 feet. It’s one of the largest and oldest sequoias in Yosemite.
California Tunnel Tree – The only living tunnel tree in Yosemite, carved in 1895. Unlike the famous (and now fallen) Wawona Tunnel Tree, this one is still standing, and you can walk through it.

California Tunnel Tree in Mariposa Grove

California Tunnel Tree / Short and Easy Hikes in Yosemite

Bachelor & Three Graces – A unique grouping of four sequoias. The “Bachelor” stands alone, while the “Three Graces” grow closely together, demonstrating how sequoias often thrive in family clusters.