Discover 12 Best Fall Hikes in Yosemite National Park for breathtaking autumn scenery. Your ultimate hiking and travel inspo awaits this season!
Yosemite National Park offers some of the most stunning hiking trails in the United States, and the fall season is an excellent time to explore them, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Here are the top 12 hiking trails in Yosemite for the fall season:
1. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
Length: 20.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,190 ft
Route type: Loop
Dogs: Not permitted
Uncover the 20.3-mile loop trail situated near Yosemite Valley, California. Widely regarded as a moderately challenging route, it typically takes an average of 7 hours and 1 minute to finish. While it’s a favored trail for camping, hiking, and snowshoeing, moments of solitude can be savored during off-peak hours. The trail remains open throughout the year, presenting its beauty regardless of the season.
2. Mirror Lake Trail
Length: 2.0 mi
Elevation gain: 108 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Welcomed, must be on leash
Experience this 2.0-mile round trip trail in the vicinity of Yosemite Valley, California. It is typically classified as a straightforward path, with an average completion time of approximately 41 minutes. This locale is widely frequented by individuals engaged in road biking, jogging, and strolling, so expect to cross paths with fellow enthusiasts.
3. Mist Trail (Nevada Falls)
Length 5.7 mi
Elevation gain 2,129 ft
Route type Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
This 5.7-mile out-and-back trail, situated near Yosemite Valley, offers a challenging adventure with an average completion time of approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes. Renowned for its breathtaking views and pristine natural beauty, this trail is a mecca for hiking and running enthusiasts, ensuring you’ll share the path with fellow adventurers as you explore its wonders. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes and cascading waters of this iconic Yosemite trek, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Half Dome (via Yosemite Valley)
Length: 6.9 mi
Elevation gain: 2,667 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Exercise caution on this demanding 6.9-mile trail, typically taking 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Recommended for experienced adventurers, it’s favored by backpackers, hikers, and climbers, ensuring encounters with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Amid Yosemite’s awe-inspiring wilderness, this route not only tests your skills but also offers camaraderie, making it a must-visit for those seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.
5. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Length: 6.6 mi
Elevation gain: 3,254 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
It is typically regarded as a challenging 6.6-mile hike, with an average completion time of about 5 hours and 21 minutes. This locale is widely frequented by outdoor enthusiasts engaging in backpacking, camping, and hiking, fostering opportunities for camaraderie along the way.
6. Sentinel Dome Trail
Length: 2.2 mi
Elevation gain: 459 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Enjoy this 2.2-mile out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
7. Taft Point Trail and the Fissures
Length: 2.3 mi
Elevation gain: 354 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Taft Point is considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
8. Glacier Point Trail
Length: 0.6 mi
Elevation gain: 137 ft
Route type: Loop
Dogs: Not permitted
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 19 min to complete this 0.6-mile loop trail. This is a very popular area for walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
9. Chilnualna Falls Trail
Length: 7.7 mi
Elevation gain: 2,201 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Discover the captivating 7.7-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the park. Widely acknowledged as a moderately challenging route, it typically requires an average of 4 hours and 31 minutes to finish. Given its popularity among backpackers, campers, and hikers, anticipate sharing the path with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Hetch Hetchy Loop
Length: 28.0 mi
Elevation gain: 6,082 ft
Route type: Loop
Dogs: Not permitted
The Hetch Hetchy Loop in Yosemite National Park is an exhilarating 28.0-mile loop trail, known for its challenging terrain. On average, it demands 14 hours and 26 minutes to complete, making it suitable for experienced hikers seeking a formidable adventure amidst Yosemite’s remarkable landscapes.
11. Mono Meadow Trail
Length: 5.8 mi
Elevation gain: 1,253 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Discover a 5.8-mile out-and-back trail, known for its moderate challenge, typically requiring 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete. Popular among backpackers, hikers, and runners, it also offers peaceful moments during off-peak hours, allowing for a serene outdoor experience.
12. Ostrander Lake Trail
Length: 12.1 mi
Elevation gain: 1,817 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs: Not permitted
Explore a 12.1-mile out-and-back trail, typically taking 5 hours and 22 minutes to complete, offering a challenging trek. This trail is favored by backpackers, campers, and hikers but allows for moments of tranquility during less crowded hours, providing a serene wilderness experience.
Visiting Yosemite National Park in the fall is an awe-inspiring experience that unveils the park’s natural wonders in a new light. The crisp air, golden foliage, and reduced crowds create an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty. Whether hiking to iconic waterfalls, scaling granite cliffs, or simply taking in breathtaking vistas, Yosemite’s fall season offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. Embracing the changing colors of the landscape and the serene ambiance, visitors can truly connect with the park’s pristine wilderness, making it an ideal time to explore this iconic destination.
Yosemite National Park charges an entrance fee, please visit NPS: Entrance Fees and Park Passes for more information.
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