12 Epic Yosemite Hikes, One for Each Month of 2024
Happy Monday and happy New Year! Can you believe 2024 is officially here? I am so excited to share that in this new year FlyingDawnMarie.com is no longer just a hobby, but as of January 1st I am now a full time travel blogger, all thanks to you and your amazing support! I spent the last week of 2023 in one of my favorite places, Yosemite National Park...so to kick off the New Year I’m sharing 12 great Yosemite hikes — one for each month of 2024.
I want to specifically thank Tenaya at Yosemite for hosting me and making this post possible. Tenaya Lodge makes the perfect home base for any Yosemite adventure year round. See my full Tenaya post here for all the amazing details on this property and to book your own stay here.
Taft Point in Yosemite National Park
Location
Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is known for its majestic overlooks, raging waterfalls, and iconic features, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite makes for a great California road trip any time of year, but each season provides unique and special views of Yosemite Valley and the high country. Continue reading below for my top hikes for 2024.
Vernal Fall Footbridge in Winter in Yosemite
Vernal Fall seen from the footbridge in Yosemite National Park
JANUARY: Vernal Fall Footbridge
Starting our year of Yosemite hikes, the trail to the Vernal fall Footbridge is a favorite winter adventure of mine. It’s a perfect hike in January as the famous Mist Trail is often blanketed with glistening snow every new year.
As you venture into Yosemite National Park during the winter months, the landscape transforms into a tranquil wonderland and this is one of the most beautiful, yet easily accessible Yosemite Winter hikes. Beginning at the east end of Yosemite Valley by the Happy Isles Nature Center, the hike to the footbridge is less than two miles round trip with 300 feet in elevation change.
Winter hiking in Yosemite does require a little extra preparation, so make sure to check trail conditions, carry the essentials, and hike with proper Winter gear, including traction devices for your shoes...even on a short hike, they can be very important in the snowy ice conditions.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Vernal Fall Footbridge.
Bonus January Hike: Mist & John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall (6 miles, 2000 ft elevation gain)
Firefall seen from Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park
Horsetail Fall Event seen from official Firefall viewing area
FEBRUARY: Firefall
No February Yosemite trip is complete without planning to view the famous Horsetail Fall natural phenomenon most commonly referred to as “Firefall”. This popular park event happens for a few weeks each February when the sunset light reflects off Horsetail Fall at a specific angle, creating vibrant orange and red hues that make it appear like the granite is on fire. It’s become so popular that the NPS has created specific guidelines in recent years to help protect the park’s natural resources (and to alleviate unsafe park crowding).
To view Firefall for yourself, parking is available at the Yosemite Falls parking area. This “hike” is more of a gentle walk at just 1.5 miles leading visitors to the official viewing spot near El Capitan Picnic Area. You can also take the shuttle to the Firefall official parking area from Yosemite Village or Curry Village. Make sure to arrive early, bringing warm clothes and a headlamp for walking back in the dark. In 2024 park entry reservations will be required for multiple dates in February, so please make sure to visit the official Yosemite NPS website before your trip for the most accurate and up-to-date Firefall information.
For more information on this Yosemite event, see my Complete Firefall Visitor Guide.
Bonus February Firefall Hike: When conditions allow, hike Four Mile Trail for unique Firefall views. 3-8 miles round trip depending on your stopping point with up to 3,000 feet in elevation change.
Bridalveil Fall viewing platform in Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park
MARCH: Bridalveil Fall
The official viewing platform and Bridalveil Fall trail has been closed to park guests since 2019 due to a major rehabilitation project, but it has just reopened! This is one of the easiest year round Yosemite Valley trails and the newly renovated walkway & viewing platform offer stunning waterfall views. At just over 1/2 a mile round trip, I will probably hike this path every month of the year, but March is a relatively quiet time to visit without the heavy Summer crowds, and the water is often flowing with force by the early Spring months.
Bonus March Hike: Stanford Point Trail (7 miles, 2,800 feet in elevation change)
Yosemite Falls raging during Spring
Lower Yosemite Falls in Spring in Yosemite Valley
APRIL: Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is arguably Yosemite National Park’s most famous waterfall, and it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. This 3-tier waterfall crashes down over 2,400 feet and it’s known for its raging water in the Spring months. The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is a short (less than one mile) loop, and as the snow melt begins, walking to the footbridge at the base of this waterfall will leave you feeling like you just took a full shower with your clothes on.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Lower Yosemite Falls.
Bonus April Hike: Upper Yosemite Falls (8 miles, 2,700 feet in elevation change)
Mist Trail at Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park
Vernal Fall and rainbow along Yosemite’s Mist Trail
At the brink of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park
MAY: Mist Trail to Nevada Fall
While I enjoy a snowy hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge in Winter, May is always my favorite month to hike the complete Mist Trail to Nevada Fall. The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s signature day hikes that covers over 7 miles and 2,000 feet in elevation gain. While it’s not a gentle hike, you get spectacular up-close views to two of Yosemite’s raging waterfalls along this trail (Vernal & Nevada Falls), as well as other Merced River highlights such as Emerald Pool and Silver Apron.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls.
Bonus May Hike: The Panorama Trail (8.5 miles one way, 3,200 feet elevation change)
Wapama Falls footbridge in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir seen from O'Shaughnessy Dam
JUNE: Hetch Hetchy & Wapama Falls
The Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite National Park is tucked away like a hidden gem in the northwest corner of the park, and it’s estimated that less than 10% of park visitors ever make the 40 mile drive from Yosemite Valley to see this area. That means June is a wonderful month to visit because you can avoid the heavy valley crowds and soak in the stunning scenery here. My favorite day hike here is the trail to Wapama Falls. This hike covers 5.5 miles and less than 300 feet in elevation change.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Hetch Hetchy & Wapama Falls.
Bonus June Hike: Rancheria Falls (13 miles RT, 800 feet elevation gain)
Glacier Point Road horseshoe bend & Half Dome
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point at sunrise
JULY: Glacier Point
Glacier Point Road closes during the snowy Winter months, but July is the perfect time to plan a drive up to Glacier Point. The “hike” from the parking area to the official Glacier Point look out is less than a 1/4 mile round trip with under 50 feet in elevation change. I’d highly recommend heading here early in the morning, not just to avoid the crowds, but also for sunrise...it’s spectacular to witness the sun come up right behind Half Dome.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Glacier Point.
Bonus July Hike: Full Four Mile Trail (9.5 miles RT, 3,400 ft elevation change)
Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lake seen from above Olmsted Point in Yosemite
AUGUST: Tenaya Lake
Located along Tioga Road in Yosemite’s high country, Tenaya Lake is often referred to as Yosemite’s most beautiful lake, which is understandable as it’s surrounded by stunning granite peaks. The long August Summer days are the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a sunrise here, or enjoy views from all sides if you hike the 2.5 mile loop around this lake.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Tenaya Lake.
Bonus August Hike: Soda Springs & Parsons Memorial Lodge (2 miles, 50 feet elevation change)
Yosemite Falls seen from Pohono Loop Trail
El Capitan seen from Pohono Loop Trail near Roosevelt Point
SEPTEMBER: Pohono Loop Trail
I have visited Yosemite every September for the last 5 years, and each year there’s one hike I take in September that I rave about, the Pohono Loop Trail. This trail has always been one of my personal favorite hikes, covering 5 miles and 500 feet in elevation change. It leads to some of Yosemite’s most spectacular cliff-top views, including Taft Point, Roosevelt Point, and Sentinel Dome.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Pohono Loop Trail.
Bonus September Hike: Pohono Trail (13 miles one way, 3,500 ft elevation change)
Valley Loop Trail Fall colors in Yosemite Valley
El Capitan & Fall colors seen from Yosemite’s Valley Loop Trail
OCTOBER: Valley Loop Trail
California’s famous Eastern Sierra Fall colors often begin to descend on Yosemite in October, and Yosemite’s Valley Loop Trail is an 11 mile hike that leads through the most magnificent Autumn colors found inside this park. If you’re short on time, you can even enjoy just a small section of this trail and see stunning Fall foliage. As the trail parallels Southside Drive you come upon these incredible colors. Hiking past Yosemite’s historic bridges such as Pohono and Sentinel Bridges, you often see the Fall colors light up...and the as the trail traces the Merced River, you’re sure to see the bright yellow and rich copper colors of Fall.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Yosemite Valley’s Fall Colors.
Bonus October Hike: Chilnualna Falls Trail (8.5 mile & 2,400 elevation gain)
Inspiration Point along Pohono Trail in Yosemite National Park
El Capitan & Half Dome seen from Inspiration Point
NOVEMBER: Inspiration Point
November is often a season of transition in Yosemite...while the weather can be 70° and sunny one day, the next it can be filled with clouds, sleet, or even snow. Tunnel View is one of the most popular Yosemite viewpoints in the park year round, but to get this view to yourself you just need to do a little hiking. The trail to Inspiration Point heads out from the Tunnel View parking area along the beginning of the Pohono Trail, and it covers 2.5 miles and 900 feet in elevation change.
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Inspiration Point.
Bonus November Hike: Artist Point (1 mile, 500 ft elevation change)
Mirror Lake below Half Dome in Winter
Mirror Lake during Winter in Yosemite National Park
DECEMBER: Mirror Lake
I’m hoping to throw you a bit of a curve ball to round out the year, so for December I’m going to recommend a hike to Mirror Lake. While this lake is most popular in the early Summer months and often almost dries up during Fall, I love visiting in Winter because it’s such a quiet spot. In icy or snowy conditions, you can hike the old service road to reach the lake in just over a mile with minimal elevation change
For more information on this Yosemite hike, see my full post on Mirror Lake.
Bonus December Hike: Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop (2.25 miles with almost no elevation change)
Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite National Park
Premium Explorer Cabin at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite
Where to Stay
Tenaya Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1990 and it’s about the closest hotel you can find outside of the park. Owned and operated by Delaware North, the property offers over 300 luxurious lodge rooms, suites, cottages, and cabins, as well as numerous dining options, luxurious spa services and countless family-friendly activities. Tenaya at Yosemite continually ranks at the top of hotels in and around Yosemite National Park. In fact, it received Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for 2023, as well as the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award.
On my recent stay, Nate and I were treated to an Explorer Cabin. These luxurious cabins are nestled among the forest in an exclusive area of the resort. There are a few variations of Explorer Cabins, each featuring an extended living space of over 500 square feet, including two bedrooms, a cozy living room with a kitchenette, and a large covered porch to relax and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.
For more information on staying with Tenaya at Yosemite during Winter, check out my complete Tenaya property and hotel review...or if head straight over to VisitTenaya.com to book your own special stay.
Mist Trail near the Vernal Fall Footbridge during Winter
Know Before You Go
• Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Don’t rely on phone service here for GPS or to reach anyone. Cell coverage is nearly non-existent and very spotty at best, no matter what carrier you use.
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of all these incredible Yosemite hikes, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Yosemite cliff top views near Taft Point
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Etsy Shop
Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.