Under Granite Skies: A Practical Long-Form Guide to Yosemite’s Greatest Hikes and Tours
Plan hikes, guided tours, and overnight treks through Yosemite’s valley, high country, and winter snows.
The first light through the pines feels deliberate here—thin beams slicing the cold, then pooling on a river that seems to hurry with purpose. You stand on Sentinel Bridge with Half Dome’s face reflected in the Merced, and it’s easy to forget there are schedules and reservations and the rest of the world. In Yosemite, geography is a personality: granite domes that refuse to be anything but monumental, waterfalls that insist on making you look up, and meadows that hold the day’s warmth like a promise. Whether you arrive in a rental car from San Francisco or on an organized coach, the park operates like a living map of ways to move through a big, wild idea.
Trail Wisdom
Permit and reservation planning
If you intend to summit Half Dome or camp overnight, secure permits well in advance—some lotteries open months ahead and popular dates fill fast.
Layer for granite microclimates
Temperatures can vary widely between valley floor and high country; pack a breathable insulating layer and a wind shell.
Bear-aware food storage
Use bear canisters where required and follow food-storage rules at trailheads and campsites to avoid animal encounters.
Timing for waterfalls and crowds
Visit spring for peak waterfall flows and late summer or fall for clearer trails and fewer people; start hikes early to beat the midday rush.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The less-trafficked Choroterra or Nisene Marks viewpoints (seasonal access varies)
- •Tuolumne Meadows side trails and smaller alpine lakes away from main trailheads
Wildlife
Black bear, Mule deer
Conservation Note
Leave No Trace is enforced across backcountry zones; using shuttle services and following food-storage rules reduces visitor impact and protects wildlife.
Yosemite Valley was central to the conservation movement—Congress passed the 1864 Yosemite Grant, a landmark step toward national park creation.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Waterfalls at peak flow, Wildflower meadows, Mild valley temperatures
Challenges: Snow still blocks some high-elevation trails, Increased vehicle congestion on popular routes
Spring delivers thundering falls and wildflower carpets; low-elevation trails are pleasant but expect snow in the high country through May.
summer
Best for: High-country hiking, Swimming at alpine lakes, Full access to trails
Challenges: Crowds in Yosemite Valley, Hot midday temperatures on exposed granite
Summer opens most trails and campsites—arrive early and carry plenty of water for exposed routes like the Mist Trail.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Cooler hiking conditions, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Some services reduce hours late season
Autumn is ideal for clear trails, golden light and a quieter valley; bring warmer layers for evenings at elevation.
winter
Best for: Snowshoeing and quiet valley scenes, Photographing frozen falls, Off-peak solitude
Challenges: Road and trail closures due to snow, Limited vehicle access in some areas
Winter transforms Yosemite into a quieter, snow-blanketed landscape—Badger Pass becomes the hub for snowshoeing and cross-country adventures.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Provide traction on polished granite and protection on long descents.
Daypack with hydration bladderEssential
Keeps water, layers and snacks accessible for long day hikes.
Insulating midlayer and wind shellEssential
Layering is critical for rapid temperature shifts between valley and high country.
Bear canister or bear-resistant storageEssential
Required for many overnight routes and helps prevent wildlife interactions.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to visit Yosemite?
A day-use park entrance is required; overnight backpacking and Half Dome cables require separate permits—arrange those well in advance.
When are the waterfalls at their best?
Late spring (March–June) typically offers peak flows; by late summer some falls reduce to a trickle.
Can I drive everywhere in the park?
Most key viewpoints are roadside, but Glacier Point Road and some high-country accesses close seasonally—check current road status before travel.
Are guided tours worth the cost?
Yes—guided tours save time, provide interpretive context, and often include logistics like permits, meals, or photography instruction.
Is Yosemite family-friendly?
Absolutely—there are gentle valley walks, ranger programs, and tailored private family hikes suitable for children and beginners.
What wildlife might I see and how should I behave?
Expect deer, coyotes, marmots and black bears; always observe from a distance, secure food, and follow park wildlife guidelines.
What to Pack
Hiking boots for grip;hydration system (3L+) for long trails;warm insulated layer for morning/evening cold;bear-resistant food storage to protect wildlife and your meals.
Did You Know
In 1864 the U.S. Congress passed the Yosemite Grant, setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove for preservation—an early model that influenced the later creation of the national park system.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Reserve permits and lodging months ahead; 2) Start hikes before 8am to avoid crowds; 3) Use the free valley shuttle to ease parking; 4) Check road and trail conditions with the park service the morning of travel.
Local Flavor
Small towns like Mariposa and Oakhurst serve as gateways with hearty cafés, outfitters, and a community ethos of stewardship; the park’s Ahwahnechee history and the legacy of the Ahwahnee Hotel add cultural depth to the landscape.
Logistics Snapshot
Entrance fee applies; Half Dome permits required; shuttle access in Yosemite Valley; limited cell service—download maps; nearest major airports: Fresno (FAT) and San Francisco (SFO).
Sustainability Note
Opt for shuttle tours, follow food-storage rules, and pack out what you pack in; supporting the Yosemite Conservancy or buying guided services that fund restoration helps preserve trails and habitats.