Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite even has its own Grand Canyon. This 4.5 day, 30-mile hike will take you past waterfalls not seen by most of the park’s visitors. The first descent of the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne was made in the 19th century by John Muir — leaving the entire journey with a solid provenance. Along your hike, you’ll pass Waterwheel Falls and California Falls before passing Pete Valley (swimming anyone?) on your way to the final destination of White Wolf along the Tioga Pass. Count on ample time to take in the Yosemite backcountry along the way.

Start your 5-day backpacking adventure from Tuolumne Meadows on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails and make your way up into the high backcountry of the Cathedral Range. Expect crystal-clear mountain lakes around every bend and expansive alpine meadows as daily backdrops to this 26-mile loop. You’ll be camping at the stunning Vogelsang and Emeric Lakes after days of exploring the granite slopes much admired by John Muir.

Even though the park receives 4+ million visitors per year, there are corners of Yosemite that still remain relatively untouched. This is the 6 day, 42-mile hike will take you into the dramatic landscape of the northern edges of the park. Along the way, you’ll hike past canyons, old-growth forests beneath alpine ridges and peaks. Expect amazing camping in Slide Canyon and beyond — with rivers and clear alpine lakes outside your tent.