Discover the best day hikes in Yosemite National Park

First protected in 1864 and designated as the third national park in 1890, Yosemite is home to countless natural icons including Yosemite Falls, the world’s fifth tallest waterfall; El Capitan, one of the largest exposed monoliths of granite in the world; and Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which were the first scenic natural areas set aside by a national government for public benefit and appreciation. With so many spectacular historical, scientific and scenic resources and recreational opportunities that include backpacking, hiking, world-class climbing, fishing, camping and numerous winter pursuits, Yosemite has something for everyone.

Most of Yosemite's four million annual visitors experience the park mainly in cars and tour buses, with frequent stops at the many scenic viewpoints in and around Yosemite Valley. More ambitious visitors set out on challenging multi-day backpacking treks through Yosemite's vast backcountry. Visitors who camp or lodge in or near the park are able to experience Yosemite's spectacular day hikes, which are concentrated in four regions—Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and Tuolumne Meadows.

As part of its new Day Hikes Topographic Map Guide Series, National Geographic has published a new booklet featuring detailed topographic maps of 18 of Yosemite's top day hikes, which range in difficulty and distance. They include sites such as Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, Mariposa Grove—a scenic loop featuring Giant Sequoias, some the biggest trees in the world, and Mono Pass—a historic trans-Sierra route used by Native Americans and settlers prior to the development of wagon roads.

Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

Link the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail for a popular loop that delivers close-up views of two huge waterfalls, 317-foot Vernal Fall and 594-foot Nevada Fall. Beginning at Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley, this hike includes a 600-step climb up a steep granite stairway to reach the top of Vernal Fall, and a series of steep rocky switchbacks to top out above Nevada Fall. This hike is worth every bit of effort it requires.

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Giant Loop of the Sequoias

Wander through the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite where trees tower hundreds of feet overhead on this popular looping trail. Visit sequoias like the foursome of the Bachelor and Three Graces, the approximately 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant standing at 209 feet tall (and 30 feet in diameter at its base), and the California Tunnel Tree, the only living sequoia in the Park with a man-made tunnel that you can walk through.

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Laurel Lake

This hike begins at O’Shaughnessy Dam and heads to Laurel Lake (6,490 feet), a highcountry lake with amazing scenery, and plenty of fishing. It passes through marshy meadows, boulder fields, and steep switchbacks before reaching the lake, a huge sparkling gem ringed with pines.

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Tuolumne Falls

This hike along the Pacific Crest Trail parallels the Tuolumne River, starting on relatively flat, wooded terrain following the river’s meander, but as the river gets more boisterous, the trail and landscape become steeper and rockier. Thousand-foot granite cliffs rise up from the valley floor and the river plunges over a boulder-filled canyon forming falls, pour-overs, and deep clear pools. Highlights include Tuolumne Falls, a tall boulder-choked torrent plummeting into a deep pool and White Cascade, an 80- foot waterfall near the edge of Glen Aulin Camp. Be sure save enough energy for the 1,000-foot elevation gain required for the return.

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For maps of all 18 featured Yosemite Day Hikes, order a waterproof, tear-resistant copy of the Yosemite National Park Day Hikes Topographic Map Guide.