Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Hiking area · Mariposa County

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Hiking area · Mariposa County

1

TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389

Photos

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail by null

Highlights

Level national park loop trail stretching 11.5-miles through meadows & past dramatic granite cliffs.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389 Get directions

nps.gov

Information

Static Map

TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389 Get directions

nps.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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14 Yosemite Hikes for Unbeatable Views

"Distance: 1.6 miles Best for: Beginner hikers looking for a scenic, leisurely amble. Located along seasonal Tioga Road, usually open June through October, Tuolumne Meadows is the jumping off point for exploring Yosemite’s gorgeous high country. For a breezy stroll, follow the flat John Muir trail through green meadows until it reaches a pair of bridges crossing the crystal clear waters of the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. At the second bridge, broad sun-baked granite slabs provide an ideal spot for a picnic or simply basking in the scenery." - Garrick Ramirez

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/yosemite-hikes
View Postcard for Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Vickie Parry

Google
Nice introduction to the valley! Has touristy feel to it. Really great how it’s very walkable. Nice peaceful walk.

Craig Wilson

Google
Great trail if you want to ride a bike or walk. We were using Google maps and it did a good job of tracking the map. I downloaded the map in the Google Maps App so no matter my connection I was able to use maps. The solid line is paved and the broken line is dirt. The only trail that takes you West to Bridalveil falls is a dirt path that is medium to hard for an electric city/fire trail bike. Good mountain bikes and good riders will find this trail fun. The wifey wasn't thrilled and we walked through the difficult parts. If you don't take this trail you're on the road and there's not a lot of room for bikes and cars. The paved paths in the valley are great and get you to all the major sites. If it doesn't say no bikes then keep on riding no matter how crowded. You're on the valley floor so nothing too steep. There is an amazing path if you go to the right of Vernal falls. The main route where all the people go is left and there are no bike signs but go right. You want a good mountain bike or an electric bike because it's pretty steep. Also, take towels and swim suits because on the bike you go by lots of great spots on the Merced river. Make the river a big part of your trip because if you don't you'll be wishing you did. The water is cool and refreshing. Can't think of a better way to maximize your time than ride a bike in Yosemite.

Lukasz Zbylut

Google
Beautiful trail to see the valley from a different vantage point

Teo Savin

Google
Amazing views! We rented a back (back from the lodge) and we did the loop (almost full as it was closed for a small portion. But it was a great way to enjoy all the amazing things surrounding you. Definitely stop at the Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, go on a hike for Vernal Fall. We came prepared for “no water being available” as that’s what we heard, but really, at every big location there was a station to fill in your bottle. We also arrived there at 9am and there were plenty of parking spots available. Not the same at 4pm, when you had cars parked everywhere. My only note is if you are going by bike, you’ll notice there are signs on 90% of the times, giving you info on where to go. But 10% of the times you end up going in circles. Still rating this as 5 stars at it was definitely amazing!

Memet Emin

Google
It has several trials; some of them are moderately difficult. We had hiking one easy and moderate difficult one. We spend whole day.

Jax ward

Google
Lovely trail, but FAR longer than the National Park Service says. The official site says 11.5 miles for the full loop, but we hiked 12 miles and that didn't include the smaller loop that goes from about Swinging Bridge to Mirror Lake and back. Trail is probably closer to 20 miles.

Shaik Khadeer

Google
Nevada Falls via Mist Trail.... Before we left, my 15 and 17 year old did not want to “hike” the whole trip, so at one point I actually cancelled it. Well, put them in Yosemite and all that goes away. Hike your tails off past Vernal Falls and bust your hump to Nevada Falls and I hear... “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” Do it! Nature at its best... Ultimate bliss is all I need to say. Mind blowing would be another. Be mindful that you need to be in fairly decent shape to reach the Falls. It is not an easy trail by any means. But the payoff is totally worth it.

Amo CA

Google
My first time and this valley is beautiful. I saw many green trees and green grass everywhere. I recommend you to stop here and take a picture to remember this view of the mountains and the nature here.