Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is such a nice and easy trail, making it perfect if you want to enjoy the scenery without committing to a strenuous hike. You can bike, walk, or explore it however you like. We visited during May, and the weather was really nice, which made the experience even better. We ended up renting bikes and found that to be the best way to see the trail, as it allowed us to cover more ground while still enjoying the waterfalls, rivers, and surrounding nature. The trail is mostly flat and very manageable, with iconic Yosemite Valley views throughout. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to experience Yosemite at your own pace.

More of a nature walk than anything, but don't let that stop you from hitting this trail. You get the opportunity to see many waterfalls and all the hot spots in Yosemite. If you get too tired to walk any further, take the local free shuttle that is still running during the government shutdown. It takes you all around the valley.

Wow wow wow!!!! We decided to rent bikes and ride the trail, it was the best experience!!! First time in Yosemite and it did not disappoint!! Every place is stunning and majestic!! Yes, lots of people here but hike off a bit on another trail and there's plenty of room for everyone.

Fun trail if you don't mind the lack of maintenance, good trail for getting you around the valley on foot

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.

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!

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

Best all-around trail for people of any ability level. It's a walking trail, flat, and good to get on and off at many points.

When you arrive in the Valley and get your (almost useless) "Yosemite Valley Hiking Map" you'll find 4 trails listed as "easy" (flat & short), 5 listed as "strenuous" (steep & long), and only a single trail - the Valley Loop - listed as "moderate" (flat & long). The map goes on to mention that the Valley Loop Trail runs 13 miles, begins at the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead (shuttle stop #6), and "provides solitude with occasional route-finding difficulty". ROUTE-FINDING DIFFICULTY?? Could the makers of this map - the National Park Service - not help with that issue? As in: erect some signage. The Valley Loop Trail is a wonderful, underused, meandering trail that roughly outlines the base of the Valley following many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads. It takes you through large open meadows, forests, alongside the Merced River, and provides jaw-dropping views of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Three Brothers, and Yosemite Falls. It's also seemingly the least used trail in the Valley. If you dislike the crowds on the more popular trails, try this one, assuming you can find it. Day 1 in Yosemite Valley I chose to hike the Valley Loop Trail but couldn't find it. I set out instead for Lower Yosemite Falls and, when almost there, found signs. Deciding to follow those signs to Mirror Lake I lost my way. I found Mirror Lake but not via the Valley Loop. Day 2, after talking with Park Service people, I learned that this part of the trail is "not as well marked" as the other half of the trail. I set out in a different direction, following the Valley Loop Trail to Bridalveil Falls. From there, I continued to follow the Valley Loop only to wind up dead-ending at an impassable waterway. Guess what? Neither half of the trail is well marked. Retracing my steps, I found myself walking alongside a road for quite a while, with cars whizzing by. Just when I'd grown intolerant of that, the trail made itself apparent again and I was able to follow it all the way out to the Pohono Bridge then back towards El Capitan. A long, lovely meandering hike indeed. Never is the hike here hard but finding and staying on the trail sure can be. With 4+ million people coming into Yosemite annually it's understandable that the National Park Service already feels they're doing everything right but they're not where this trail is concerned. Increased and better signage would get more people to explore the Valley's only "moderate" hiking trail. Until then, pack a lunch and forge ahead with a map and a goal of crossing the Pohono Bridge. You'll be well-rewarded with an off-the-radar hike and a generous loop with no retracing of steps. You'll encounter a few other like-minded souls on your trek but other than that? This is surely the quietest, most peaceful hike in the Valley; one to which I'd happily assign 5 stars if not for the "lack of clear signage" issue.