With stunning white granite cliffs, massive waterfalls, and endless opportunities for adventure, Yosemite is truly an adventurers paradise.  From crazy multi day rock climbs, to leisurely walks through stunning landscapes, Yosemite has something for everyone!

Starting here, we put together a list of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park.  Here we have our list of the best easy hikes in Yosemite, but be sure to look out for our lists of the best moderate and difficult Yosemite hikes as well!

We aren’t going to try and argue that these are exclusively the best easy hikes in Yosemite.  There are so many to choose from, and everyone has their own preferences.  However, this list is a good starting point, and gives us all something to argue about!

The hikes on this list are all what I would consider easy hikes.  By easy, I mean just about everyone should be able to complete all of these trails.  Most are from 1-5 miles, and under 500 feet of climbing.  Some may be slightly more difficult, but all are manageable trails!

1. Mirror Lake via the Valley Loop Trail

6.1 miles

337 feet vertical gain

This is definitely the best easy hike in Yosemite because it provides huge Yosemite views, water, waterfalls, and is way less busy than a lot of the other trails on this list.  The first and last miles will be fairly busy, but beyond Mirror Lake you’ll have the trail to yourself!

Located in Yosemite Valley, you shouldn’t have a long drive to get here.  If you’re already in Yosemite, the valley is about as easy to access as it gets.  The trail leaves right from Curry Village, and can easily be accessed from the other parts of the valley as well.

2. Wapama Falls Trail

4.6 miles

200 feet vertical gain

This hike is the highlight of the Hetch Hetchy region of Yosemite, and takes you on a nice stroll through a tunnel, along a reservoir, and to the base of a massive waterfall.  I question the 200 feet of vertical gain number because I have seen a number of different figures listed on different sites.  Alltrails say 900, but I think their map is confused by the tunnel and thinks you go over the tunnel!

You’ll be treated to great views throughout this hike.  The water and the dramatic cliffs along the valley are always in view!  The biggest challenge with this trail is the temperature.  It can get really hot in Hetch Hetchy, and you will have very little shade.  It can be brutal in summer!  As a pro, once you get to Wapama Falls, the spray will cool you off!

3. Taft Point and The Fissures

2.3 miles

374 feet vertical gain

This easy trail takes you to Taft Point along the upper edge of Yosemite Valley.  You will be treated to some of Yosemite’s best views, huge vertical drops, and some really nice hiking through Yosemite’s high elevation forests.

The trailhead for Taft Point is along Glacier Point Road.  Keep driving just a few more miles to reach Glacier Point, Yosemite’s most iconic view.  If you’re looking for a little more of a challenge, continue your hike to the summit of Sentinel Dome.  You’ll add about 2.5-3 miles and 500 feet or so of climbing, but that is one of my favorite moderate Yosemite hikes!

4. Valley Floor Loop Trail

20.1 miles

1,217 feet vertical gain

So I don’t think anyone ever actually hikes this entire trail, but I figured I’d list the full numbers.  The Valley Floor Loop Trail is a trail that makes a circle all the way around Yosemite Valley.  I don’t know if I would ever actually hike this entire thing, but no matter where you are on it, you’ll have awesome views looking up at the white granite walls of Yosemite Valley!

This is a great path to go for a nice relaxing walk on, or take a leisurely bike ride through an incredibly beautiful place.  I actually think biking the whole thing would be a great day out, but hiking sections of this trail is great too!

5. Grizzly Giant Loop Trail

2 miles

351 feet vertical gain

This trail takes you away from the iconic Yosemite Valley to the incredible sequoia forests of the Sierra Nevada foothills.  This short trail takes hikers to the Grizzly Giant, a massive 200+ foot giant sequoia tree!

Located in Mariposa Grove, this is an awesome short and easy hike that gets you into the sequoia forest.  I think Mariposa Grove is the best sequoia grove in Yosemite, and if you’re looking for an easy hike to see these epic trees, this is the one to do.  For a more moderate hike, the Mariposa Grove Trail is an incredible hike through the forest.  It is just over 6 miles.

6. May Lake

2.3 miles

482 feet vertical gain

There aren’t many places where you can get to a legitimate alpine lake for under 500 feet of climbing, but this is one of them!  This short hike to May Lake takes you up into the Yosemite High Country and will provide a legitimate alpine feel!

This trail gets you away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley.  Located just off of Tioga Road, this trailhead is a bit of a drive to reach, but the payoff is spectacular.  Even the drive alone is amazing!  If you’re looking for a remote alpine feel without the normal effort required, May Lake would be an excellent choice.

7. Tenaya Lake Trail

3.4 miles

196 feet

Another trail in the higher reaches of Yosemite, the hike around Tenaya Lake will not provide the same wilderness experience as May Lake, the views are just as good or better!  This trail is a short out and back along the far side of Tenaya Lake, and provides great views of the lake and surrounding mountains.  Unfortunately, Tioga Road runs right alongside the far side of the lake, so you likely will never truly feel like you’re deep in the mountains.

This trail is along Tioga Road which is a bit of a drive from Yosemite Valley, but it’s definitely worth driving up here at least once!  This is an easy trail with big time views!

8. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

1.2 miles

59 feet vertical gain

This may be the most popular trail in Yosemite, and honestly it’s a bit of a shock to be on a trail so busy!  If the measure of a trail is only the views, then this would be higher than it is, but I can’t rank it higher because of the crowds.  When people talk about Yosemite being busy, this is what they are talking about!

Located right in the heart of Yosemite Valley, this mostly paved trail takes hikers to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls.  The view looking up at the falls is fantastic, you’ll just be sharing it with a hundred of your closest friends!  This is a worthwhile hike, but try and do it when the place isn’t packed!

9. Washburn Trail

4.1 miles

583 feet vertical gain

This trail takes you into the sequoia forests of Mariposa Grove.  This is a nice, gentle walk through beautiful pine forests, and leads you to one of the best sequoia groves in California!  I would recommend Grizzly Giant Loop over this trail, but if you’re looking for another easy hike in the sequoias, this is another option!

10. Carlon Falls Trail

3 miles

196 feet vertical gain

You’re in bear country, so be sure to always be bear safe!

This trail is kind of in the middle of nowhere in Yosemite terms, but that just means you’ll be sharing it with fewer people!  Located on Evergreen Road on the drive between Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valley, this short trail takes you through some low altitude forest to a beautiful, secluded waterfall!

If you’ve never been to Yosemite, it should be at the very top of your to do list!  It’s truly a one of a kind place, and there’s nothing else like it in the world!  This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and we know there are excellent trails that we left out, but if you’re looking to do some nice, laid back, hiking in Yosemite National Park, we hope this can serve as a nice starting point for your adventures!