Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Easy

"A Changing Yosemite" Interpretive Trail. This self-guided, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible walk begins about 75 yards in front of the Valley Visitor Center, where you can pick up an informative pamphlet that explains the continually changing geology visible along the walk. The trail follows the road, then circles through Cook's Meadow on a paved path. Across from the Valley Visitor Center.

Yosemite Falls Trail. This is the highest waterfall in North America. The upper fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and the lower fall (320 feet) combine for a total of 2,425 feet and, when viewed from the valley, appear as a single waterfall. The ¼-mi trail leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, a strenuous 3½-mi climb rising 2,700 feet, takes you above the top of the falls. Northside Dr. at Camp 4.

Moderate

Mist Trail. You'll walk through rainbows when you visit 317-foot Vernal Fall. The hike to the bridge at the base of the fall is moderately strenuous and less than 1 mi long. It's another steep (and often wet) ¾-mi grind up to the top. From there, you can continue 2 mi to the top of Nevada Fall, a 594-foot cascade as the Merced River plunges out of the high country. The trail is open late spring to early fall, depending on snowmelt. Happy Isles.

Panorama Trail. Starting at Glacier Point, the trail circles 8½ mi down through forest, past the secluded Illilouette Falls, to the top of Nevada Fall, where it connects with Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. You'll pass Nevada, then Vernal Fall on your way down to the Valley floor for a total elevation loss of 3,200 feet. Arrange to take the early-morning hiker bus to Glacier Point, and allow a full day for this hike. Glacier Point.

Difficult

Chilnualna Falls Trail. This Wawona-area trail runs 4 mi one way to the top of the falls, then leads into the backcountry, connecting with miles of other trails. This is one of the park's most inspiring and secluded—albeit strenuous—trails. Past the tumbling cascade, and up through forests, you'll emerge before a panoramic vista at the top. Chilnualna Falls Rd., off Rte. 41, Wawona.

Four-Mile Trail. You can take the hiker bus up to Glacier Point ($15), and then descend from there, zigzagging through the forest to the Valley floor, where you can catch a free shuttle back to your starting hiker-bus stop. If you decide to hike up Four-Mile Trail and back down again, allow about six hours for the challenging 9½-mi round-trip (the original 4-mi-long trail was lengthened to make it less steep). The Valley floor trailhead is on Southside Drive near Sentinel Beach, and the elevation change is 3,220 feet. Glacier Point.

John Muir Trail to Half Dome. Ardent and courageous trekkers can continue on from the top of Nevada Fall, off Mist Trail, to the top of Half Dome. Some hikers attempt this entire 10- to 12-hour, 16¾-mi round-trip trek from Happy Isles in one day; if you're planning to do this, remember that the 4,800-foot elevation gain and the 8,842-foot altitude will cause shortness of breath. Another option is to hike to a campground in Little Yosemite Valley near the top of Nevada Fall the first day, then climb to the top of Half Dome and hike out the next day; it's highly recommended that you get your wilderness permit reservations at least a month in advance. Be sure to wear hiking boots and bring gloves. The last pitch up the back of Half Dome is very steep—the only way to climb this sheer rock face is to pull yourself up using the steel cable handrails, which are in place only from late spring to early fall. Those who brave the ascent will be rewarded with an unbeatable view of Yosemite Valley below and the high country beyond. Before heading out, check conditions with rangers, and don't attempt the final ascent if there are any storm clouds overhead. Happy Isles.