hikes in yosemite
 

I am taking my partner to yosemite for the first time in late may. we will be there for 3 days. we are not backpackers/campers, and do not want a physically challenging hike, , but would like some ideas for a few interesting places to hike/have a picnic for a few hours. I am familiar with the more common sights. thanks!

and we plan to stay at the yosemite view lodge because all the rooms in the park are reserved.

any thoughts about this?

Around the valley floor is the 13mi walking loop. You can take any part of the trail.

1. From Yosemite Lodge towards El Capitan
2. on the S side, near Bridal Veil, headed towards the East.

If you want to get away from the valley floor here are some options

1. John Muir trail - part way is ok
2. Mist trail - part way is ok

If you want to get up for a view, hike partway up Yosemite Falls trail till you get to the base of the upper falls. It does take effort since it is about 1000' up but not nearly as hard as going to the top. Physically challenging is relative.

We enjoyed the Mist Trail up to the top of Vernal falls, where we ate a picnic lunch. Might be the most exciting picnic we ever had--had to fight off aggressive squirrels and steller jays the whole time!

We rented bikes to do the loop on the valley floor mentioned above, really enjoyable!

~Liz

Not much of a 'hike' but be sure to walk to Mirror Lake. In May it should be gorgeous.

I second the Mist Trail.

Also, Sentinel Dome and/or Taft Point along Glacier Road.

The walks to Lower Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls are very easy. I'd go to Bridalveil Falls later in the day.

If you can handle 2.2 miles and mostly level, I really like the trail out to Taft Point. Fabulous views that time of year.

You could also spend a day driving to Tuolumne Meadows. It's easy to walk around Tenaya Lake. I love the views behind Pothole Dome. And you can stop at Olmstead Point.

For a list of possibilities: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/

Oh, if you want to stay in the park, keep looking for cancellations.

>>You could also spend a day driving to Tuolumne Meadows.<<

Might not be possible -- depends on when Tioga opens.

I like the part of Valley Loop trail on the north side of the Merced River between Swinging Bridge and El Capitan Bridge.

As others have said Taft Point is not to be missed. BIG views.

I love the hike to Vernal falls. There is a fair amount of uphill walking but it is on a well paved path and the falls at the end are beautiful. If you feel up to it, you can continue on the Mist trail up to the top of the falls which is a beautiful spot.

Tioga Road opens tomorrow. Although it is possible that a storm front could come in and temporarily close it.

Shanti: That's good news -- weird though, I check the website yesterday (before posting) to make sure and it said no estimated date.

Just looked again and yes, it says >>Tioga Road Opens at Noon on Friday, May 2
The Tioga Road will open to all traffic at noon on Friday, May 2. Limited services will be available along the road.<<

Yesterday it stated "opening date unknown" - man, a LOT changes in less than 24 hours :)