The Best Backpacking in Mariposa County

SENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an esti...

Everyone that knows Yosemite, knows Glacier Point. An overlook that attracts thousands of people per day that drive up via Glacier Point Road is rarely vacant of the hustle and bustle of people. However, there is a loop hole here, and when the stars align you can have Glacier Point ALL to yoursel...

Start from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much w...

Panorama Trail to Little Yosemite Valley is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Merced Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Yosemite Valley, California.

A Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...

Get a permit.  Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center.  Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister!  Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4.  Eagle Pe...

El Capitan Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Start on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...

Upper Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Indian Rock, Snow Creek Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Yosemite Valley, California.

The hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...

To thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...

Happy Isles to Cloud's Rest Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.

Merced Lake to Half Dome Loop via John Muir, Pack and Cloud Rest Trails is a loop trail offering scenic lake and waterfall views loceated in Yosemite National Park, California.

The Clark Range and Red Peak Pass Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Yosemite Valley, California.