Looking for easy hikes in Yosemite Valley that still deliver jaw-dropping views? You’re in the right place. I’ve lived and worked in Yosemite for years, photographing couples, chasing golden light, and exploring every trail the Valley has to offer. When I say these hikes are easy, I mean it. I’ve done them in every season of life: married, pregnant, with strollers or carriers with babies and toddlers.
If you’re planning a full trip, check out my Ultimate Yosemite Travel Guide for insider tips on where to stay, when to visit, and how to make the most of your time in the Valley.
Whether you’re here for a relaxed stroll, a family adventure, or your first time hiking in the park, these trails will give you that Yosemite magic without the exhaustion.
As of 2025 you need reservations to get into Yosemite National Park during peak hours. To learn more about the permit system & get your permits click HERE.
Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley at a Glance
All of these trails are under three miles round trip, beginner-friendly, and perfect for soaking in Yosemite’s best views without a strenuous climb.
| Trail | Distance (Round Trip) | Elevation Gain | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridalveil Fall Trail | .5 miles | 50 ft | Easy and great views |
| Cook’s Meadow Loop | 1 mile | Flat | Great views of Half Dome & Yosemite Falls |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1.2 miles | 60 ft | Best low effort high reward hike |
| Vernal Fall Footbridge (to bridge only) | 1.8 miles | 500 ft | Great leg workout for views of Vernal falls |
| Mirror Lake Trail (partial) | 2 miles | 100 ft | Best to do in spring or early summer. Great place to play in the water. |
Detailed Look: Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley
Lower Yosemite Falls
If you only have time for one easy hike in Yosemite Valley, make it this one. The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is paved, short, and breathtaking from start to finish. You’ll walk through shady trees with the roar of the waterfall growing louder until you reach a misty viewpoint that feels straight out of a movie.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead: Across from Yosemite Valley Lodge or Shuttle Bus Stop 6
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer when the falls are at full force
This is one of the easiest hikes in Yosemite Valley. With it being short and paved (great for strollers & wheelchairs) with a great view at the end it also makes it one of the most popular hikes.
The best season to see the falls is in spring. Depending on the snowfall the previous winter, Yosemite Falls will be gushing from April-June and it usually dries up from late June into September. It is a seasonal waterfall so if you are visiting in the summer, chances are, the waterfall won’t be flowing.
Local Tip: Go early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds and catch the sunlight glowing through the mist. If you visit in late summer or fall, the falls may slow to a trickle or be completely dry.
Cook’s Meadow Loop
Cook’s Meadow Loop is another one of the easy hikes in Yosemite valley. It’s a flat boardwalk that winds through the center of the valley floor, surrounded by wildflowers and framed by views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. You can wander in any direction, stop for photos, and just breathe.
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: None
- Trailhead: Start near Sentinel Bridge or Shuttle Bus Stop 6
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers or sunset for warm golden light
Sunset is the best time to visit to see the sunset on Half Dome and possibly see some deer grazing for their dinner. Bears also frequent the area. To see bears, they are active early in the morning or later in the evening when there are less people around to scare them off.
Mirror Lake
If you want peace and reflections without a strenuous climb, walk the first two miles of the Mirror Lake Trail. The path is mostly flat and takes you to one of the most photogenic spots in the valley. On still mornings, Half Dome reflects perfectly in the calm water. One of those Yosemite moments that feels unreal.
- Distance: 2 miles round trip (to Mirror Lake and back)
- Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #17 (Mirror Lake Trailhead)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer when the lake has the most water
Mirror Lake is technically not a lake but a deep river bed that in springtime fills up with fresh snowmelt water and resembles the looks of a lake with mirror-like reflections. By late summer it’s common for Mirror Lake to dry up so don’t be surprised if you hike all the way there and don’t find a lake!
Local Tip: Bring mosquito repellent in late spring. The calm water is gorgeous but attracts plenty of company
Bridalveil Falls
This easy hike in Yosemite Valley leads to one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls. The Bridalveil Fall Trail is perfect if you’re looking for an easy walk that packs a punch. You’ll hear the waterfall before you see it, and by the time you reach the viewing area, you’ll get drenched by the mist.
Bridalveil Falls is one of the first waterfalls that you can see as you drive into Yosemite National Park. You can even spot it from the roadside Tunnel Viewpoint that overlooks the valley.
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 80 feet
- Trailhead: Bridalveil Fall parking area, near the park’s western entrance
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for the fullest flow
Vernal Falls Footbridge
The Vernal Fall Footbridge section of the Mist Trail gives you a taste of adventure without needing to tackle the steep stairs to the top. The path is paved the entire way leading to a bridge with a rewarding view of Vernal Fall in the distance. It’s short, scenic, and gives you a preview of one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 500 feet
- Trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop #16)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early summer for the strongest waterfall flow
Vernal Falls is another year-round waterfall so no matter the season, you can do this hike and are guaranteed some water flow.
There are bathrooms and water at this section of the trail. It’s a great place to stop for a lunch or snack break on your way up to the top of Vernal Falls or a great place to enjoy the beauty if that is where you choose to stop.
It is definitely the hardest of the easy hikes listed because you are gaining 500 feet which is quite the elevation gain but the payoff is 100% worth it.
If you’re considering going beyond the footbridge, check out my full Mist Trail Hiking Guide for tips on what to expect, how far to go, and when it’s safest to hike.
Which Easy Yosemite Valley Hike Is Best for You?
- Shortest walk: Bridalveil Fall Trail
- Best waterfall views: Lower Yosemite Falls
- Best for families or strollers: Cook’s Meadow Loop
- Most peaceful experience: Mirror Lake
- Best “mini adventure”: Vernal Fall Footbridge
If you want to do more than one, you can easily combine Lower Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadow into a single morning.
Tips for Hiking in Yosemite Valley
- Start early. Parking fills quickly, especially near Lower Yosemite Falls.
- Use the shuttle. It connects most trailheads and saves time hunting for spots.
- Bring water and snacks. Even short walks feel longer under the sun.
- Check trail conditions. Some paths can be icy in winter or closed for maintenance.
- Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in and stay on marked trails.
Planning Your Yosemite Trip
For a complete guide to planning your Yosemite adventure, from where to stay to how to navigate the park, check out my Ultimate Yosemite Travel Guide. You’ll find insider tips from years of exploring this valley, plus recommendations that most tourists miss.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to summit Half Dome to feel Yosemite’s magic. These easy hikes in Yosemite Valley prove that some of the most breathtaking views are also the most accessible. Slow down, take your time, and let this place remind you how good it feels to simply be alive.
