If you want to hike the entirety of Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Valley Loop is your ideal trail. Fully paved, the Valley Loop Trail was created to allow visitors a path to explore the entire valley by foot, or bike. While on this hike, you will find hidden gems along the Merced River, wildlife, and be able to soak in the gorgeous granite views Yosemite offers.
The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is a choose your own adventure day hike that is often explored in small sections to see the exquisite sites Yosemite Valley offers. However, some hikers take on the 21.1 miles which make up the entire Loop trail, so they can see all of the sights in a single day. Day hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop offers up-close views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Sentinel Rocks, Ribbon Falls, the famous Valley View, and many other iconic views. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your hiking boots and get walking.
Read on to discover the best views of this day hike, quick facts about the trail, how long the trail will take, and more use information on day hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop.
Enjoying the view from one of the many bridge views while day hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
HOW LONG IS THE VALLEY LOOP TRAIL DAY HIKE?
The Valley Loop trail is just short of a full marathon, totaling 21.1 miles.
WHAT IS THE ELEVATION GAIN OF THE VALLEY LOOP TRAIL DAY HIKE?
The Yosemite Valley Loop has no significant hills to climb, but the elevation gain is 1,335 feet as the trail ungulates up and down with hills.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DAY HIKE THE VALLEY LOOP TRAIL?
The Yosemite Valley loop trail typically takes 7 hours and 23 minutes on average to walk. Since this trail is flat and fully paved, some people chose to trail run this in a single day, so they can see the entire Yosemite Valley in just a few hours.
On a snowy visit to Yosemite, I went to the Three Brothers view while day hiking along the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
HOW HARD IS THE YOSEMITE VALLEY LOOP TRAIL DAY HIKE?
The Yosemite Valley Loop trail is the easiest trail to walk on in Yosemite Valley. Walking the entire loop is difficult, but walking a short section is a great way to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature Yosemite offers.
Are there Bathrooms along the Yosemite Valley Loop?
While day hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop you will come across several bathrooms. Most of the bathrooms are pit toilets, but there are a few hotels and shops you can stop at that have running water.
Why Hike the Yosemite Valley Loop?
The Yosemite Valley Loop is the ideal day hike for the visitor who is looking to see ALL of Yosemite Valley. Walking the full loop will take time, but you will have the opportunity to see the largest waterfalls in North America, in addition to wildlife, the Merced River, and so much more. In addition to the amazing views, this day hike is accessible to all, which means there wont be any huffing and puffing up a large hill! Instead, you will be able to leisurely explore Yosemite Valley in its full grandeur!
What To See along the Yosemite Valley Loop?
While day hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop, you will be able to see the most stunning views Yosemite Valley has to offer. Now, what are those amazing views? Below are 7 must see views while hiking the Yosemite Valley Loop:
El Capitan from the El Cap Meadow
Half Dome from the Sentinel Bridge
Yosemite Falls from Cook’s Meadow
Yosemite Valley View
Bridalveil Falls
Mirror Lake Reflection
Ribbon Falls
Three Brother’s View along the Merced
Yosemite Falls rushing during the spring while day hiking on the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discover the best views of this day hike, quick facts about the trail, how long the trail will take, and so much more, it is time for you to hit the trail and start hiking. If you found any of this information helpful, or if you feel something should be added to this blog, let me know in the comments below.
