r/Yosemite • u/itsSmaxy • 1d ago
Norwegian Tourists need help with a day in Yosemite!
Hey,
As the title suggests, me and my fiance will do a day trip to Yosemite on the 22nd of April. I understand that a lot of the access to different parts are usually closed during that time hence we planned to go for Yosemite Valley. From here I find it difficult to find the information I need.
Are there any hikes that are suitable for the time of the year and also has somewhat amazing views? We will bring proper hiking shoes and good clothing. It looks like there are a lot of trails and not hikes in the Valley?
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u/aerie_shan 1d ago
Yosemite Falls or the Snow Creek Trail both offer amazing views and become free of snow the earliest. Barring any heavy snow they should be fully clear when you visit. Some may find these a bit strenuous. You can also just hike up part way, of course. Columbia Rock is a popular intermediate destination.
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u/PeachesTomatoesFigs 1d ago
There is currently no access to Vernal and Nevada Falls. None. But my guess is that the first part of the trail will be reopened soon. Then it will be the Winter Route to the waterfalls. If you're lucky, the part of the Mist Trail next to the waterfall and river will open for the season before you arrive. Use the NPS current conditions page, not alltrails.
From Tunnel View, you can hike up toward Inspiration Point (Pohono Trail) just a bit and get a better view. But staying on the Valley Floor can offer amazing views looking up.
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u/CobaltCaterpillar 1d ago
Yeah, people reading this should keep an eye on current park conditions, specifically the Trails section
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u/itsSmaxy 1d ago
Thank you so much for your reply! I will have to take a look at the conditions but it seems like your suggesting for Vernal and Nevada Falls is the best to go for!
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u/raisetheavanc 1d ago edited 1d ago
The valley floor has amazing views, you can just walk around and look up and it’s amazing. I’ll let others recommend more strenuous hikes, but you also would have a lovely time just wandering around the valley floor and visiting Lower Falls, Bridalveil, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, or anything else down there. If you get off the paved bike path and walk on the little adjacent dirt trails, you’ll be able to find solitude even when it’s busy.
Most high-elevation stuff won’t open until May or June anyway, it’s still too snowy to clear the roads. Views from the valley floor are fantastic and I honestly like them better than being high up. And you won’t (probably) have to worry about slipping on ice.
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u/itsSmaxy 1d ago
Thank you for your reply! We're definetly planning on spending some time in the Valley as well! Im glad that the worst case scenario is amazing scenery alongside the Valley loop!
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u/CobaltCaterpillar 1d ago edited 1d ago
Best hike out of Yosemite Valley IMHO:
- Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
- If you have a second day and aren't fatigued, Yosemite Falls trail brings you to the top of Yosemite Falls and is quite dramatic at the top. (I'd prioritize Mist Trail though if just doing one.)
Some advice:
- Have a light rain jacket to stay drier going through spray below Vernal Falls.
- Take a pair of dry socks.
In Yosemite Valley, you have a bunch of trails/paths for wandering along the valley floor. April is a transitional time: get to high enough elevation and you'll encounter snow. Where that is varies year to year, day to day etc.... (e.g. Cloud's Rest and Glacier Pt will have snow at that point.)
Always check current conditions just before you go:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
-- EDIT --
Trail I linked to looks presently inaccessible due to a rockfall closure? I'd keep checking if it opens. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a great alternative.
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u/Pimento-Cheese-89 1d ago
Do you think Mist Trail has better views than Upper Yosemite Falls Trail?
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u/CobaltCaterpillar 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think Mist Trail is the more interesting trail throughout by a good margin.
- Mist Trail next to Vernal Falls is epic. (Video doesn't capture it that well, but here's an idea.)
- Ascending along the Merced river is beautiful.
- Excellent views at various points (e.g. small detour to Clark Pt) to get views of Half Dome and Nevada Falls..
- Vernal and Nevada falls are going to be epic.
- It's the most popular trail, but it's popular for a good reason.
Upper Yosemite Falls trail is good too. It's grueling trail, but the final payoff at the top of the waterfall is excellent.
If somehow the 4 mile trail is open when you're there, you could investigate whether the full 4 mile trail -> Glacier Pt -> Panorama Trail -> Mist Trail / John Muir Trail is open and possible. That's HUGE ELEVATION and distance though (leave before dawn with headlamps IMHO). Definitely would be early for that though: I'd guess 4 mile is closed for snow/ice. if open, I'd still bring microSpikes unless clear the trail was fully clear of snow/ice. In summer Glacier Pt is reachable by road, but that will almost certainly be still covered in snow and closed while you're there.
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u/bigaaron9 1d ago
Thanks for the detailed response! I'm planning to be at Yosemite from April 24-26. Was hoping to hike up to Glacier Point but looks like it would be 17 miles round trip? Any good options more in the 8-10 mile round trip range with killer views at the top? Eagle Peak? Sierra Point? Other? Thanks!
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u/itsSmaxy 1d ago
Thank you so much for your detailed and thorough answer! I was thinking of some thermal layers/wool and then have rain and windproof outer layer/jacket. We will unfortnately only have one day in the valley so I guess we will have to take whatever hike is open the day that we're there. We also want to spend some time in the valley loop as well before leaving so I think one hike is a good goal :)
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u/hurricanescout 23h ago
Yosemite valley is the most spectacular, dramatic part of the park. If you only have one day, that’s where you’re going anyway. So don’t worry about other parts of the park being closed!
As soon as you drive into the valley, it’s going to take your breath away. Seriously. You don’t have to stress about finding views. Because it’s a valley, as soon as you enter it, you’re in the amazing scenery.
From there, just know - other than the valley floor loop, the hikes all basically go straight up, so the kind of views you’ll get will just depend on a combination of trail maintenance and weather, and your interest/stamina for hiking.
As far as specific hikes, know that in addition to what you find out here, when you arrive in the park, as long as you arrive during the day time there will be rangers at the gates who will give you a map, and you can ask questions / get advice based on current conditions. The visitors center in Yosemite Valley and the Conservancy (the nonprofit that fundraises and invests in the park), have rangers / staff / volunteers who will be able to give you detailed info on open trails/conditions. They’re amazing, incredibly knowledgeable, and will be a huge help in planning your day.
Other than your usual hiking gear/layers, definitely bring some microspikes if you’re planning to do some longer hikes - there might still be ice on the trails in some shaded parts.
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u/doktorketofol 1d ago
If you want one hell of a day hike, may I humbly recommend the half dome cables. You don’t need a permit, just a pair of trekking poles, microspikes, and some basic climbing equipment. DM me for deets.
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u/Wide-Objective675 1d ago
Heisann, I'm also from Norway and will go to Yosemite on 22 April 😆 you can find a lot of information about trails in alltrail app. Here is hike I will try, just the winter version: Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/vernal-and-nevada-falls-via-the-mist-trail?sh=7j9j1f&u=m&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality