Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most iconic landscape views with incredibly beautiful hiking trails. From waterfalls over rock cliffs, hiking trails, granite peaks, it’s a bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once. There are stunning views all around, but here are 7 hikes with some of the most spectacular views.

1. Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak is the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley. It’s the tallest of the Three Brothers, a trio of granite peak rock formations. It offers panoramic views of the valley including Yosemite Falls, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Glacier Point. John Muir once said the view to be the “where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on the north-wall”

The most common way to reach Eagle Peak is following the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. The trailhead is located at Camp 4 near Yosemite Village and offers beautiful views of the valley including a stop at Columbia Rock Viewpoint. The first 3.5 miles of the trail is heavily trafficked with steep switchbacks and very little shade, so be prepared to bring plenty of water.

2. Mist Trail

Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite Valley. It features up-close and personal views of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls from the base and top of each waterfall. Crowds are heavy on the way to Vernal Falls as this is a commonly trekked trail, but it thins out as you continue on to Nevada Falls. 

The stairs towards Vernal Falls get wet and in turn can get quite slippery so use extra caution and tread carefully. Be prepared to get misted (I wonder how they came up with the trail name?) at the base of Vernal Falls, and keep your eyes peeled as you might be lucky enough to see a rainbow at the Vernal Falls! I’ve hiked this trail a handful of times and have seen a rainbow majority of the time! 

3. North Dome

North Dome rewards hikers with a stunning view of the north face of Half Dome. Most of the trail weaves through the forest and treks through some burned remnants from the Pika Fire, but the viewpoint at the end is incomparable. A side trail to Indian Rock adds an extra 0.8 miles. This is probably my favorite view of Half Dome, aside from Glacier Point.

4. Pohono Trail

Pohono Trail is on the south rim of Yosemite Valley and features wonderful views of Yosemite Valley’s natural landmarks, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks and Half Dome. Some notable stops along the way are Taft Point, Dewey Point, Crocker, Stanford and Inspiration Point. My favorite stop was Crocker Point because you can see an alignment view of Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan from here.

The most commonly hiked path is a one-way route downhill from Glacier Point to Tunnel View. This cuts the mileage in half and helps avoid climbing 3,700 ft back to the Pohono Trailhead; however, logistically, you will need to find a ride back to your car, take the bus (seasonal), or have two cars (one parked at the start of the trailhead and one at the end of the trailhead). 

We opted to backpack out-and-back style but camped at Stanford Point and day hiked the rest of the trail to help minimize the grueling trek. 

5. Cathedral Lakes

Cathedral Lakes trail is said to be one of the highlights of Tuolumne Meadows area, and for good reason. The trail features stops at two lakes, Upper Cathedral Lake and Lower Cathedral Lake. Personally, I favor Upper Cathedral Lake for its incredible view of cathedral-shaped Cathedral Peak. Sunset is particularly amazing here as you can see the alpenglow of Cathedral Peak.

The trail is located at a high elevation, so if you’re altitude-sensitive like me, be sure to acclimate and/or be aware of those conditions before you go.

6. Panorama Trail

Panorama Trail features expansive views and arguably Yosemite’s most scenic trail, with marvelous vistas and cascading waterfalls. The most common way to do this hike is to start at Glacier Point and end at Yosemite Valley via Panorama Trail and The Mist Trail. To do this, you can take the Glacier Point bus from Yosemite Lodge to the trailhead at Glacier Point. 

7. Taft Point and the Fissures