Oakhurst, California
Oakhurst, California, known for its top outdoor adventures, offers one of the best trails for hiking - the Lewis Creek Trail. A must-visit, this scenic trail is moderately challenging, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers. As you traverse the trail, you'll come across two stunning waterfalls - Corlieu and Red Rock. The sight of the cascading water against the backdrop of the Sierra National Forest is truly captivating. The trail also offers views of unique rock formations and lush greenery. If you're lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife. Other outdoor activities in and near Oakhurst include fishing in Bass Lake and exploring the famous Yosemite National Park. So, if you're looking for the best trails and outdoor activities, Oakhurst should definitely be on your list.
Top Spots in and near Oakhurst
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Yosemite Valley, California
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
4.93.11 mi / 1319 ft gainThis is one of the most epic short hikes that you can do in Yosemite. Highly recommend it for anyone staying in the valley or visiting with enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. While the distance isn't long, you will stop a lot along the way to take in the beauty and also spend time at the top of the...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Vernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail
5.02.4 mi / 761 ft gainVernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
37.732842,-119.557782
Panorama Trail
4.816.87 mi / 3200 ft gainThe Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome
4.613.88 mi / 4800 ft gainFirst things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. Th...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail
5.0203.17 mi / 44944 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles
4.67.23 mi / 2815 ft gainThis popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Tra...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Half Dome via the Mist Trail
4.815.94 mi / 4800 ft gainBe sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just da...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP
4.5Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
12.6 mi / 3779 ft gainGet 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...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Rock Climb in Camp 4
5.0Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...Read more -
37.741904,-119.601967
Upper Yosemite Falls
4.75.98 mi / 2700 ft gainYou can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail
4.018 mi / 5200 ft gainOne ofthe most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of YosemiteValley. This is an alternative to the often crowdedMist, Panorama or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit tohike Half Dome this is great choice. Some of the highlights include hiking tothe top of Nort...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Yosemite Point
5.07.35 mi / 4354 ft gainStarting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails. Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary. The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP
4.5This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Bike Yosemite Valley
4.012 miBringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...Read more
