One of the biggest advantages of staying at our Yosemite West cabins is your proximity to the park's best trailheads. You're already inside the boundary at 6,000 feet — which means no timed-entry permit headaches, no long drives to park entrances, and early starts that beat the crowds. Here are the 7 hikes we recommend most highly to our guests, in order of difficulty.
1. Bridalveil Fall Trail — Easy
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip · Elevation: Minimal · Drive from cabin: 18 min
The perfect first Yosemite hike. A paved, accessible path leads to the base of a 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round. At peak spring flow (March–May), mist drifts back toward the parking area. All ages and abilities can complete this trail. Arrive before 9AM to have the fall nearly to yourself.
2. Valley Floor Loop — Easy
Distance: 2–13 miles (multiple options) · Elevation: Flat · Drive: 20 min
The best way to experience El Capitan and Half Dome views without significant effort. The full loop is 13 miles, but most visitors walk a 2–5 mile section and turn back. Stroller-accessible on paved stretches. Look for deer in the meadows at dawn and dusk.
From Yosemite West, the Valley floor's iconic views are just 20 minutes by car.
3. Sentinel Dome — Moderate
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip · Elevation gain: 400ft · Drive: 20 min (Glacier Point Rd)
The best bang-for-effort hike in Yosemite. A moderate climb on a good trail leads to a bare granite dome with genuinely 360-degree views — Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the high Sierra. Far fewer crowds than Valley floor hikes. Best at sunset when the light turns the granite pink. Open approximately May–November depending on snow.
4. Taft Point — Moderate
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip (same trailhead as Sentinel Dome) · Drive: 20 min
Arguably the most dramatic viewpoint in the entire park: a sheer 3,500-foot vertical drop to the Valley floor with metal railing fences at the edge. Not for those with a fear of heights — but genuinely one of the most awe-inspiring spots in Yosemite. Combine with Sentinel Dome for a 5-mile loop.
5. Vernal Fall via Mist Trail — Moderate/Strenuous
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip (to top of fall) · Elevation gain: 1,000ft · Drive: 20 min
The most popular waterfall hike in Yosemite. Stone stair steps ascend beside the Merced River to the base, then summit, of a 317-foot waterfall. You will get wet — the Mist Trail lives up to its name. Wear waterproof layers. Peak experience: May and June when the fall is at maximum flow. Departs from Happy Isles trailhead; arrive by 7:30AM to beat the lines.
Our cabins have a full kitchen for packing proper trail lunches — one of the biggest advantages over Valley lodging. We suggest making sandwiches and filling 2L of water per person the night before a big hiking day. Leave by 7AM for popular trailheads.
6. Upper Yosemite Falls — Strenuous
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip · Elevation gain: 2,700ft · Drive: 20 min
One of Yosemite's most demanding day hikes. Relentless switchbacks climb 2,700 feet to the top of North America's tallest waterfall. The views from the summit overlook — looking down into the Valley, across to Half Dome — are transformative. Start by 7AM, bring 3L of water, snacks, sun protection. Not a hike to underestimate.
7. Half Dome — Very Strenuous (Permit Required)
Distance: 14–17 miles roundtrip · Elevation gain: 4,800ft · Drive: 20 min · Permit required for cables section
The bucket-list hike. A full-day 14-17 mile roundtrip ending with a 45-degree granite slab ascent using steel cables. Permits are required for the cables section (roughly Memorial Day through Columbus Day) and are distributed via lottery months in advance at recreation.gov. Staying at our Yosemite West cabin gives you the ideal early-morning departure for this hike — most Half Dome hikers start between 5:30–6AM.
Never attempt the cables in wet or thunderstorm conditions — lightning on the exposed granite dome is genuinely dangerous. Check weather forecasts the night before. Bring microspikes if any chance of ice. This is a serious athletic undertaking — only attempt if you hike regularly.