Yosemite National Park is one of the most unique places in North America. Located in the Sierra mountains of California, Yosemite is one of the oldest US national parks and spans over 1200 square miles. In this video, I show you 8 of my favorite hikes and destinations within this national park in a vlog-style format. The valley is very attractive to rock climbers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists from all over the world. While it can sometimes be crowded in the valley, a short hike up one of the many trails from the valley quickly brings you away from the crowds and into complete solitude.

Mirror lake trail is an easy hike that allows for a great first day walk after traveling all day to get to the valley. This hike offers great views of half dome from the valley and follows the river/creek (depending on the time of year you visit, this might be flowing vigorously or trickling slowly)

Columbia Rock is a short hike up the Upper Yosemite Falls trail and offers your first incredible view of the valley. This hike is managable for most, but my be slippery and quite rocky. If this is not for you, number 3 should be much more suitable.

Destination three is Glacier point which can be accessed in several different routes. The easiest for those who are not fit enough to hike the ~4000 ft. ascent from the valley, there is a parking lot at the top. If you choose to drive, you will find that parking may be difficult, but at the top there is also a gift shop, food, restrooms, and a wheelchair accessible ramp to most views. If you are more interested in solitude, I recommend hiking four mile trail at sunrise. This trail will most likely have nearly nobody on it before sunrise, so if you time it such that the sun comes up when you get to ~1 mile, you will get a great head start and not see anybody on the entire hike. Personally, I liked the overlook at mile 3 far more than I liked the glacier point overlook. I found glacier point to be too crowded by about 11AM, so be sure to arrive as early as possible if you do drive

Bridal veil fall is a great destination for those looking to go on a quarter mile hike to see a waterfall that still flows in September (since the main Yosemite Fall does not)

Mariposa Grove offers a totally different scenerey. I recommend taking the drive out to Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoia trees in a peaceful grove with easy trails and beautifully untouched nature.

Vernal Falls is a more intense hike that can also lead into Nevada Falls and later Half Dome (note: you do need a permit for half dome) Regardless of your hiking abilities, you should probably be able to handle one of these trails. If you are less experienced, a one mile hike to the foot bridge at the bottom of Vernal falls is a great place to see the massive waterfall (still flowing in September as well). If you are more capable of hiking higher, I recommend at least going to the top of Vernal Fall.

Lower Yosemite Falls trail is another easy trail that is wheelchair accessible and only takes about 30 minutes to do. This gives you an incredible view of the waterfall if it is running, and an incredible view of a massive granite wall if it is not flowing.

For a longer and more intense hike that is the most rewarding of these 8, I recommend taking the trek up to Yosemite point, or even to North Dome. I ventured just beyond Yosemite point and turned around at about mile 6 of my hike. This was an incredible view of the valley, the river, glacier point, the pinnacles, half dome, and more. Without a doubt, this was my favorite location. There are also very fewpeople at the top of this mountain, and those who are there are typically very quiet and respectful.


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WHAT GEAR DO I USE?
My camera: https://amzn.to/2VT3gzN

My microphone: https://amzn.to/2VKR4kE

My other camera: https://amzn.to/2BlCcQ4

My tripod: https://amzn.to/2IebL0V


Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
This channel is monetized via YouTube ads as well as some affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to the buyer. Thank you all for watching!
Please always be safe and stay on the trails at all times. Yosemite is beautiful but can be dangerous.

Thank you for watching!!

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