7.3 hr
Overview
This trail follows many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads. It offers a rare opportunity in Yosemite Valley: to hike on a fairly level trail with some solitude. While some of the trail passes near roads, much of it takes you through meadows, talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. You can access the trail from many places throughout the Valley. Route-finding can be difficult in places, so it is best to bring a map with you (even <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href "http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleyhikes1.pdf">a simple day hiking brochure</a> from the visitor center) or the <a href='/mobile-app'>Hiking Project mobile app</a> as they will orient you with the various landforms in the Valley, which are often listed on the trail/directional signs.<br><br>From the Lower Yosemite Fall area, head west along the base of the Three Brothers rock formation, past Camp 4, eventually working your way through Yosemite Valley to El Capitan. If you are planning to hike the half loop, cross the Merced River at El Capitan Bridge and continue by heading east back toward Yosemite Village. If you are planning to hike the full loop, continue west past El Capitan toward Bridalveil Fall. While most of the trail is flat, there are some hilly sections throughout the loop. Additionally, you'll find mixed trail surfaces: dirt, rocks, sand, and old pavement.<br><br>The Valley Loop Trail is open year-round. During spring, you may find localized flooding on the trail near creeks. During winter, the trail is often snowy and icy in places, particularly along the south side of Yosemite Valley. In these areas, use extreme caution as it may be hard to get traction on ice and route-finding may be difficult in snowy areas (the trail may be completely obscured by just a few inches of snow).
Trail Stats
27.4 km
264 m
1264 m
1181 m
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Photos
Bridge over the creek.
Bridge over the creek.
Lower Yosemite falls in December
Lower Yosemite falls in December
One the the entrances/exits to the Spider Cave. Passing through the cave requires crawling/sliding. Headlamp strongly recommended! There are bear boxes just near the entrance where you should store any backpacks prior to entering.
One the the entrances/exits to the Spider Cave. Passing through the cave requires crawling/sliding. Headlamp strongly recommended! There are bear boxes just near the entrance where you should store any backpacks prior to entering.
Another of the Spider Cave entrances/exits.
Another of the Spider Cave entrances/exits.
Looking across Yosemite Valley at El Capitan. While most of the views are obscured, there are a couple of points where El Capitan appears.
Looking across Yosemite Valley at El Capitan. While most of the views are obscured, there are a couple of points where El Capitan appears.
Heading to Mirror Lake.
Heading to Mirror Lake.
The Merced River.
The Merced River.
One of Yosemite's full time residents.
One of Yosemite's full time residents.
Yosemite Valley in the winter.
Yosemite Valley in the winter.
Looking across Sentinel Creek.
Looking across Sentinel Creek.
A beautiful rainy day at Mirror Lake, as seen from the Mirror Lake Access Road.
A beautiful rainy day at Mirror Lake, as seen from the Mirror Lake Access Road.
Views across the Merced River.
Views across the Merced River.
The Magical Firefall
The Magical Firefall
Glassy on the Merced...
Glassy on the Merced...
Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls on a full moon night from the Lower Yosemite Falls trail
Yosemite Falls on a full moon night from the Lower Yosemite Falls trail
Valley View of Yosemite Valley - El Capitan and Three Brothers.
Valley View of Yosemite Valley - El Capitan and Three Brothers.
The Lower Yosemite Falls
The Lower Yosemite Falls
Merced Valley View.
Merced Valley View.
Horsetail Falls- as seen from across the valley during the 2 week period in February when the sun hits it just right.
Horsetail Falls- as seen from across the valley during the 2 week period in February when the sun hits it just right.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley View
Yosemite Valley View
The Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
The Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley April 2015 snow storm.
Yosemite Valley April 2015 snow storm.
from the Yosemite Valley trails
from the Yosemite Valley trails
Valley View of Yosemite Valley - El Capitan and Three Brothers
Valley View of Yosemite Valley - El Capitan and Three Brothers
The mighty Merced River.
The mighty Merced River.