Yosemite Trails – Backcountry Hiking Photos

Sometimes I wonder if this park contains some of the most famous backcountry hikes in the world. Here are some Yosemite trails photos, with specific emphasis on terrain and hiking path infrastructure. Please keep in mind that these are just a few of the most scenic and memorable treks in the park.

Rocky Alpine hiking path - Yosemite Trails — Rocky Alpine Trail

May Lake Hiking Trail

The May Lake trail photo above may be my favorite I’ve taken anywhere in Yosemite. The hiking path up to this alpine gem has many unforgettable stretches of open, rocky terrain.

May Lake & Mt Hoffman View along trail — May Lake & Mount Hoffman View

It’s relatively short but moderate climb, and drops you off at the beautiful shore of May Lake. This is definitely one of my top recommendations for Tioga Road treks. Adventurers can also continue climbing to see the Mount Hoffman panorama above.

North Dome Hike – Yosemite Trails

Dirt Path to North Dome, through Forest - Yosemite Trails — Beautiful forest trail

Speaking of which, the North Dome trail is about twice the distance, but also quite memorable. This hike takes you through a variety of terrain, from shady forests to exposed granite rock – overlooking the valley below.

Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Trail

Handrail and trail views on Upper Yosemite Falls hike — Views are worth the effort

While the Upper Yosemite Falls trail is considered one of the most brutal and unforgiving, it is ironically also one of the most loved. The stretch of rock path above shows how dizzying portions of the route can be.

Mist Trail Hike – Yosemite Trails

Paved path and rock wall on mountainside - Yosemite Trails — Paved path and rock wall on mountainside

I think the Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most famous “real” hikes. Although it’s certainly no slouch, it doesn’t punish visitors quite the same way that Upper Yosemite Falls trail does. This is somewhat of a “bonus route”, because it contains not one, but two waterfalls – Vernal & Nevada Falls.

While these photos focus on the paths and walkways themselves, of course I have galleries for each of these destinations as well. Check the “Landscapes” menu tab at the top of the page for more info.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

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– Nathan Allen

About Me

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.