Hiking preferences in Yosemite

Question

Sorry for the 2nd post, but if anyone has some recommendations or ranking of shorter day hikes in the Valley, let me know. We will stop at Bridalveil Falls and obviously do Lower Yosemite Falls and Glacier Pt Overlook (if open). I am trying to decide which of the following to do first and which I should save in case we run out of time or energy. The ones I am considering are: Vernal Falls (to the footbridge), Mirror Lake, Cook's Meadow. Not too sure about doing Taft Point (figuring maybe the same sights as Glacier Pt? We will be there for 2 days.

Answer

For a two-day trip in Yosemite Valley, focusing on shorter day hikes can help you experience the highlights without exhausting yourselves. Since you already plan to visit Bridalveil Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point (if open), here’s a suggested ranking and tips for the hikes you mentioned.

Recommended Short Hikes:

Cook’s Meadow Loop: Very easy, mostly flat, about 1 mile. Offers iconic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock. Excellent for photos and a gentle start to your hiking days. Ideal if you want something quick but scenic.
Mirror Lake: Easy to moderate, about 2 miles round trip to the lake (shorter if you just go partway). Great reflections of Half Dome and surrounding cliffs. Good in spring when water levels are higher. Can be combined with Tenaya Creek stroll for a relaxed experience.
Vernal Falls Footbridge: Moderate, about 1.6 miles round trip to the footbridge. Provides a closer view of Vernal Falls without the strenuous climb to the top. If you have time and energy, it’s worth doing for the waterfall and Mist Trail scenery.
Taft Point: About 2.2 miles round trip from the trailhead. Offers dramatic cliff-edge views and fissures. Similar vistas to Glacier Point in some ways, but more intimate and less crowded. If Glacier Point is open and you plan to go there, you could skip Taft Point unless you want the cliff-edge experience.

Suggested Prioritization:

Day 1: Start with Cook’s Meadow (easy, quick) and Mirror Lake (moderate). This allows you to warm up and enjoy scenic walks early in the day.
Day 2: Lower Yosemite Falls in the morning (already planned) and Vernal Falls Footbridge if you feel energetic. Glacier Point can be a mid- to late-day stop for panoramic views.
Taft Point can be optional. If Glacier Point is open, prioritize that for a shorter trip. Taft Point is great if you want a cliff-edge experience and fewer crowds.

Additional Tips:

Start hikes early to avoid midday crowds, especially at Mirror Lake and Cook’s Meadow.
Bring water, snacks, and layers. Even short hikes can feel longer in spring weather.
Check trail conditions at the visitor center, especially for Vernal Falls, as water flow and mist can make the trail slippery.
Consider combining some short walks for a flexible itinerary—e.g., Cook’s Meadow loop and Lower Yosemite Falls are close together and can be done in a single morning.

Overall, Cook’s Meadow and Mirror Lake are the easiest and most scenic for quick enjoyment. Vernal Falls Footbridge adds a moderate hike with waterfall views, and Taft Point is optional depending on Glacier Point access and your interest in cliff-edge vistas. This plan allows for sightseeing without overextending yourselves during the two days.

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