This is one of Yosemite’s prime goodies and it’s most distinct rock formation. It’s one of the park’s hardest trails yet - also one of it’s most crowded. So much so that the NPS has a yearly lottery system limiting the number of people who’re allowed to get to the top. The main lotteries are held March - April, and then a lottery for 50 passes daily is held and it is STILL crowded as anything. And no wonder the views are mind-blasting. The scariest bit of the trail is how steep it can suddenly become, especially as you’re ascending the cables. Visit in May, the waterfalls are the best then.

• 14.2 miles (22.7 km) round trip via Mist Trail.
• 16.5 miles (26.5 km) round trip via John Muir Trail.
• 20 miles (32 km) round trip via Glacier Point.
• 23 miles (37) km round trip via Tenaya Lake.
• 7 miles (11 km) round trip from Little Yosemite Valley Camp Ground.

• You can only request six permits per application.

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