Best hikes in Central Sierra

Introduction to the Central Sierra

Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a world-famous destination known for its iconic granite cliffs and stunning waterfalls. The park's landscape is dominated by the Yosemite Valley, a glacially-carved U-shaped valley that offers awe-inspiring views of towering granite walls, including the famous El Capitan and Half Dome. The valley is also home to Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Yosemite National Park encompasses a range of ecosystems, including meadows, forests, and alpine regions, showcasing diverse flora and fauna.

The Sierra Nevada High Peaks, also known as the High Sierra, span a vast area and include numerous peaks over 12,000 feet  in elevation. These peaks, such as Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, offer breathtaking vistas and challenging mountaineering opportunities. The landscape of the High Sierra is characterized by rugged granite peaks, deep canyons, and glacially-carved valleys. The region is also home to pristine alpine lakes, such as Lake Tahoe, as well as meandering rivers and cascading waterfalls.

The geology of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada High Peaks is predominantly composed of granite, which was formed through the solidification of molten rock deep within the Earth's crust. Glaciers played a crucial role in shaping the landscape, sculpting the U-shaped valleys, polishing the granite surfaces, and leaving behind evidence of their movement through the presence of glacial erratics and moraines. The diverse geology of the region includes other rock types such as schist, limestone, and volcanic rocks, adding to the geological richness of the area.

Agencies that manage land within Central Sierra

• Inyo National Forest
• Sequoia National Park

Find trip reports in Central Sierra

Find the best hikes in the Central Sierra, located in California. The hikes listed below are from highest rating to lowest. Higher-rated hikes are generally harder, longer days with beautiful scenery and lots of solitude and follows a fun, interesting route.