Valley Loop (paved sections) is a 6.5 mi trail with 100 ft of climbing — about 2h 15m of moving time before you stop for anything. Leashed dogs are welcome, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 45% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.
Underfoot & overhead paved valley loop
6.5 mi and 100 ft of climbing work out to 2h 15m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the fall refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Yosemite National Park runs around 90°F at the main visitor elevation.
37°F · Light Snow Likely · wind 0 to 5 mph
NOAA forecast for Yosemite National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyTioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road will temporarily close on Thursday, October 29, at 6 pm due to a forecast of snow. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road...
Live NPS alert for Yosemite National ParkOvernight parking is not allowed on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, including all parking lots reachable from these roads.
Live NPS alert for Yosemite National ParkAbout 2h 15m of moving time for 6.5 mi and 100 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 1.1–2.2 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.
Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Valley Loop (paved sections). Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Yosemite National Park.
We rate it comfortable from age 4. It takes a stroller. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 45% of the route is shaded, and Yosemite National Park peaks around 90°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.
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