2 Yosemite hiking trails are among the nation’s most popular. See which ones
Going on a hike this summer?
Two hiking trails in Yosemite National Park rank among the most popular in the nation, according to exercise tracking platform Strava.
The GPS fitness tracking app, which is used by more than 195 million people, recently showcased the top trails logged by users in the United States.
Five of the top 10 trails are in California.
“California is continuing to define U.S. hiking culture,” Strava said in a June 11 news release.
Here’s are Strava’s most popular hikes in California:
What is the best hiking trail in California?
According to Strava, the Mist/Muir Intersection Down trail was the most popular U.S. trail with app users from April 30, 2025, to May 1.
A total of 70,387 Strava users have logged the hike 74,455 times just on Strava as of Friday, June 26.
The Mist and John Muir trails offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River and unique views across Yosemite Valley,” the National Park Service
The two trails diverge about a mile past the trailhead, beyond the Vernal Fall Footbridge.
The Mist/Muir Intersection Down trail has a 490-feet change in elevation, according to Strava.
What makes Half Dome popular with hikers?
Half Dome took second place on Strava’s list of the most logged trails in the United States.
As of June 26, 57,360 users tracked 54,470 attempts to tackle the hike in total just on the Strava platform.
“Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers,” the National Park Service said.
The “exciting, arduous hike” covers 14 to 16 miles and takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete, park officials said.
“Today, thousands of people reach the summit. For most, it is an exciting, arduous hike; for a few, it becomes more of an adventure than they wanted,” the park service said.
What are current hiking trends?
According to Strava, hiking is becoming more social.
Across the globe, hiking clubs increased by 5.8 times in 2025, according to the app.
“Grouped hikes are 32% longer than solo hikes,” Strava said, with group hikes lasting 4 miles and solo hikes lasting 3.1 miles. “Grouped hikes take 42% longer too and have (two times) more downtime.”
Strava user data show that women are more likely to log hiking activity than men, members of Generation X is most likely to hike compared to other generations.
In the summer, hikes are 12% longer than in the winter months, according to Strava.
What were the top trails logged in the US?
Based on Strava, these were the most popular hiking trails in the United States logged by users from April 30, 2025, to May 1:
- Yosemite National Park: Mist/Muir Intersection Down
- Yosemite National Park: Half Dome
- Arches National Park, Utah: Arches Entrance Road Climb
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: Dream Lake to Bear Lake – Downhill
- Zion National Park, Utah: Angel base down to river
- Coconino National Forest, Arizona: Devil’s Bridge Ascent:
- Honolulu: Diamond Head Hike to first tunnel
- Fremont: Mission Peak – Stanford gate
- San Diego: Cowles Mountain Descent
- Los Angeles: Down We Go!
What are new features on fitness tracking app Strava?
Strava said it’s introducing new hiking features aimed at making the outdoor experience more discoverable, navigable, and social.”
“The update includes a broad set of features available to all Strava members at no cost, alongside a deeper suite of tools exclusive to subscribers,” the fitness tracking app said.
That includes “advanced route planning, offline navigation and cinematic sharing features designed for athletes who want to go further,” Strava said.
