If you’re looking for some of the country’s most scenic hiking trails, then you’ll find it difficult to beat Yosemite National Park. With hundreds of lakes, beautiful meadows, massive waterfalls, and even a few beaches, there is plenty on offer. Of course, with over 800 miles of trails, it can be difficult picking the best one.

We’ve collected five of the most scenic trails Yosemite has to offer for seasoned and beginner hikers alike. To make the decision-making process that little bit simpler, we’ve put them in order of easiest hike to most challenging.

1. Lower Yosemite Falls

Let’s start off with something nice and easy. The Lower Yosemite Falls trail takes about half an hour to complete and is the perfect difficulty level for beginners. You’re looking at an elevation gain of about 50ft, covering a distance of 1-mile loop.

This path is perfect for families, thanks to its ease and the fact that leashed pets and strollers are allowed. There are restrooms on hand along the western trail, with a drinking fountain also available nearby. However, don’t expect to see any others along the trail, so you will have to prepare accordingly.

What makes it worth the visit?

This trail offers spectacular views of Yosemite Falls in its entirety, and you can walk right up to the base of the lower fall. Lower Yosemite Falls is part of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, the entirety of which is an impressive 2,425 foot. The bottom part you see here is the final drop, coming in at 320 foot.

If you visit during the spring, you will hear its deafening roars as the waterfall reaches its peak volume. If you plan on heading to the base and standing on the footbridge, then be prepared to get sprayed with water.

On the other hand, if you visit during late summer, you can often expect it to be dry. Watch for icy conditions in some parts during the winter, particularly on the western trail as you do the short climb to the footbridge.

2. Artist Point

Artist Point is a bit more challenging, rated at moderate, so expect smaller crowds on this trail. The hike takes about 45 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on fitness levels. It’s a round trip of just over 2 miles and has a few slight inclines sure to heighten your heart rate.

The most difficult part of the trail is in the beginning, as the first half is quite steep. You should also expect to navigate your way around a few obstacles, such as fallen trees, on the second part of your hike. However, when you consider how little effort you’re putting in for the view, you’ll realize it’s well worth it.

What makes it worth the visit?

The views here are pretty similar to those you get at Tunnel View, one of Yosemite’s most famous spots, but you don’t have to deal with as many people. This fact makes it the ideal place if you’re looking for a bit of quiet meditation. From this spot, you’re a little higher, and more to the southeast from Tunnel View, and some even prefer the panorama here.

From this location, you see more of Clouds Rest, as well as a few other bits you would miss from Tunnel View. These views include Royal Arches, Bridalveil Meadow, and parts of Ribbon Fall and North Dome. Photographers, get your camera at the ready!

3. The Mist Trail (Vernal & Nevada Falls)

A photo posted by Cristina Donati (@cristinadonati) on Aug 23, 2016 at 12:23am PDT

Regarded as Yosemite’s signature hiking experience, The Mist Trail is well worth the effort. It’s roughly a 3-mile round trip if you’re heading to Vernal Fall, and 7-mile round trip if you choose to go right up to Nevada Fall.

The elevation from the trailhead is 4,000ft, and you can expect an elevation gain of 1,000ft to Vernal Fall and 1,900ft to Nevada Fall. How long it takes will depend on how far you choose to go so it can take anywhere from two to five hours. The trail itself is relatively short, but it can be a bit of a challenging journey, so be prepared.

What makes it worth the visit?

After climbing nature’s “giant staircase,” you will be treated to close-up views of two impressive waterfalls. It’s called the mist trail for a reason; the massive amounts of water from the falls creates an impressive misty shroud that is well worth the hike. To make sure you stay dry, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket or poncho, as advised by park officials.

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails that Yosemite has to offer, so you should expect there to be a bit of a crowd, particularly when the water is high. There are also various geological features, so be sure to take your time and soak in the views.

4. The Four-Mile Trail

A photo posted by jdwilks (@jdwilks) on Oct 6, 2015 at 10:15pm PDT

This hike is pretty strenuous, so take this into account if you’re not in great shape. It has an elevation gain of 3,200ft and a round trip of 9.6m. Yes, while it’s called the Four-Mile Trail, it’s actually more like 4.8 miles. You should expect it to take about 6-8 hours, round trip, starting near the base of Sentinel Rock.

Expect a continuous steep grade, but spectacular views along the way. The trail ends at Glacier Point, where you will find parking, restrooms, and even a snack stand during the summer months. If you’re heading over during the warmer months of the year, then you should start your hike as early as you can. Getting an early start will help you take advantage of some much-needed shade for much of the hike.

What makes it worth the visit?

Just look at those views! Roughly a mile into your hike, you will start to get some full views of Yosemite Falls. It’s one of the few spots where you will get to see the full waterfall from top to bottom, so take advantage of the views and visit during the spring and early summer months when it’s flowing.

You will also have views of Half Dome until you reach the dramatic end at Glacier Point. This trail offers spectacular views at every turn, so we highly recommend it. It’s the best way to see some of Yosemite’s most impressive and memorable views, and catch the landmarks that make the valley so famous.

5. Half Dome

The difficulty level here is extreme, as it’s one of the most dangerous Yosemite hikes on offer. In fact, some rate it as the most difficult, thanks to the fact that it is long and steep from start to finish. The Half Dome elevation is 8,842ft, with a total elevation gain of 4,800ft from Yosemite Valley.

Hiking distance for the round trip varies, depending on which trail you choose. You can go via Mist Trail (14.2 miles), John Muir Trail (16.5 miles), Glacier Point (20 miles), or Tenaya Lake (23 miles). Since the Mist Trail makes it on our list of most scenic trails, we recommend heading that way.

It’s important to note that you will need a permit if you want to access the cable section of the Half Dome trail, which the park usually awards through a lottery. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment. If you do get a permit, you want to make sure you visit from about mid-May to Columbus Day weekend, when the cables will be up.

What makes it worth the visit?

The Half Dome trail is not for the faint-hearted. This one will take more effort than any of the others on the list, but you will get a reward with the five-star scenery factor. Even though you’re facing quite a long hike, the crowd factor is still pretty high, which gives you an idea of how worth it the trail truly is.

You can take the Mist Trail route for spectacular views of the falls, or try something different if you’ve done that before. Besides the stunning views, most of you will enjoy a bit of a challenge. You’ll get a chance to test your strength, as well as your courage, once you hit the cables.