Liberty Cap Yosemite
A majestic granite dome towering over Nevada Fall, offering challenging hikes and climbs with breathtaking Yosemite views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Liberty Cap Yosemite
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic granite dome towering over Nevada Fall, offering challenging hikes and climbs with breathtaking Yosemite views.
"Liberty Cap is a great 2nd option if you can't make it all the way up to Half Dome."
🎯 Summit Scramble Route
No official trail to the top! Follow cairns for the easiest path up Liberty Cap. :hiking_boot:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. :snake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nevada Falls Vista
John Muir Trail / Mist Trail
Witness the powerful Nevada Fall with Liberty Cap majestically looming behind it. A truly earned view.
Liberty Cap Summit Scramble
Off-trail from John Muir Trail
Ascend this granite dome for panoramic views, a thrilling alternative to Half Dome. Look for cairns!
Mist Trail Experience
Mist Trail
Hike alongside Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, with Liberty Cap providing a dramatic backdrop to your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Liberty Cap: A Yosemite Challenge
Best Views & Trail Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Summit Scramble Route
No official trail to the top! Follow cairns for the easiest path up Liberty Cap. :hiking_boot:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. :snake:
📸 Epic Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of Liberty Cap from the John Muir Trail or Mist Trail. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Yosemite Vehicle Reservations
Check for required vehicle reservations to enter Yosemite National Park. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Summit Scramble Route
No official trail to the top! Follow cairns for the easiest path up Liberty Cap. :hiking_boot:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. :snake:
📸 Epic Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of Liberty Cap from the John Muir Trail or Mist Trail. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Yosemite Vehicle Reservations
Check for required vehicle reservations to enter Yosemite National Park. :car:
💧 Mist Trail Caution
The Mist Trail can be very wet and slippery, especially near Vernal Fall. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Liberty Cap is lauded for its majestic presence and challenging, rewarding hike, offering stunning views of Nevada Fall and a great alternative to Half Dome. While the summit scramble is exhilarating, it requires careful navigation and awareness of potential hazards. Some visitors find the hike strenuous but ultimately worth the effort for the epic scenery.
"Liberty Cap is a dome in Yosemite between Nevada Falls and Half Dome. It is a really fun hike. If you can not make it all the way up to the Half Dome, Liberty Cap is a great 2nd option.
Start the hike at Happy Aisles at the start trail head for the John Muir Trail. After you cross the bridge where yiu first can see Vernal Fall take a left and go up the mist trail. Then after yiu can to tge top of Nevada Falls continue up towards Little Yosemite Valley. Once you get past Liberty Cap, go off trail to your left and hike uo tge backside of Liberty Cap. Make sure to spend time at the top of Vernal Falls, the Emerald Pool and at the top of Nevada Falls."
Greg Collins
"No real "trail" to the summit, must use Cairns for the easiest path up it. Watch out for those pesky rattlesnakes and manzanita scratches."
Mike L.
"Amazing granite peak viewable from many places in Yosemite Valley. For best views get up to Nevada Falls."
Paul Pavlinovich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Liberty Cap is best accessed via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail, starting from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. You'll need to hike to Nevada Falls, and then Liberty Cap is visible nearby. Remember to check for Yosemite's temporary vehicle reservation requirements before your visit. 
Parking is available in Yosemite Valley, but it can fill up quickly. Consider using the park's shuttle system to reach the Happy Isles trailhead for the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail.
No, Liberty Cap is not accessible by car. It requires a hike, with the most popular routes being the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail.
The Mist Trail offers a direct and scenic route to Nevada Falls, though it can be strenuous and wet. The John Muir Trail provides a slightly longer but less steep alternative with excellent views of Liberty Cap.
Yosemite Valley offers shuttle services that can take you to the Happy Isles trailhead, which is the starting point for the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail leading towards Liberty Cap.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there's no specific ticket for Liberty Cap itself, you will need to pay the entrance fee for Yosemite National Park. Additionally, check if temporary vehicle reservations are required for entry during your visit.
Liberty Cap is an outdoor natural feature and is accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, park entrance hours and trail conditions can vary.
Liberty Cap itself does not require a permit. However, if you plan to extend your hike to Half Dome, a permit is mandatory.
The entrance fee for Yosemite National Park is typically per vehicle and is valid for seven days. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
It's highly recommended to book your Yosemite vehicle reservation as soon as they become available, as they often sell out, especially during peak season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the base of Liberty Cap via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail is considered challenging due to elevation gain and distance (around 5.7 miles roundtrip). The scramble to the summit is more technical.
Hiking to the base of Liberty Cap and back can take 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and time spent at the falls. Summiting Liberty Cap will add significant time and effort.
The most iconic views of Liberty Cap are from the John Muir Trail and the Mist Trail, especially near Nevada Falls. You can also get good perspectives from various points in Yosemite Valley.
The summit scramble is for experienced hikers and climbers only. There is no official trail, and it involves navigating loose rock and steep sections.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, and layers of clothing. Trekking poles can be helpful. Consider a map and compass for off-trail sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for Liberty Cap and the surrounding waterfalls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the falls and the dome. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water and sky. :iphone:
The viewpoints along the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail, particularly near Nevada Falls, offer classic perspectives. Look for elevated spots for unique angles.
Position yourself on the trails leading to or from Nevada Falls, ensuring both the waterfall and Liberty Cap are framed effectively. Experiment with different vantage points.
Yes, Liberty Cap is a popular climbing destination. If you're lucky, you might spot climbers, offering dynamic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiking only to the top of Vernal Fall if younger children are with you, as the full trek to Nevada Falls and beyond can be strenuous. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for wet conditions on the Mist Trail. The views of the waterfalls are captivating for all ages. 🧗♀️ Experienced Hikers & Climbers
+1 Ensure you have the necessary skills, gear, and knowledge of the area before attempting the summit or any climbing routes.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light, and consider a variety of lenses to capture both grand vistas and intricate details. Keep an eye out for climbers on the dome for dynamic action shots. :camerawithflash:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ascent: Hiking Liberty Cap
+1For those seeking the summit, there isn't a marked trail. Instead, hikers rely on cairns (piles of stones) to guide them up the backside of the dome. This off-trail scramble requires good navigation skills and a sense of adventure. Be prepared for loose rock, steep sections, and potential encounters with manzanita brush and rattlesnakes, especially during warmer months.
Many visitors find Liberty Cap a fantastic alternative to Half Dome, especially if permits for the latter are unavailable. The views from the top are spectacular, offering a unique perspective of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding peaks. It's a hike that truly rewards your effort with unforgettable scenery.
+1Climbing Liberty Cap: A Vertical Challenge
+1Experienced climbers often scout new lines and push their limits on Liberty Cap. The routes can be demanding, requiring technical skill, endurance, and a solid understanding of trad climbing techniques. The sheer scale of the dome and its exposed nature add to the allure and challenge for the climbing community.
+1For climbers, Liberty Cap represents a significant achievement. The satisfaction of reaching the summit via a challenging route, coupled with the breathtaking Yosemite scenery, makes it a highly sought-after climbing objective. It's a testament to the park's enduring appeal for vertical adventurers.
+1Capturing the Majesty: Photography at Liberty Cap
+2For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The golden hours cast a warm glow on the granite and can create beautiful reflections in the Merced River. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the grandeur of the falls and the imposing presence of Liberty Cap. Consider a telephoto lens to isolate details or capture climbers on the dome.
+1Don't forget to look for unique perspectives. Sometimes the most compelling shots come from slightly off the beaten path, or by focusing on the textures of the granite and the power of the water. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and practice Leave No Trace principles while seeking that perfect photograph. :camerawithflash:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit