One of the best distance-to-views ratio hikes in Yosemite is the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop. For only 5 miles (and 1,100′ of elevation gain) you can stand nearly as high as Half Dome and above El Capitan. Along the way you’ll see narrow fissures with thousand foot drops, trees, creeks, boulders, and breathtaking views of the valley 3,000′ below.
Backcountry Pilgrim 