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A challenging 9.1-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Illilouette Falls. Learn about the fees, reservations, and conditions for this popular hiking and running route.
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- Yosemite Valley, California, United States
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Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5 km) one way Elevation Range: from 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) on the valley floor to 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) at Glacier Point Total Elevation Change: 3,200 feet (975 meters)
Why hike the Panorama Trail: Two of Yosemite's most spectacular hikes, Glacier Point and the Mist Trail, serve as bookends to a trail that also passes lesser-known gems like Panorama Point and Illilouette Falls. There are memorable views almost everywhere along this hike. One day you'll look back on your life and split it into its \\"before Panorama...
Difficulty: This trail rates a 6 out of 10 for the downhill route (Glacier Point to the valley), which is the more popular option not just because it's an easier hike, but because it's far easier to arrange transportation for (see the taking the bus section below for more details). The trail is rocky in places, and descending the stair steps of the...
There's a caveat to the Panorama Point detour: a section of the point broke off and fell to the valley floor during a 1977 rockfall, leaving the guardrails hanging out in space. The park service subsequently removed the guardrails altogether (some of the postholes are still visible) and rerouted the Panorama Trail so that it didn't go directly past...
Best time to visit: The mountain scenery is good whenever the trail's open, but the waterfalls of the Mist Trail are best in the spring and early summer, when the most water is pouring over them. They have a longer primetime than Bridalveil or Yosemite Falls, since they're fed by the Merced River instead of the creeks that feed the other falls, but...
Nearest Snacks: at Glacier Point and at Happy Isles - no matter which route you take, you can stock up on calories at the beginning and the end of the hike.
The buses depart Glacier Point at approximately 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. You can't buy one-way tickets in advance for the Glacier-Point-to-Yosemite-Valley bus leg. Instead, you just show up and wave your money at the bus driver, and he'll let you on if there's room, which will occur if the bus didn't sell out or if some of the passengers riding up ...
You can get around the no-room-on-the-bus issue by buying round-trip tickets in advance, although these cost more ($49 for adults, $44 for seniors, $35 for kids).
One more potential issue is that the buses might not all run on days when there's not much demand. If you're planning to catch the bus at Glacier Point and buy a one-way ticket, call ahead the day before to make sure there'll be one there (209-372-1240).
Learn how to hike the Panorama Trail, one of Yosemite's most spectacular hikes, from Glacier Point to the valley floor or vice versa. Find out about the views, the waterfalls, the detours, the bus tickets, and the difficulty of the trail.
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Jun 15, 2023 · Enjoy 360° views of Yosemite Valley's famous rock formations and waterfalls on this challenging 8.5-mile hike. Learn how to get there, when to go, what to bring and what to expect on this scenic trek.
Mar 24, 2023 · Learn how to hike the Panorama Trail, a 8.5-mile trail that combines Glacier Point and Mist Trail. Enjoy stunning views of waterfalls, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley along the way.
Enjoy a full-day of hiking along the Panorama Trail, showcasing the park's natural treasures, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Nevada Fall. Start at Glacier Point and hike down to the Valley Floor, or vice versa, and take the free shuttle bus to return to your vehicle.
It’s important for hikers to assess their capabilities and plan accordingly, ensuring ample time to complete the trail without rushing, allowing for a full appreciation of the natural beauty along the route. Best Season to Visit: The ideal seasons for hiking the Panorama Trail are late spring through early fall.
Panorama Trail Map. Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5 km) one way. Elevation Range: from 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) on the valley floor to 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) at Glacier Point. Total Elevation Change: 3,200 feet (975 meters) Map Notes: The red line marks the path of the Panorama Trail. The yellow line shows a pair of alternate routes along the ...
