Panorama Trail: Glacier Point to Happy Isles

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Features Geological Significance · Views · Waterfall

The Panorama Trail is one of the most incredible hikes in Yosemite, with Grade A views of iconic features like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, the Royal Arches, Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall. Starting at Glacier Point, the trail descends about 3,200 feet over 8.5 miles into Yosemite Valley. It can be done as a one-way hike in the downhill direction either by setting a car shuttle or by booking the Glacier Point Tour one-way up to the point.

To do this hike as a one-way, you'll need to arrange transportation to Glacier Point. Either use two cars to set your own shuttle (arrive early for parking), have someone drop you off, or book a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Tour bus. The bottom of the trail is at Happy Isles, which is on the route of the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle. Alternatively, you can use the free shuttle to hike a strenuous loop with Four Mile Trail and Panorama Trail starting from the valley floor.

This longer route to Yosemite Valley brings hikers past Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls with incredible views across the valley to North Dome and Half Dome. After descending 1,300 ft (400 m) to Illilouette Fall during the first 2 miles, the trail climbs nearly 800 ft (240 m) to Panorama Point and the higher ridgeling. Next, a 600 ft (175 m) descent leads you to the intersection with the John Muir Trail above the top of Nevada Fall. Note that you can take the John Muir Trail as a quicker (and drier) descent to the valley that skips the Mist Trail.

The climb down the 600 steps of the Mist Trail descends directly alongside 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot Vernal Fall. While the up-close walk by the waterfalls is spectacular, it should be noted that spray can make these stairs very slick, and you may get soaked--bring a rain jacket if running in spring or early summer when the falls are strongest. You'll likely be sharing this part of the trail with many other people, as the Mist Trail is among the most popular hikes anywhere in the park, for good reason.