| Yosemite Valley, California |
 Trail Name:Panorama-Mist Summary: |
| Outstanding One Day Hike of the World |
| Trail Description |
| Glacier Point stands on a sheer, 3,200-ft cliff above Yosemite Valley. From the parking area, it is just a short walk to the viewpoint at the cliff edge, and a simply magnificent vista – a birds eye view of the valley, the waterfalls and mountains that surround it, and the distinctive shape of Half Dome looming up before you.
Returning to the car park, the Panorama Trail is clearly signed to the left. As you head through open woods, you soon leave the crowds behind and can start to enjoy the splendor of Yosemite in peace and quiet. After 1.75 miles, the trail branches to the left, leading to remote Illilouette Fall and, after another 0.5 mile, a bridge over the river. A short distance later, the trail divides – the Panorama Trail continues to the left. A little over 1.5 miles later, you reach another junction; again take the left-hand track. The constant descent continues through forest as you head north towards the Merced River. 5 miles into the trail, and after travelling down switchbacks for some time, you reach the junction with the John Muir Trail. Ignore the sign pointing left to Vernal Fall, and instead turn right. A short distance on you come to the top of awesome Nevada Fall. A guardrail allows you to look right down the 600-ft drop – a dizzying sight. Follow the rock trail over the falls and briefly head northeast to the junction with the Mist Trail. The John Muir Trail continues ahead and leads, after another 5 miles or so and a strenuous climb of 2,800 ft, to the 8,842-ft summit of Half Dome. The reward for the grueling effort (including a vertigo-inducing haul up fixed cables on the final steep ascent) is an unsurpassed view of Yosemite Valley. Leave this for another time and instead turn left to continue your descent down the Mist Trail. As you follow the track down, with Nevada Fall to your left and the towering 7,000-ft Liberty Cap to your right, the numbers of people on the trail will be steadily increasing – Nevada and, particularly, Vernal Fall are a popular destination from the valley. At Emerald Pool, cross the Merced River and continue following the south bank to the top of Vernal Fall – the 6.5 mile mark. As you carefully descend through the spray down the wet and slippery steps alongside the waterfall, you will understand how well the trail is named. At the base of the fall, continue heading west, following the south bank of the river. Pause along the way to admire the views of Vernal Fall and surrounding peaks. Footbridges cross the river a couple of times as you round Grizzly Peak and head to the valley. The trail ends at Happy Isles Nature Center, where you can pick up a shuttle bus back to your car. For those seeking a longer and more strenuous hike, forego the bus to Glacier Point and instead climb there from the valley via the Four-Mile Trail. The trailhead is on Southside Drive – watch out for the parking area about 1.5 miles after Three Brothers Vista. There are great views of the valley, Yosemite Falls and the High Sierras on the 3,200-ft climb to Glacier Point, from where you pick up the Panorama Trail. The total distance of this combined hike is 13.3 miles/21.3 km and it will take around 10 hours to complete. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Yosemite National Park, within the Sierra Nevada in central California. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter). Trailhead: Park your car in Yosemite Valley and take an early morning tour bus up to Glacier Point. Book at least a day in advance to ensure you get a seat – buy tickets at Curry Village or the lodge tour desks. Length: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km Trail Type: One way Elevation Change: -3,179 ft / -969 m Duration: 6.5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined. Trail closed in winter due to snow. Features: Alpine views, waterfalls. Climate: Pleasant in the high country in summer and early fall. Deep snow in winter and spring. High summer temperatures in the valley. Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley. Trail Notes: Access road to Glacier Point is closed in winter due to snow and does not reopen until June. |
Popularity: 11% [?]
