| Panorama Trail | |
| Length: | 8.5miles one-way |
| Elev Change: | 3200feet |
| Highest Name: | Glacier Point trailhead |
| Highest: | 7200feet |
| Lowest Name: | Happy Isles trailhead |
| Lowest: | 4000feet |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to strenuous |
| Months: | Year-round |
| Hazards: | Snowmelt, icy slopes early season, altitude |
The Panorama Trail is a marked hiking trail in Yosemite National Park that descends along the south wall of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, past several major waterfalls, to Happy Isles. The trail derives its name from the panoramic vistas visible along the route, most notably Panorama Point.[1] [2]
The Panorama Trail trailhead at Glacier Point is located near the Glacier Point Amphitheater at a clearly-marked junction. The trail follows the south wall of Yosemite Valley east to Illilouette Falls. The trail then crosses Illilouette Creek and ascends briefly before continuing down toward Nevada Fall. From Nevada Fall, the trail is concurrent with the Mist Trail as it continues west along the Merced River, past Vernal Fall, to its northern trailhead at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley.[2] [3]
Restrooms are available at the Glacier Point trailhead, along the trail above Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, and at the Vernal Fall footbridge just east of Emerald Pool.[3]
A shuttle bus from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point is available for a fee from June to October, when Glacier Point Road is open. The bus leaves the Yosemite Lodge at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and takes a little over an hour to get to Glacier Point. There is no regular shuttle bus service from Glacier Point down to Yosemite Valley.[3] [4]