About
Length8.5 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain800 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadGlacier Point down to Happy Isles
SurfaceDirt switchbacks then granite steps
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views

Starting from Glacier Point, both trails offer stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley's iconic landmarks along the descent to the valley floor. There is NO shuttle service available to transport hikers from Yosemite Valley or Tunnel View back to Glacier Point. If you hike down, plan to hike back up or arrange your own transportation. Panorama Trail Mist Trail: Closed for Repairs Starting July 27 Closed Monday through Thursday, 7 am - 3:30 pm ONLY (July 27 to the end of October) From July 27 through October (subject to change), the Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. It will normally also be open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7 am (when safe). The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall at other times. This detour facilitates Mist Trail repair work. This route to Yosemite Valley takes hikers past Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls. Some of Yosemite's most iconic natural features can be seen and experienced along this trail. Though this trail is mostly downhill, there a significant 800-foot climb after crossing Illilouette Creek before descending again. At the junction above Nevada Fall, hikers can take either the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail to the valley floor. Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2 km) one-way Elevation change: 3,200 ft (975 m) net descent one-way Time estimate: 6-8 hours Pohono Trail This trail rewards hikers with several viewpoints of Yosemite Valley from the south rim. East to west, these views include Roosevelt Point, Taft Point, Dewey Point, Crocker Point, and Stanford Point. While this trail is net downhill, expect several moderate and steep uphill sections along the way. Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km) one-way Elevation change: 2,800 ft (975 m) descent one-way Time estimate: 8-10 hours Tips & Seasonal Information Pets and bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls run year-round, though flow decreases significantly by late summer. There are several unbridged stream crossings along the Pohono Trail. Use caution in late spring and early summer when water levels can be high. This trailhead is only reachable by car when Glacier Point Road is open, which is typically from approximately late May through October or November. Overnight parking is prohibited beginning October 15. For current road and weather information, call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Tips
The finest one-way day in the park. Take the hikers bus up to Glacier Point in the morning and walk down. It is not all downhill - there is a real climb out of Illilouette Gorge.
Location

Glacier Point down to Happy Isles

Other Hikers
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.