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Glacier Point Down the Panorama and Mist Trails

Glacier Point Down the Panorama and Mist Trails

Trip Highlights:

Glacier Point

Yosemite Valley

Panorama Trail

Views of Half Dome

Mist Trail

Nevada and Vernal Falls

We begin our Glacier Point hike by taking the shuttle/tour bus from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. After viewing the high country from Glacier Point, we descend back to the Yosemite Valley along the Panorama and Mist trails. Awesome viewpoints of the Yosemite Valley throughout! Total mileage is 8.5 miles with a 4,113' feet elevation loss and 941' elevation gain.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter we expect access to the Glacier Point Road by May 26th. (We feel the park service may make a concerted effort to open this road prior to Memorial Day weekend.) We have updated our availability accordingly. For more information see: Yosemite’s Historical Seasonal Opening & Closing Dates. The opening date of the Glacier Point Road can also be affected by the Glacier Point Road Project. Expect wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared to experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present any ongoing issues, another hike/tour of similar quality/length will be offered through consultation with you in the week prior to your departure with us. Tours/hikes can also be modified accordingly with the guide upon meeting and/or as needed, throughout your day of adventure. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

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Availability:

May 15 – October 15

Duration:

8 hours

Mileage & Difficulty:

8.5 Miles

Cost:

1-2 People: $550
3-4 People: $700
5+ People: $900+/Person

All Tours Are Private

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Glacier Point Hike to Yosemite Valley – Panorama & Mist Trails

Meeting Location: Yosemite Valley Lodge at 3,973′
High Point: Glacier Point at 7,214′
Elevation Gain & Loss: +941′, -4,113′

Start your full-day tour at Yosemite Lodge, located across from Yosemite Falls, where you’ll meet your guides in the morning. From here, hop on a shuttle bus to Glacier Point and listen to informative narration about Yosemite National Park during the 1-hour ride.

Your hike begins at Glacier Point, where you are treated to iconic views of prominent landmarks such as Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest, as well as three waterfalls: Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Your guides discuss the historical significance of the viewpoint and other park features while you have plenty of photo opportunities.

Then, follow a guide on foot along mostly downhill terrain that takes you on a scenic 8.5-mile (13.7-km) route with a total 3,179-foot (969-meter) elevation loss; you’ll have breaks to refuel. Your first 1.5-mile (2.4-km) push descends 800 vertical feet (244 meters) in elevation to the top of the 370-foot (113-meter) Illilouette Fall, where you can catch your breath before continuing your hike.

The next 1 to 1.5 miles (1.6 to 2.4 km) takes your small group up a moderately strenuous section of switchbacks that ascend about 300 vertical feet (91 meters). Once the switchbacks are conquered, the trail flattens out for an easy and scenic 1 to 1.5 miles to the next junction — the Panorama Trail.

Running along this eastern point in the valley, the Panorama Trail offers postcard-worthy views that live up to its name. The following mile — a strenuous downhill series of 20 or so switchbacks — drops you 700 feet (213 meters) in elevation to the outflow of Nevada Fall.

After a lunch break atop the 594-foot (181-meter) waterfall, continue with your guides on one of two trails, depending on your group’s preference. A less strenuous 3.5-mile (5.6-km) trek down the John Muir Trail offers higher vantage points with views of Nevada and Vernal falls, as well as of Half Dome’s south face and the abrupt uprising of Liberty Cap. Or, opt for a slightly shorter route of 2.5 miles (4 km) down the granite staircases of the Mist Trail, which runs alongside the scenic Merced River and its 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot (97-meter) Vernal Fall.

Both trails lead to restrooms and running water near the footbridge at the base of Vernal Fall. From here, it’s about a 1-mile downhill hike on a steep, paved trail to Happy Isles, where you catch a shuttle bus back to Yosemite Lodge before you bid farewell to your guides.

Notes:

  • In 2022 the park service began a major rehabilitation and road improvement project along the Glacier Point Road. Should this project be delayed into 2023 making Glacier Point inaccessible, we will contact you to select a different day hike itinerary.
  • All tours are private.
  • Guide(s) carry first aid kits, water purification methods, toilet paper (for emergencies), suntan lotion and bug repellent. Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, water bottles, etc.
  • Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.

Join Us For A Guided Tour

Availability

May 15 – October 15
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#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
@481shaunc
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I did a private one-on-one hike with a guide to Half Dome. This was such an amazing experience! The guide was very knowledgeable regarding Yosemite, and I realized I wouldn't have completed it without the help of the guide. His expertise and calmness during the cables really enabled me to push through and complete this amazing hike!”
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@farhanakazi67
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We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), for all of us was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all have such an amazing yet challenging experience, it was really worthy! Thank you so much to our guides Nicole and Jack for your cheers, your spirit, your cooking, your yoga time, your knowledge and for doing this family trip so great! We really enjoy it!!
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@Lynsey F
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I booked a guided hike for Clouds Rest as I was unsuccessful in my ballot for Half Dome. My friend was unable to make it so I decided to book a guided hike for myself. From beginning to end, Lasting Adventures was great. They replied to me quickly, and my guide was excellent! He offered me hiking poles in case I hadn't taken any and had plenty other essentials on hand.
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