2.6 hr
Overview
This longer route to Yosemite Valley brings hikers past Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls. After descending 1,300 ft (400 m) to Illilouette Fall during the first 2.0 miles (3.2 km), the trail climbs nearly 800 ft (240 m) to gain the Panorama Cliff ridgeline. Next, a 600 ft (175 m) descent leads you to the intersection with the John Muir Trail above the top of Nevada Fall. You now have two choices to reach Yosemite Valley: a left turn follows the John Muir Trail downhill for the remaining 3.3 miles (5.3 km), while a right turn crosses the brink of Nevada Fall before passing Vernal Falls en route to Yosemite Valley over 2.9 miles (4.7 km). Consider combining this trail with the Four Mile Trail for a long, strenuous loop!
Trail Stats
9.0 km
235 m
2212 m
1802 m
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Photos
Strolling along the John Muir Trail
Strolling along the John Muir Trail
Crossing Illilouette Creek above the falls.
Crossing Illilouette Creek above the falls.
Mount Starr King rises above the Panorama Trail.
Mount Starr King rises above the Panorama Trail.
Half Dome looks very different from this viewpoint at Panorama Cliff.
Half Dome looks very different from this viewpoint at Panorama Cliff.
The panorama trail can be seen wandering along the cliff tops. Late Fall snow showers can make for an amazing hike.
The panorama trail can be seen wandering along the cliff tops. Late Fall snow showers can make for an amazing hike.
Evidence of a fire that burned through the area. North Dome, Basket Dome, Half Dome, and Nevada Falls can all be seen in the distance.
Evidence of a fire that burned through the area. North Dome, Basket Dome, Half Dome, and Nevada Falls can all be seen in the distance.
Half Dome, from near the Point.
Half Dome, from near the Point.
Half Dome takes on a different character as you hike along the Panorama Trail. Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls can be seen on the right side of the photo, although they are trickles this time of year.
Half Dome takes on a different character as you hike along the Panorama Trail. Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls can be seen on the right side of the photo, although they are trickles this time of year.
Half Dome from Glacier Point Amphitheater before sunset
Half Dome from Glacier Point Amphitheater before sunset
Illilouette Falls is seen from just off the trail. The Panorama Trail is the only place where you can see the entire waterfall.
Illilouette Falls is seen from just off the trail. The Panorama Trail is the only place where you can see the entire waterfall.
Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap loom over the trail.
Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap loom over the trail.
Mount Starr King from afar
Mount Starr King from afar
Half Dome panorama from south of Glacier Point
Half Dome panorama from south of Glacier Point
This might be why they call it the ice-cut. The Muir Trail is closed in the winter due to the slippery, unsafe conditions.
This might be why they call it the ice-cut. The Muir Trail is closed in the winter due to the slippery, unsafe conditions.
Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls from Glacier Point
Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls from Glacier Point
Yosemite Valley from Panoramatic trail
Yosemite Valley from Panoramatic trail
Half Dome!
Half Dome!
The ice-cut, running under Panorama Cliffs, is part of the Muir Trail that closes in the winter due to ice and other hazardous winter conditions. This was after a snow fall in early November that blanketed the valley.
The ice-cut, running under Panorama Cliffs, is part of the Muir Trail that closes in the winter due to ice and other hazardous winter conditions. This was after a snow fall in early November that blanketed the valley.
View from Panorama Trail near Glacier Point.
View from Panorama Trail near Glacier Point.
Looking out over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point Trail
Looking out over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point Trail
I was standing where they stood....U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and nature preservationist John Muir.
I was standing where they stood....U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and nature preservationist John Muir.