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Panorama Trail

5
·18 reviews·TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, United States

An 8.5-mile Yosemite hike offering relentless, breathtaking views of Half Dome, Vernal & Nevada Falls, and the entire valley.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer weekdays mornings

Fewer crowds, beat the heat

CrowdLow
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Panorama Trail - Image 1

Panorama Trail

Best Time

Summer weekdays mornings

Fewer crowds, beat the heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 8.5-mile Yosemite hike offering relentless, breathtaking views of Half Dome, Vernal & Nevada Falls, and the entire valley.

5
(18 reviews)

"This is my favorite trail of all time thus far! I highly recommend this one!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The terrain is rocky and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.

💧 Carry plenty of water

This is a long hike, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warm days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Yosemite Valley Views

Panoramic Yosemite Valley Views

Along the entire trail

Nonstop vistas of iconic landmarks like Half Dome and the surrounding granite cliffs. Truly lives up to its name!

Vernal and Nevada Falls

Vernal and Nevada Falls

Mid-trail

Witness the power and beauty of these magnificent waterfalls up close. A refreshing reward on your hike.

Illilouette Falls

Illilouette Falls

Lower section of the trail

A beautiful and often secluded waterfall, perfect for a peaceful lunch break and photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Start Early to Beat the Crowds & Heat

Many visitors recommend starting the Panorama Trail early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and fewer crowds. This 8.5-mile hike can be challenging, especially the return climb, so an early start ensures a more comfortable experience. InstagramReddit

Prepare for a Challenging Climb Back

While much of the trail offers a descent, the final ascent back to the trailhead can be strenuous. Experienced hikers find it manageable, but beginners should be prepared for a significant workout. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer weekdays mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, beat the heat
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Waterfalls are full, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vernal and Nevada Falls from Panorama Trail May 27, 2024 10:57am
ando2chill
716.8K likes • 19.3M views

🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The terrain is rocky and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Carry plenty of water

This is a long hike, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warm days. Reddit

Easily one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland! The Panorama trail lives up to its name and offers some breathtaking views. Take some cash with you and enjoy a cold drink up at the mountain hut at the back, soak in the views! #myswitzerland #inlovewithswitzerland #mykandersteg #kandersteg #oeschinensee #hiking
calsnape
52.8K likes • 1.5M views
The Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes in the park. This trail truly lives up to its name. 😍 ✨ Follow @adventurechasingduo for more exciting outdoor adventures! 🙌 Why you’ll love this trail ⬇️ Insane Views All the Way: You get nonstop panoramas of Yosemite’s icons - Half Dome, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Liberty Cap, and the valley itself. Mult...
adventurechasingduo
1.3K likes • 28.8K views

📸 Ample photo opportunities

Bring your camera! The views are spectacular and offer endless chances for stunning shots. Reddit

💰 Mountain hut drinks

Bring cash for a refreshing drink at the mountain hut along the trail. Instagram

This trail in Yosemite is a hidden gem that most people have yet to discover.👇🏽 📍 Panorama Trail, Yosemite National Park ✨ Follow @aprilandvikas for more hiking adventures and itineraries like this! 🙌🏽 When people visit Yosemite they usually go for the most popular hikes like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the Mist Trail, but they’ve probably never heard of the Panorama Trail, arguably Yosemit...
adventurechasingduo
38.2K likes • 1.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The terrain is rocky and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Carry plenty of water

This is a long hike, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warm days. Reddit

📸 Ample photo opportunities

Bring your camera! The views are spectacular and offer endless chances for stunning shots. Reddit

💰 Mountain hut drinks

Bring cash for a refreshing drink at the mountain hut along the trail. Instagram

What Travellers Say

5
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Panorama Trail's absolutely epic and unforgettable views, calling it a favorite hike. The constant panoramas of Yosemite's icons and stunning waterfalls are major highlights. However, be prepared for a strenuous climb back up, especially if hiking from the valley floor, and the rocky terrain requires good footwear.

"Epic 10-mile hike with great company!

We did the Panorama Trail on June 22, 2025.

We started early in the morning to beat the heat!

Be forewarned: this trail is not for the weak!

It starts out on a descent. It’s very pretty and you’re rewarded with stunning views and vistas almost immediately!

Our hike was 10 miles total, out and back.

We hiked all the way down to Illouette Falls and Vernal Falls, and had our lunch down at the waterfall!

The trail was not crowded. It was a summer weekday. We saw a few groups of hikers, but for the most part had the trail to ourselves!

The terrain is rocky. Plenty of flora and fauna, which were spectacular!

There was an abundance of photo opportunities!

I especially loved Half Dome!

The climb back up to the trailhead was the hard part! I would say it’s extremely difficult, especially with a backpack! I’d say also because I hiked with an athletic, long-legged group so I truly had to keep up!

But wow, what an amazing workout!

It’s my favorite trail of all time thus far!

I highly recommend this one!!"

Maria Matilde Reyes

"We hiked the Pohono Trail from Glacier Point to Dewey Point and back. We camped at a beautiful spot right on Dewey Point. The following sights are along this trail: Sentinel Dome, Roosevelt Point, Taft Point, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point. If you can get a backcountry permit to backpack and camp here, I’d highly recommend it. There are spectacular views of the valley most over the way. Sunset and sunrise are majestic from these spots."

Michael Headley

"If you start at glacier point, remember you have to do the hard part last. As you plod down the trail you’re gonna know that all this elevation you give up now will have to be earned back later. For experienced hikers in good shape this trail is a breeze but is definitely a challenge for inexperienced hikers. It is an actual hike. Bring water and even emergency supplies should you get lost or injured. Illilouette falls was beautiful and secluded."

Jesse Mancini

What People Like

Epic, unforgettable views
Iconic Yosemite landmarks
Stunning waterfalls

What People Dislike

Challenging climb back
Rocky terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to access the Panorama Trail is by taking a shuttle to Glacier Point. From there, you can begin your hike. Some visitors opt to drop a car in Yosemite Valley and take the bus to Glacier Point to complete a downhill hike. Reddit

Yes, you can hike the Panorama Trail from Yosemite Valley, but it involves a significant uphill climb. Many prefer to start at Glacier Point for a mostly downhill experience, though the return climb can be challenging. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Glacier Point, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended. Instagram

For the 4 Mile Trail and Panorama Trail loop, many recommend starting at Glacier Point and hiking down. This allows you to experience the stunning views and waterfalls before tackling the challenging climb back up from the valley floor. Instagram

Yosemite National Park offers shuttle services to popular trailheads like Glacier Point, which is a common starting point for the Panorama Trail. Check the park's official website for current shuttle schedules and routes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the Panorama Trail itself doesn't require a specific reservation, Yosemite National Park may have an entrance reservation system in place during peak seasons. It's essential to check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements. Reddit

Yosemite National Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, which is typically valid for seven days. Check the NPS website for current fee information. Reddit

For day hiking the Panorama Trail, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan to backpack or camp along the trail, a wilderness permit is necessary. Reddit

Glacier Point is typically accessible by vehicle from late May or early June through October or November, depending on snow conditions. The road may close seasonally. Instagram

No, there is no separate admission fee for Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, or Illilouette Falls. They are accessible as part of your hike on the Panorama Trail within Yosemite National Park. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The Panorama Trail is approximately 8.5 miles long. Most hikers take between 5 to 8 hours to complete it, depending on their pace, stops for photos, and the chosen route (e.g., out-and-back vs. loop). InstagramReddit

The elevation gain can vary depending on your starting point and direction. If starting from Glacier Point, you'll experience a significant descent followed by a strenuous climb back up. Total elevation change can be around 3,500 feet for a loop. InstagramReddit

The Panorama Trail is considered a strenuous hike due to its length and the challenging climb back up. While experienced hikers find it manageable, beginners should be well-prepared, start early, and consider their fitness level. Reddit

The trail is primarily rocky and can be uneven. You'll encounter dirt paths, granite sections, and potentially some sandy areas. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Reddit

Dogs are generally not allowed on most trails in Yosemite National Park, including the Panorama Trail, to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Always check the park's regulations for the most current pet policy. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire trail offers incredible photo opportunities! Key spots include the expansive views from Glacier Point, the dramatic perspectives of Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the serene beauty of Illilouette Falls. Don't miss the iconic views of Half Dome. InstagramReddit

Early morning light offers softer shadows and beautiful golden hues, ideal for landscape photography. Late afternoon can also provide stunning light. Midday sun can be harsh, but the waterfalls still make for dramatic shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant peaks or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the falls. Instagram

Absolutely! The Panorama Trail provides some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Half Dome from various angles throughout the hike. InstagramReddit

While the trail itself is long, viewpoints like Glacier Point (at the start/end if doing a loop) offer spectacular sunrise and sunset opportunities. If you have a backcountry permit, camping near Dewey Point offers incredible sunset and sunrise vistas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Panorama Trail is a challenging hike and may not be suitable for very young children or families with limited hiking experience. The 8.5-mile distance and significant elevation changes, particularly the climb back up, can be demanding. Reddit If you choose to attempt it, start very early, carry plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for a long day. Consider hiking only a portion of the trail, perhaps to Illilouette Falls and back, to gauge your family's stamina. Reddit

For families seeking spectacular Yosemite views without the full commitment of the Panorama Trail, consider shorter, more accessible options like the paved trail to Lower Yosemite Fall, the loop around Mirror Lake, or a drive up to Glacier Point for breathtaking vistas without the strenuous hike. These alternatives offer incredible scenery and are more manageable for younger hikers. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Panorama Trail is an excellent option for budget travelers as it's a free activity within Yosemite National Park (aside from the park entrance fee). The main costs will be transportation to the park and any food or supplies you bring. Reddit Packing your own lunch and snacks is highly recommended to save money, as dining options within the park can be expensive. Reddit

To further save on costs, consider utilizing the free shuttle system within Yosemite Valley to reach trailheads or connecting buses to Glacier Point. If you're camping, booking a campsite in advance can be more economical than staying in lodges. The sheer beauty and scale of the Panorama Trail offer an immense return on investment for the minimal cost involved. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Panorama Trail is a photographer's dream, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture Yosemite's grandeur. From the iconic Half Dome to the powerful waterfalls and sweeping valley vistas, every turn presents a new, stunning composition. InstagramReddit Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscapes and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of distant peaks or wildlife. A tripod can be invaluable for capturing the motion of the waterfalls or for shooting in lower light conditions. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides the most magical light for landscape photography. The soft, warm tones illuminate the granite cliffs and add depth to your images. While the trail can be challenging, the photographic rewards are immense, making it a highly recommended experience for anyone looking to capture the essence of Yosemite. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Panorama Trail Experience

The Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park is a truly epic hike, renowned for its continuous, breathtaking vistas. Spanning approximately 8.5 miles, it offers a journey through some of the park's most iconic scenery. Many visitors choose to hike it as a point-to-point trail, often starting at Glacier Point and descending towards Yosemite Valley, or vice versa for a more challenging ascent. The trail is celebrated for its unforgettable views of Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the vast Yosemite Valley. Instagram+1

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Panorama Trail is the constant visual spectacle. Unlike some trails that offer a single viewpoint, this path delivers panoramas at nearly every turn. You'll pass by the majestic Illilouette Falls, a less crowded but equally beautiful cascade, before reaching the more famous Vernal and Nevada Falls. The descent can be steep and rocky in sections, requiring careful footing. Reddit

However, the climb back up from the valley floor to Glacier Point is a significant undertaking, often described as the most strenuous part of the hike. This is why starting at Glacier Point and hiking downhill is a popular strategy, though it means you'll be earning your way back up at the end of a long day. Regardless of the direction, the Panorama Trail is a must-do for serious hikers seeking unparalleled natural beauty and a memorable Yosemite adventure. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Trail: Tips from Hikers

Hikers consistently emphasize the importance of preparation for the Panorama Trail. Due to its length and elevation changes, carrying ample water is non-negotiable. Many recommend at least 2-3 liters per person, especially during warmer months. Reddit Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are also a must, as the terrain is rocky and can be uneven, offering little forgiveness for inadequate footwear. Reddit

Timing your hike is crucial. Starting early in the morning is a recurring piece of advice to avoid the intense midday sun and the largest crowds. This allows for a more peaceful experience and ensures you have plenty of daylight to complete the hike comfortably. InstagramReddit Some visitors also suggest bringing cash for a potential stop at a mountain hut along the way for a refreshing drink, a tip shared by those who have enjoyed the trail in Switzerland's Oeschinensee region, which also features a 'Panorama Trail'. Instagram

For those planning the popular loop involving the 4 Mile Trail, remember that starting at Glacier Point means you'll be descending first. While this offers stunning initial views, be prepared for the challenging ascent back up to the valley floor. Conversely, starting in the valley means a tough uphill climb from the outset. Whichever direction you choose, the rewarding views make the effort worthwhile. InstagramReddit

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