From Glacier Point, Panorama Trail drops dramatically down a sparsely wooded hillside, which pops with wildflowers in spring and early summer. You’ll enjoy constant views of Half Dome and other granite giants in the valley below, as well as the two torrents of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall gushing with meltwater from distant snowy peaks. The trail’s determined descent of this open hillside finally ends at the brink of Illilouette Fall, which plunges into a narrow side canyon to meet the Merced River farther down. It flows reliably in spring but may dry up in summer. When the flow is not too high, pools upstream of the footbridge are safe for swimming.

After crossing the creek, the trail takes a few switchbacks upward through a denser forest than before and gains the rim of Panorama Cliff. This eye-popping precipice falls sheerly away for 1000 feet to the Valley floor. The trail itself remains a safe distance from the edge, but precarious viewpoints are only steps away. Use caution. The panorama is of the Merced River Gorge where it joins the main Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point rises directly across the Illilouette Gorge, the Great Arches and North Dome form the far rim of the Valley, while Half Dome and Clouds Rest dominate the eastern periphery.

The Panorama Trail ends at a junction with the John Muir Trail near the top of Nevada Fall. Complete the one-way route to the Valley by taking either the John Muir Trail (mapped) or the Mist Trail, which is reached by crossing the Merced River on the John Muir Trail. To avoid setting your own vehicle shuttle for the one-way, you can purchase a ticket for the Glacier Point Tour (reservation required). Reserve the earliest bus you can for the day you want to hike, and leave your car near the Happy Isles Trailhead, where the one-way hike finishes. Alternatives to the one-way are an out-and-back on Panorama Trail or a long loop with Four Mile Trail to return to Glacier Point.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierhikes.htm https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/glacierhikes.pdf https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/