Place

Panorama and Pohono Trailheads

Wooden and metal signs at the trailhead
Panorama and Pohono Trailheads

Quick Facts

Trailhead

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

John Muir Trail "Ice Cut": Closed for Repairs through Late June

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is closed between Clark Point and the Panorama Trail Junction. Use the Mist Trail to reach Nevada Fall, the Panorama Trail, Little Yosemite Valley, and other destinations. Reopening date to be announced—check back for updates.

Panorama Trail: Closed due to helicopter operations

The Panorama Trail will be closed in the vicinity of the John Muir Trail junction, with no access between Glacier Point and Nevada Fall, on the following dates, from 8 am to 5 pm, due to helicopter operations:

  • June 4, 5, 8 (subject to change)

  • June 10 (subject to change)

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).

Yosemite National Park

Tags: yosemite national park

Last updated: May 14, 2026