In my opinion this is one of the best loop trails in Yosemite Valley. It’s even better during the peak waterfall season. Which is usually late April into May.
There isn’t really a name for this specific trail, at least not one that I’ve seen. It’s more of an accumulation of 3-4 trails that form this entire loop. The trail begins in Yosemite Valley. I park at the Happy Isles Parking Lot which is really close to the start of the trailhead. It begins on a portion of the John Muir Trail which then quickly merges into the Mist Trail. You follow up the Mist Trail Past the Vernal Fall Footbridge, then you begin your journey through the mist up to Vernal Fall. (Pro Tip) Bring a poncho because it will be wet up there!
My best advice for doing this trail is just to make sure that you get an early start. The Mist Trail can get really crowded during this time of the year. I like to start right at sunrise or a little before. It’s so peaceful and usually there aren’t many other people around at this time.
After making it up to the top of Vernal Fall you continue the strenuous climb to the top of Nevada Fall. The views of the Valley and the Falls up here are amazing.
The top of Nevada Fall is a great place to rest and hangout for awhile. You can enjoy the sound of the waterfall and views of the towering Liberty Cap overlooking the river and falls below.
From here you will continue along another little section of the John Muir trail, which will shortly meet paths with the Panorama Trail. The Panorama trail is a beautiful section of trail that leads you along the Panorama Cliffside. This whole section has stunning views of Vernal and Nevada Falls. And you will see Half Dome pushing up into the sky above the waterfalls and the Valley.
Make sure to stop at Panorama Point for the best sweeping views of the Valley below. After Panorama Point there will be a river crossing and soon after an amazing view of Illilouette Fall with Half Dome in the back ground.
As you continue up the Panorama Trail towards Glacier Point the views of Half Dome just keeping better. You start on the back side and the angle changes as you progress up the trail, exposing the frontside of the dome.
I always love these classic views from Glacier Point. This is also a great place to stop, rest and relax for a bit. I got up here around lunch time so I enjoyed the views and did some people watching as I ate my peanut butter and jelly sandwich :)
The last leg of the trail after you’ve spent some time at Glacier Point is making your way back down to the Valley via the Four Mile Trail. This is quite a steep section with A LOT of switchbacks so be ready for it. There are some great views of the Valley and Yosemite Falls as you make your way down the trail.
Lastly, I want to thank the driver of this Shuttle. By the end of the Four Mile Trail my feet were done for. I didn’t want to walk any further. Luckily the Shuttle came by at the end of the trail and I hitched a ride for the last 2.5 miles through the Valley and was dropped off right in front of the parking lot! Life Saver. So I definitely recommend taking the Shuttle back to the parking lot at the end of your hike.
Thank you for following along. I hope you enjoyed seeing and hearing about my adventure on this trail. And I hope that you might be able to go out and hike this trail yourself sometime. If you want any help with the mapping or planning feel free to reach out. I’d be more that happy to help you out! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to keep up with upcoming adventures!