Panorama Trail Glacier Point Bus Question

Question

Hello, my son and I will have 5 nights next week in the Valley. On one of the days, we’d like to do the Panorama Trail hike “down” from Glacier Point back to the village, and we were hoping to book the 8:30am bus up to Glacier to the trailhead. However, the availability for all of next week only shows the 1:30pm bus available, so this likely means starting the hike at 2:30pm, which is not preferable to us. Does this bus tour sometimes have cancellations the day of, or what other options are there? Appreciate your advice…

Answer

The Panorama Trail is a spectacular hike from Glacier Point down to Yosemite Valley, but logistics for getting to the trailhead via the Glacier Point shuttle bus can be challenging during peak season.

Glacier Point Shuttle Bus Availability:

The Glacier Point shuttle buses are extremely popular and often sell out well in advance, especially during summer months. While day-of cancellations do occur, they are unpredictable and rare. Waiting for a cancellation is risky if you want to start early and ensure you have enough daylight for the full hike.

Alternative Options to Access Glacier Point:

Drive yourself: If you have a vehicle and it’s allowed, you can drive to Glacier Point Road. Note that this road may have seasonal restrictions or limited parking at the trailhead. Check current park alerts before planning.
Private shuttle or tour: Some companies operate private tours or shuttles that can drop you off at Glacier Point. These tend to be expensive but guarantee an early start.
Start from another trailhead: If Glacier Point is not accessible early, consider the Four-Mile Trail from the valley up to Glacier Point. You can hike up early and descend via Panorama or return the same way. This is more strenuous but allows flexibility.
Adjust the schedule: If you must use the 1:30pm bus, be prepared for a late start. The Panorama Trail is about 8.5 miles with 3,200 feet of descent, typically taking 5–7 hours. Starting in the afternoon may require hiking quickly or cutting the hike short at a midpoint like Illilouette Falls or Nevada Fall.

Additional Tips:

Check the Yosemite National Park shuttle page daily for updates or cancellations; occasionally tickets are returned or released online at 6am each day.
Consider packing headlamps, extra water, and snacks if starting later, as sunset comes earlier in late summer, especially in shaded canyon sections.
If you are flexible with dates, you could attempt the Panorama Trail on a day with better shuttle availability or combine with a guided tour for guaranteed transport.

In summary, while waiting for day-of cancellations is possible, it’s not reliable. Driving yourself, booking a private shuttle, or adjusting your trail plan are safer ways to ensure an early start on the Panorama Trail. Planning for flexibility with timing and daylight is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.

Panorama Trail Glacier Point Bus Question

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