The closest bus stop to the “end” of the Panorama Trail is close by at Happy Isles. However, that stop is for the free shuttle service in Yosemite Valley. There is NO free shuttle service to or from Glacier Point. If don’t want to leave your car at Glacier Point and have to hike back up, I’d suggest purchasing a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Tour Bus that leaves from the Yosemite Valley Lodge and takes you to Glacier Point; from there you can hike back down on the Panorama Trail and take the shuttle back to your car. You can find more info about the Tour Bus on the Yosemite NP website.

I too am in my mid-sixties and in reasonably good condition, and I definitely found this to be a challenging hike due to its length and the rocky condition of much of the trail. My wife (who's also had a knee replacement) and I just took a more deliberate pace and were able to complete the hike. Bring lots of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes with thick soles and good traction, and you should be fine. It's a beautiful hike and well worth the effort.

It is a steady descent, not a steep trail. Until you get to the mist trail which is steep and can be slippery. Very well built and maintained. Not difficult for anyone fit enough to simply walk 8 miles.

Hi I highly recommend asking on the active TripAdvisor forum. This Q&A feature is seldom read. My kids were backpacking and going on long day hikes by those ages, though they have not completed this particular hike. It is not possible for anyone to know if this 8.5 mile hike would be appropriate for your girls as we don't know anything about their fitness. It's a long long day.

Hi Here is the Google Translation of your question: Do 13.6km The home page of Yosemite National Park, there are described as 6-8 hours, it took actually how much? Also do you have a toilet three places Where is after the Glacier Point? The hike called "Panorama Trail" is seasonal. It starts at Glacier Point where there are outhouses / toilets. The trail goes down, then back up. Near the top of Nevada Fall (outhouse) you can choose to descend the longer less steep John Muir Trail or the shorter steeper next-to-the-waterfalls Mist Trail. There is an outhouse near the top of Vernal Fall. The time it takes to hike depends on your hiking speed & fitness. In addition to the reviews here, check the NPS description and the YosemiteHikes website.

There are people who are experienced snow hikers and who hike up the Panorama Trail when there is snow. But it's about 8.5 miles up from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, and then 8.5 miles back down. IF (big IF) Four Mile Trail is open, it's possible to use this 4.8 mile trail between Glacier Point & Yosemite Valley instead. More info on the Yosemite forum page.

No the trail is easy to navigate with signs at intersections

Hi I recommend that you ask on the Yosemite forum page. It is possible (likely) that there will still be snow in May. And you need Glacier Point Road to be open in order to hike down the Panorama + Mist Trails.

This year is unusual since there is so much snow still in the high country. I have been told there are 8 foot drifts. Before taking this hike this year I would check to make sure the trail is open. If it is then make sure you do layers & a rain poncho or light rain jacket to use when hiking near the waterfalls. The mist is very heavy.

You should be ok. Bring walking poles for extra insurance. I agree w Steve Binkleys comment below.