The Most Epic Hike in Yosemite: Mist, Panorama & Four Mile Combination Trail

If you’re looking for the most epic hike in Yosemite, look no further than this full-day combination route that connects three of Yosemite’s most iconic trails: the Mist Trail, Panorama Trail, and Four Mile Trail.

My boyfriend, Tim, and I completed this hike in June, and let me tell you—it’s challenging, rewarding, and packed with once-in-a-lifetime, panoramic views, misty waterfalls, and some serious mileage. It’s a total hiker’s (and photographer’s) dream!

This post is your complete guide to the route, including logistics, trail insights, and plenty of practical tips to help you prepare for this unforgettable hike in Yosemite National Park.

Mist-Panorama-Four Mile Route Overview

First, let’s talk through the basics of this incredible combination hike in Yosemite:

• Start: Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16) to the Mist Trail
• End: Four Mile Trailhead (shuttle stop #11)
• Distance: ~13.7 miles (we hiked closer to 16 miles when all was said & done)
• Time: 8-9 hours (we took more like 12 hours with stopping for photos & lunch)
• Elevation gain: ~3,200–4,500+ ft (depending on your exact route & overlooks)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Recommended direction: Clockwise (start with Mist, end with Four Mile)
• Best time to hike: Late May to early July (for peak waterfall flow)
• Highlights: Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, panoramic valley views, Half Dome, Glacier Point, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and more!

There’s some debate about where to start (the Mist Trail or Four Mile Trail), but we chose to tackle the route clockwise, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

We started with the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls to avoid the steep steps when they’re busiest and slickest. Though, I will admit that descending more than 4 miles at the end of the hike wasn’t exactly a cake walk either (yep, despite the name, the Four Mile Trail is actually more than 4 miles!).

A Broad Recommendation: Keep in mind that each of these trails can be done separately across your 3 days in Yosemite if you’re looking for an easier alternative to this full day hike—just listen to your body and go with whatever feels right for you!

Why This Is the Most Epic Hike in Yosemite

Though this hike isn’t for the faint of heart, it delivers some serious trail ROI. Along the way, you’ll:

• Climb up beside the roaring Vernal and Nevada Falls (and get to see the tops of both!)
• Stroll through quiet pine forests with panoramic views of Half Dome
• Refuel at Glacier Point, one of Yosemite’s most iconic overlooks
• Descend with jaw-dropping views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley
• Check off three major Yosemite trails in one hike

Basically, it’s all of Yosemite’s greatest hits served up in a single, thigh-burning hike!

Yosemite Parking & Shuttle

Sourced from: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm

We arrived at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Lot around 7:00 am and were grateful to find parking after passing a sign that said Curry Village parking was already full—what?!

If the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Lot is also full, you can try one of these alternatives and take the shuttle to Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16):

• Curry Village (if open and available)
• Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
• Yosemite Village Day-Use Parking

Alternatively, you can park at the Four Mile Trailhead and shuttle to Happy Isles, so your car is waiting for you when you finish.

A Broad Recommendation: I can’t stress enough how important it is to start this hike early—for various reasons—but especially since the Curry Village Parking Lot was already full at 7:00 am! We heard that we visited during a “lull” in the summer season, between Juneteenth and the 4th of July, and parking still filled up quickly each morning, and some of the easier trails were crowded throughout the day (though luckily, this one wasn’t too bad).

Once parked, you’ll follow a paved path around 0.5 miles to the start of the Mist Trail.

Segment 1: Mist Trail

• Distance: ~3.3 miles to the top of Nevada Fall (one-way)
• Elevation gain: ~2,000 ft
• Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous

By 7:30 am, we were well on our way along the popular Mist Trail, which offers spectacular, close-up views of two of Yosemite’s most incredible waterfalls, as you climb along nature’s “giant staircase.” 

This trail is usually defined by it’s three popular viewpoints: the Vernal Fall Footbridge, the Top of Vernal Fall, and the Top of Nevada Fall, so I’ve broken down this hike (and its mileage, elevation gain, time to complete, and difficulty) into these three segments.

Vernal Fall Footbridge

• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Elevation gain: 400 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

The first part of the trail is paved and easy (and thus, usually crowded). After about 0.8 miles, you’ll reach the Vernal Fall Footbridge, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the roaring waterfall.

Top of Vernal Fall

• Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back
• Time: 3 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,000 ft
• Difficulty: Strenuous

About 0.2 miles beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail split. If you’re up for the climb, take the Mist Trail for another 0.3 miles up a steep, granite stairway (more than 600 steps!) and take in the amazing views of Vernal Fall the whole way up.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a rainbow dancing in the spray (unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky this time).

At this point, you should prepare for slippery footing and lots of waterfall spray in the spring and early summer months (hence the name of this trail!).

A Broad Recommendation: You’re going to want a rain jacket or some other waterproof layer for this portion—trust me. The granite steps near Vernal Fall are constantly soaked in spray, and you will get wet—especially in June! I wore my insulated North Face jacket for our early, chilly start, and I was so glad I did.

Once you reach the top of the 317-foot waterfall, take a moment to soak it all in—but please, stay behind the railings. The view is wild, and so is the drop.

From here, you have a few options. You can head back the way you came, take the John Muir Trail back for a longer (but less steep) descent, or keep climbing up the Mist Trail like we did to reach the top of Nevada Fall.

If you’re following our route, continue past Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. These pools might look tempting on a warm day, but swimming here is both illegal and extremely dangerous, so be sure to stick to the trail.

Top of Nevada Fall

• Distance: 5.4 miles out-and-back
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation gain: 2,000 ft
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Next up is a longer, 1.5-mile push to the top of Nevada Fall, complete with some rocky switchbacks and plenty of heart-pumping elevation gain.

Crashing down 594 feet, this thunderous waterfall is at its fullest in the spring and early summer, and you’ll be rewarded with excellent photo opps throughout this stretch of the trail.

Once you reach the top, you can cross the footbridge over the Merced River to take in the stunning views from above. Again, be careful here—it’s powerful, misty, and slippery. Keep a firm grip on your phone and other belongings!

A Broad Recommendation: My favorite waterproof cell phone case comes with a lanyard to secure your phone around your neck and is perfect for all of that waterfall spray along the first half of this trail.

After Nevada Fall, you have another choice to make: head back the way you came on the Mist Trail (yes, there are lots of opportunities to turn back if you’re feeling too tired!), or cross the bridge to join the John Muir Trail for a different return route to Yosemite Valley.

We continued on and followed the John Muir Trail briefly to connect with the Panorama Trail—more on that next!

Additional Mist Trail Info

You can hike this trail year-round, but be aware that some sections close in winter due to ice and falling rock. The parts that remain open can still be very slick, so always check current trail conditions before hiking in Yosemite.

Personally, I think June is the perfect time for this hike. The waterfalls are at their most powerful, the meadows are in bloom, and the weather—cool mornings and sunny afternoons—is ideal for a long hiking day. Later in the summer or early fall, the falls slow down quite a bit and lose some of their dramatic flair.

Drinking water is available at the shuttle stop near the trailhead (stop #16) and at the Vernal Fall Footbridge between May and October. After that, you’re on your own—so bring plenty of water and snacks for the rest of the hike.

This is also one of the few trails in Yosemite with restrooms, which is a huge plus! You’ll find bathrooms at the shuttle stop, near the Vernal Fall footbridge, above Vernal Fall, and again at the top of Nevada Fall.

A Broad Recommendation: Keep the following trail etiquette in mind: pets, bikes, and strollers aren’t allowed on the Mist Trail; don’t shortcut switchbacks (it damages the trail and can lead to injuries); keep your food close; don’t feed the wildlife; and carry out all trash—including fruit peels, wrappers, and anything else you pack in.

Segment 2: Panorama Trail

• Distance: ~8.5 miles
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation gain: ~2,200 ft
• Difficulty: Strenuous

After reaching the top of Nevada Fall, the intensity eases up—at least for a little while—as you transition onto the Panorama Trail. This part of the route lives up to its name, winding through a quiet pine forest and along open ridgelines that offer sweeping, unobstructed views of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks.

Along the way, you’ll catch impressive glimpses of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Illilouette Fall, and countless jagged peaks in the distance. It’s the kind of scenery that forces you to pause and soak it all in, even if your legs are begging you to keep moving.

This stretch of the hike felt long, and that’s because it is—it’s nearly 8.5 miles!—and includes its fair share of sneaky switchbacks and uphill climbs.

But, it’s also one of the quieter and less crowded stretches, so if you’re craving that “just you and the wild” feeling, this is where you’ll find it.

Thankfully, there are plenty of scenic spots to pause, catch your breath, and snap some photos. Early on, we even had an unexpected “break” when a small group of horseback riders passed us—how neat!

Midway, we found a quiet, shady spot to eat our sandwiches and snacks. It was peaceful, scenic, and a much-needed recharge (not only for our legs, but also our phones and my Apple Watch too, haha!).

A Broad Recommendation: Be sure to pack your power bank and charging cords because your devices will die if you’re taking lots of photos and using them for trail maps.

One important heads-up: there’s no water along this portion of the trail, so be sure to carry at least 3 liters per person and pack electrolytes (we like LMNT) to stay hydrated. The sun exposure is real, especially in June, and there’s very little shade once you’re out of the forested stretch, so bring a hat and sunglasses and load up on the sunscreen too.

With the dramatic vistas and serene atmosphere, the Panorama Trail is one of the most rewarding and underrated sections of the most epic day hike in Yosemite—just come prepared, and you’ll love every mile.

Midway Stop: Glacier Point

Eventually, we made it to Glacier Point—and trust me when I say the name is well earned. Perched at 7,214 feet above sea level, this iconic viewpoint offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in all of Yosemite National Park.

From here, you can see it all: Half Dome in all its granite glory, the sweeping crest of Clouds Rest, the silvery ribbon of Nevada Fall, and the entire Yosemite Valley spread out like a painting below you.

This spot is popular for a reason—whether you drive up (in season) or hike your way here like we did, the reward is the same: some of the most legendary views in the park.

On a clear day, you can see more than 80 miles into the Sierra Nevada, and if you time it right, sunset here is nothing short of magical (we’ll have to catch one next time!).

Glacier Point also offers a few luxuries rarely found mid-hike: bathrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a seasonal concession stand with cold drinks and snacks—might I recommend the ice cream? Needless to say, we took full advantage and took a well-earned break here to rest and refuel before the final leg of our adventure.

Unfortunately, this was also when I started to feel the all-too-familiar signs of hiker’s rash—something I’ve dealt with on other long days (like in Arches National Park, Rome, and Greece).

In hindsight, this probably should’ve been our cue to call it a day. But in true Type-A fashion, we (mostly me, of course) pressed on to finish what we’d set out to do.

A Broad Recommendation: That being said, I didn’t realize at the time that there’s no free shuttle between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley. That means you can’t just decide mid-hike to call it quits and catch a ride back unless you’ve planned ahead. If there’s space, you might be able to snag a one-way ticket directly from the bus driver (cash only!), but it’s not guaranteed. If you think you might want this option, I recommend playing it safe and booking a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Tour in advance (this can be done at any park tour desk).

Segment 3: Four Mile Trail

• Distance: 4.8 miles (don’t let the name fool you!)
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation gain: ~3,200 ft (but we were descending)
• Difficulty: Strenuous (especially going down after hiking 10+ miles already)

The final leg of our epic day hike in Yosemite was the Four Mile Trail—but don’t let the name fool you. Despite its modest length, this ~4.8‑mile descent packs in more than 3,200 feet of elevation change, as it winds through towering granite cliffs with dramatic views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Cathedral Rocks, and the sweeping valley below. This is the most direct route from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley.

A Broad Recommendation: Don’t skip the side trip to enjoy the view of Yosemite Valley from Union Point. It’s located a bit over two-thirds of the way up, which means you’ll see it early on in your descent if you’re hiking the Four Mile Trail in the same direction we did.

Unfortunately, my hiker’s rash was in full force now, turning what might’ve been the highlight for some into a pretty miserable trek for me. The sun was relentless, the trail steep and rocky, and the valley views (which were probably my least favorite of the entire day) just didn’t outweigh my discomfort on this descent.

But somehow, we powered through (yes, Tim did have to carry my backpack for a while—thanks, Tim!), and when we finally reached the bottom, we were so proud (and relieved!) to have completed this incredible Yosemite day hike.

In total, we hiked around 16 miles, which is important to note—especially if you’re planning based on the 13.7-mile estimate often listed online.

A few additional housekeeping notes: The Four Mile Trail typically opens in May (check trail conditions before you go). There are no restrooms or drinking water on this trail, so come prepared with at least 3 liters of water per person, especially if you’re hiking in June’s summer heat.

Similar to the other trails included in this combination route, pets, bicycles, and strollers aren’t allowed, and you should avoid cutting the switchbacks, as this causes erosion and can lead to dangerous drops (and is actually illegal!).

Final Stats & Thoughts

• Actual Distance: Closer to 16 miles
• Start Time: 7:30 am
• Finish Time: 6:30 pm
• Difficulty: 9/10
• Satisfaction: 10/10

Would I do it again? Yes—but only with an early start, well-packed daypack, and maybe some blister protection next time.

Packing List for Hiking in Yosemite in June

June offers some of Yosemite’s best hiking conditions. But, with chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional waterfall spray (hello, Mist Trail!), being prepared and packing smart is key—especially for an all day hike like this one.

Here’s what I recommend wearing and packing for this epic hike in Yosemite:

Clothing & Layers

• Moisture-wicking base layers: Great for layering and managing sweat during long hikes
• Insulated mid-layer: Fleece or light jacket for chilly mornings
• Lightweight outer shell: Rain jacket or poncho (you will get misted!). I wore my insulated North Face jacket (unfortunately, the exact one is no longer available, since I’ve had it for so long—they last forever!—but this one is similar)
• Quick-dry hiking pants/shorts: I wore leggings and packed a pair of workout shorts just in case (both of which have pockets for storing my phone!). I also like these water-resistant pants, which I wore throughout Iceland, though I didn’t wear them for this hike
• Hat & polarized sunglasses: Essential for sunny, exposed trails

Footwear & Trail Gear

• Hiking boots or trail shoes: These trails range from dusty to rocky, so good grip is a must
• Wool or moisture-wicking socks: Keep your feet dry and blister-free
• Trekking poles: We didn’t use any but were definitely jealous of those who had them at times during this hike!

Daypack Essentials

• Daypack or hydration pack: Big enough to carry layers, food, and water (and lots of pockets to keep everything organized!)
• 3+ liters of water per person: Plus electrolytes for those strenuous climbs (we like LMNT)
• Snacks and lunches: Think energy bars, jerky, fruit, sandwiches, etc.
• Bug spray or mosquito repellent bracelets: For the forested sections
• Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF: There’s lots of exposure on these trails, and that mountain sun is strong
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder: You’ll be drinking a lot, and the Mist Trail and Glacier Point have water refill stations
• Small first-aid kit: Blister bandages, ibuprofen, and any personal meds

Extras You’ll Be Glad You Brought

• Portable charger or power bank: This is essential! Your phone will likely run out of battery when using trail apps or taking lots of photos, and my Apple Watch also ran out of battery close to Glacier Point
• Waterproof cell phone case: Perfect for all of that waterfall spray and to secure your phone on the steep sections of these trails
• Selfie stick tripod: Great for those areas that aren’t crowded, especially if you’re traveling alone or want some couple/group shots
• Quick-dry towel: For drying off after waterfall spray or to sit on during your picnic lunch
• Headlamp or flashlight: Just in case you’re out later than planned
• Female urination device: This is a long route with limited spots/coverage for bathroom breaks and only a couple of restrooms along the way

Check out my full Hiking Packing List on Amazon for all of the products I recommend for your next hiking adventure!

Tips for Hiking in Yosemite in June

Here are a few more tips to make your 16-mile trek more manageable, memorable, and safe:

Trail Strategy

• Start early: Aim to be on the trail by 6:30–7:00 am to beat the heat and the crowds
• Choose your direction wisely: Doing this clockwise—Mist Trail → Panorama → Four Mile—sets you up to hit the waterfalls while they’re freshest and avoid having to descend the slick steps during peak hours
• Take breaks at key viewpoints: Look out for shaded benches or flat rocks to take a break, drink water, eat snacks, and recharge (both your legs and your devices!)
• Food & snacks: Eat snacks or small meals throughout the day—jerky, nuts, trail mix, and electrolyte gels are great for sustained stamina

Weather & Conditions in June

• Flowing falls & wildflowers: June is prime time in Yosemite—waterfalls are roaring, mountain meadows are blooming, and days are long with cooler morning temps
• Mosquito awareness: Meadow areas and near riverbanks can get buggy—bring bug spray and long sleeves for midday breaks
• Layer management: Mornings can be brisk (in the 50s°F), and midday warms up to the high 70s–low 80s°F (though it feels warmer while hiking and in direct sunlight)

Safety & Park Tips

• Trail etiquette: Always yield uphill; uphill hikers and horses have the right of way on narrow sections (it seemed like most people we encountered didn’t know this!)
• Stay on track: Stick to the designated trails, and don’t shortcut switchbacks—off-trail travel speeds up erosion and can be especially dangerous
• Know wildlife rules: Never feed or approach wildlife, secure food, dispose of trash properly—you’re literally sharing the space with bears and deer (yes, we saw a bear on one of our hikes in Yosemite!)
• Trail closures: Though Glacier Point usually opens in May, check nps.gov before heading out, as conditions are always changing
• Know your limits: Consider stopping and turning around (if possible) if needed
• Trail Maps: Always carry a trail map, take a picture of the trailhead signage, or download AllTrails maps, as cell service is limited throughout the park, and you don’t want to get lost or stuck out in the wilderness

Shuttle & Exit

• Post-hike transport: After descending, you’ll end near the Four Mile Trailhead (shuttle stop #11). If you parked at Yosemite Valley Trailhead Lot or Curry Village (or another parking lot other than the one near the Four Mile Trailhead), hop on the park shuttle to avoid having to walk back
• Check shuttle times: The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, connects the major trailheads, visitor centers, and lodges, and is free and easy to use, but you’ll need to make sure you finish your hike early enough to catch it

Final Thoughts on This Epic Hike in Yosemite

If you only have one day in Yosemite and want to pack it all in, this is your hike.

You’ll see waterfalls, granite cliffs, iconic domes, and sweeping valley views—all in a single (very full) day. It’s a serious undertaking, but for planners, hikers, and adventure-lovers like us, it’s absolutely worth it.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below, and happy hiking!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads