
Hephaestus threw himself to work almost instantly. The Balancing GiftĪfter Prometheus stole the fire from Olympus and brought it back to earth in a fennel stack, the angered Zeus decided to give humans something which would balance this new acquisition, “an evil thing for men as the price of fire.” So, he asked Hephaestus to create a creature endowed with numerous beguiling and seducing gifts which would plague humanity from then on.

This way you start at the Mist Trail and continue to the top of Glacier Point by foot, descend Glacier Point down to the Valley Floor.Pandora, the first woman, was created by Zeus to neutralize the blessing of fire, which had been stolen by Prometheus from Olympus.


If you are interested in a strenuous (but totally amazing hike!) you may also wish to add the Four Mile Trail to the Panorama Hike, which is 14 miles.
#Pandoraman free#
Plan to leave your vehicle at Glacier Point and have a second vehicle return you to the point at the end of the trek, or the better option is to take the Glacier Point Tour one-way to the top of Glacier Point and hike back down to Happy Isles, utilize the free shuttle bus to return to your vehicle. While this is an excellent day hike, you should be aware that some planning is required to best enjoy this trail as it is a one-way trek down to the Valley Floor from Glacier Point. Cool afternoon winds blow through the shady canyon and not everyone appreciates being soaking wet after passing Vernal Fall. If you are hiking this trail in the springtime or early summer, bring a light rain-jacket for the Mist Trail section if you are planning on exiting later in the day. These large birds have colorful air-sacks that they inflate and they must execute the dance in good form, or they risk the female losing interest. On the first section of the trail, in the springtime and early summer, keep your eye out for male Blue Grouse playfully dancing for the lady grouse. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the trail and not be rushed. Not only are there many exceptional vistas and rushing waterfalls to spend time at, but also there are many granite steps along the Mist Trail, which often slow down the pace at the end of the day. The trail ends in Yosemite Valley, just a quick shuttle ride to the pizza deck and store at Half Dome Village.Īlthough the Panorama Trail is just 8.5 miles in length, it often takes people 4-6 hours to complete the trail one way. The final section of the day follows the popular Mist Trail, descending the Merced River, passing the rushing Nevada Fall and then Vernal Fall in the lower canyon. Plan to take some time here to take in the views down-canyon. After a few miles the trail descends once again, bringing you to the top of Nevada Fall. Along the way, you’ll see more views of Half Dome, and across the valley to Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet. From there, the trail traverses the top of Panorama Cliffs among the yellow pines and cedar trees (don’t worry, it’s on a nicely groomed trail!). Leaving the creek, there is a short, steep climb up a sandy ridgeline. The first section of hiking dives down into Ilillouette Creek, with cascading falls and prolific birdlife. A real highlight is peering down into Yosemite Valley, 2,700 feet below. Starting at Glacier Point offers sweeping views of the iconic Half Dome and the high peaks of the Clark Range. You can take the Glacier Point Tour (recommended) bus one way or you can plan to leave a car at the top of Glacier Point to pick up later. For a moderate hike, start at Glacier Point and hike down to the Valley Floor. There are several ways to enjoy this trail. You’ve heard of the Half Dome Hike, Yosemite Falls Hike and the Mist Trail, but you’ve probably never heard of the Panorama Trail, arguably Yosemite’s most scenic trail.įor those who are motivated for a full-day of hiking there’s arguably not a better trail to showcase the park’s natural treasures.
