4 Mile Trail - Panoramic Trail loop: best direction?

[BrendanSF]

I'm planning a loop hike from the Valley to Glacier Point, going up either the 4 Mile Trail or the Panoramic Trail (from Nevada Falls) and down the other, possibly next weekend.

Which trail would you recommend for the "up" portion of the hike? I heard the views are great on 4 Mile Trail in the down direction, any other considerations?

[bill-e-g]

Hands down I'd hike UP the Mist trail to Nevada... and down the 4 Mile Trail.

[AlmostThere]

People go down and pay twenty bucks for the tour bus ride back to the top where they parked. The 4 mile trail is actually a bit longer, and once you go down it you won't want to go back up. I'd go up from Happy Isles and down the 4 mile.

[airrj]

I love 4 mile trail. In my opinion it is the best trail to hike out of the valley. Every summer I do up 4 mile and then down panorama and then the Mist or JMT. 4 mile just has good shade areas, great views, and a steady climb without alot of stairs. You do get great views as you decend as well, but on the way up you just stop for a short breather from time to time and enjoy the scenery.

Either way it is a great trip. Enjoy.
R.J.