Glacier Point-Illilouette-Happy Isles route question

[cnc4]

We are planning a backpacking trip in mid-July with our boyscout troop. Our permit is for Glacier Point- Illilouette- Happy Isles. (planning to spend the second night at LYV.) We'll be camping our first night along Illilouette right at about 4 miles as required.
I'd like to get some feedback on the second day trail choices:

Take the more direct route (Mono Meadow or 'pack trail' depending on the map) or backtrack to the Panorama Trail to get across to LYV?

I'm leaning towards the more direct route since we have some younger, less experienced boys but wanted to know if anyone can tell me what this trail is like (scenery, easier option?, etc.).

Thanks!

[dan]

Take the more direct route (Mono Meadow or 'pack trail' depending on the map) or backtrack to the Panorama Trail to get across to LYV?

You're confusing trails, it seems to me, or I can't figure out your route. You can start at trailheads near Glacier Point or near Mono Meadow. Both are off the Glacier Point road. I prefer starting at Glacier Point, it's one of the best views of Yosemite (the other being Eagle Peak across Yosemite Valley). The trail from Glacier Point to LYV is the Panorama Trail.

One you're near the rim of LYV, the trail splits. One way heads to Nevada Fall, the other heads down the pack trail (same as the JMT here) to Clark Point and then a bridge over the Merced River.

The trail to Nevada Falls is more scenic, but longer. It also means heading down the Mist Trail (below Vernal Fall). This trail is usually crowded and has several wet, slippery steps. It's dangerous with backpacks on. So I recommend taking the pack trail/JMT.

- Dan (Eagle Scout)

[cnc4]

Dan- Sorry to be confusing on my route description. We are starting at Glacier Point on the Panorama Trail, but continuing on the Buena Vista Trail at the junction ~1.4 miles along. We'll be camping near the junction of the Buena Vista and Mono Meadows Trails. (Based on the permit we were able to get- not our first choice, but what can you do? ) We can take the Mono Meadow trail (heading north/north-east) the next day and rejoin the Panorama Trail as it begins to descend towards Nevada Falls rather than going back along Buena Vista to do the entire Panorama Trail. Doesn't seem like a popular option but I was hoping someone on here had been on that section of trail before.

[weendoggy]

That is a good route. No need to backtrack where you've been. The trail scates along the side of the mountain with good views all around. Once you're on the PT you're good to go. The climb is much less than what you'll do by going back. The hike out of Illiloutte Fall with packs is a good pull and really, you don't miss a thing that you'll see from the other route.