Children on the four mile trail or panorama trail

[renehp]

We are a Danish family of three going to Yosemite in late june this year. One of the days we are in the park we would like to take the bus to Glacier Point and then take a hike down again.

The question if it is doable with a five year old.We have plenty of time for our hike and plan on taking one of the early busses. So we have all the time to get back down to the valley floor. We have a toddler carrier to assist him if or when he gets tired.

And is it preferable to do the four mile trail which is short or the panoramic trail which I understand is less steep and perhaps a little less strenuous?

Hope to have your input. Thanks in advance.

[weendoggy]

I'm not sure about the Panorama trail being less strenuous. I did it again last summer and started at 7am and was at the valley by noon. That's by myself with nobody to take care of, resting, eating my lunch at Nevada Fall and then coming down the Mist Trail. It's a good 8.5mi and will probably take you a good 7 hours with a small child. I think that's being generous. Also, the bus doesn't leave until 8am or later with about a two hour ride to GP (my best recolection). That puts your start around 11am to noon. Add the time to hike and...you get the idea. This trail can be exposed a lot on the initial drop to Illilouette Creek, after that there's a good climb to the rim, the rest is fairly easy (but a knee pounder coming down the Mist Trail) and putting a 5yr old on your back may/may not be bad.

I think the four mile would be a little easier, although both are a strenuous hike. The time to hike down should be cut in half of the Panorama time. View are still good, but water will be scarce to none so you'll need to be prepared for that. Also consider the occasional exposure to the sun which can be a real PITA. Best thing is to figure out what you want and just be prepared for anything and everything especially with little ones. I first took both my daughters when they were seven and nine and they both carried a small pack, but we also started in the Lyell Canyon which is pretty much flat.

Good luck on your decision and have a wonderful time.