Glacier Pt-Panorama-Merced Lake

[mozierfamily]

I've read that this backpacking trip (Glacier Point along Panorama Trail to Little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake) is a good early-season trip. Has anyone done this trip and how early is it possible (without snowshoes, etc)? I thought it sounded like a gorgeous hike but I am concerned about encountering massive amounts of people on the first stretch. I'd love to hear from folks with experience on this route.

[Carter]

I've only done a small day hike from Glacier Point to Nevada Falls and back, and if memory serves me right Little Yosemite Valley is not the much farther from Nevada Falls.. if that is going to be day one for you it shouldn't be that bad.. you shouldn't have that much traffic on the Panorama

[mozierfamily]

Thanks Day Hiker for the info. Now I just need to find out how early in the season it becomes a good trail (i.e. no snow and slush across the trail!)

[Grzldvt]

I have done this trip. It really depends on the snow pack. This year we are getting hit with a decent snowfall, so Glacier Point Road may not open until late May/early June.
Unless you are coming to Glacier via the 4 mile trail.
The first part up to Little Yosemite Valley can be a cattle drive on a Saturday, with a lot of people, but it will taper considerably once you head to Merced.