An option you might take is starting from Glacier Point at an elevation of 7200 feet. Take the Panorama trail down Hill to Nevada falls. You will have an 800 ft. incline after Illioutte Falls. The falls are a great place to rest before the uphill. This leaves only the 2 last miles up hill. The Panorama Trail is not nearly as busy. It is mostly dirt, so easier on the knees too.
I took a party of 29 (divided into 1 party of 15 and 14) 4 years ago.
This included one kindergartner, 8 sixth graders and their parents.
Every one made it to the sub-dome and several did not train as they should. Four sixth graders made it to the top too.
