Yosemite – Illilouette Falls Hike
If you’ve been to Yosemite before and you’re looking for something a little different and less trafficked, then I would suggest the Illilouette Falls hike from Glacier Point. Because you start off at Glacier Point, you will have expansive views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls for the first section of the trail. It’s hard to stop taking photos. The trail leads to the tucked-away Illilouette waterfall. This waterfall can be quite powerful in the spring or early summer of a heavy snow-pack year, so I recommend timing your visit wisely. After a stream-side lunch, continue on the path to Panoramic Point, an expansive view of the Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
Warning: This is a hike where you start off at a higher elevation and descend to your destination. Being an out-and-back trail, you’ll have to climb at the end of the hike to get back to your car. Bring more water than you think you need because if you wisely start in the morning to avoid the glacier point crowds, then it may be hot mid-day when you are hiking out. There is little shade – making for great views, So I also recommend sun protection.
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Illilouette Falls Hike
If you’ve never heard or seen Illilouette Falls, you’re not alone. The word “tucked-away” is often used to describe the falls because it is deeper into one of the side valleys and not easy to spot. I’ve typically seen Illilouette Falls when hiking the paved path to Vernal Falls. The trailhead is at Glacier Point and you should get there early if you would like to snag a good parking spot. The trailhead is to the right (when looking at Half Dome) of mini stepped amphitheater/viewing steps.
The first section of the trail is a wide, gentle decline without trees. This creates a peaceful viewing experience of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls. I had difficulty remembering to hike and wanted only to take photos of the iconic sites. Eventually, you will lose sight of these beauties and be able to focus on the dusty 2-mile path. You will reach the treeline for some much-needed sun relief and you’ll practically be there.
The Falls Themselves
Initially, you will be higher than the falls itself. My parents and I found a gap in the trees with by far the best view of the falls cascading over the first rock. As with most waterfall hikes, it is more difficult to appreciate the waterfall at the top. I recommend seeking this view on this side of the waterfall because you will have a view of Half Dome in the photo. I just wish we would have taken even a few more photos here to capture the entire cascade. But alas, no one is perfect. The trail will lead to a bridge, where you can watch the stream endlessly head toward the waterfall.
Around the stream is a great place for lunch. Find a wide granite slab to relax and enjoy a meal. I had read that there are concrete bridges upstream, however, I don’t recall seeing any. Perhaps further upstream? If you have seen them recently, please let me know in the comments.
As always, please be careful along the stream. Water is often colder and moving quicker than you think and the waterfall is very close by.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 3 (out of 4) stars, maybe not my first choice for hikes in Yosemite, but was different with great views of Half Dome
- Intensity: Hiking shoes, athletic clothes, day pack, plenty of water
- Location: Trailhead starts at Glacier Point Road
- Cost: National Park entry fee (consider getting a National Parks Annual Pass)
- Restrooms: Glacier Point
- Timing: 2 – 4 hours
- Distance: 4 miles to the Falls, .5 miles to the Panoramic Vista
Highlights:
- Hike to a lesser-visited waterfall in Yosemite
- Incredible views of Half Dome for a large portion of the trail
- Another incredible viewpoint just a half-mile from the waterfalls
- Illilouette Falls will be going off in spring and early summer, especially during a big snowpack year
Lowlights:
- It’s one of those hikes where you descend first, making the trek out the more difficult bit
- Little shade on the first and last section
Panoramic Point Vista
You cannot do Illilouette Falls without finding Panoramic Point Vista, which is an expansive viewpoint of the Yosemite Valley and the backside of Half Dome. To get Panoramic Point Vista, also known as Panoramic Cliff, continue on the trail after the bridge. This will be an uphill climb, which will prepare you for the return trip and is about a half-mile or less. The point when I visited was not well-marked, so I am 100% sure this is the exact point (it looks like it in the photos). The bushes were quite overgrown, but we battled them on a narrow trail.
Breaking through the bushes, there was a clearing with rocks making an obvious edge with a nerve-wracking drop. The Yosemite Valley lays below you with a view of the backside of Half Dome. It almost doesn’t look like Half Dome from this angle! Take photos as you dare, but those with a fear of heights should move slowly and not get too close to the edge.
For most of the hike, you forget how high you are above the Yosemite Valley. This is a good reminder and worth the extra effort it takes to get here.
The Return Trip
TIME TO CLIMB! After returning from Panoramic Point Vista to the stream, I recommend dipping a bandana or shirt in the cold water to keep you cool. The day we went was particularly hot, but this trail is also exposed. From reviews that I have read about this trail, it seems like people underestimate this climb and the possible heat. If you are sensitive to the heat, make sure you go on a cooler day and take it easy to ensure that you do not overheat. There are a couple of streams, where you can re-dip your bandana, hat, or shirt to keep you cool and make stops in the shade whenever possible.
I, like most people on earth, have the most excitement and energy when starting a hike. This is great for climbs and then I can utilize gravity to get back down the hill. So, if you struggle on this hike, know that it can be sneakily tricky. Keep in mind that your reward when you make it back to Glacier Point, you can buy yourself more water or a special treat. Be prepared for crowds when you return.
Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead is at Glacier Point at the end of Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point Road closes each winter, so double-check this website before going to ensure the roads you’ll use to get there are open for the season. Being at a significantly higher elevation than the Yosemite Valley, you may encounter snow and mud if you go right when the road opens. Check conditions before you go.
Other Activities in the Yosemite Valley
Taking your time and enjoying the Illilouette Falls hike is a wonderful day trip. If you’d like to add a little more to your day, consider one of the following activities in the Yosemite Valley:
- Raft the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley
- Rent or bring bikes to ride around the Yosemite Valley
- Walk over to the bottom of Yosemite Falls
- Hike to the bottom (or top) of Vernal Falls
- Hike to Inspiration Point at sunrise or sunset
- Glacier Point Road – Hike the Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Loop
Overall Thoughts: Illilouette Falls
We went in June of a particularly good snow-pack year. This means that ALL of the waterfalls were going off at full capacity – Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Illilouette Falls. While re-researching this hike, I found out that Illilouette is one of the most consistent tributaries of the Merced river and will not dry up, even in late summer. This is great to know because as much as I loved the full capacity, this hike could be a good option when there is less snow in future years.
Overall, this was a nice hike. The views in the first/last sections and at Panoramic Point Vista were phenomenal. Photos that I took in the last section are my favorite that I have ever taken in Yosemite. It was special to see the waterfalls at high capacity! However, I would put this hike in my second-tier of hiking Yosemite recommendations. If you’re looking to do a waterfall hike, I would recommend Vernal and Nevada Falls or the bottom of Yosemite Falls. And if you’re looking for views of the Yosemite Valley, I would recommend Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. But if you’re looking for a quieter trail that offers views and a waterfall, Illilouette Falls would be a great choice.
Which is your favorite hike in Yosemite?? I’ve done many of the popular ones, even if I haven’t gotten them up on the blog yet, but I am curious if I am missing any. Let me know the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
