Illilouette Falls Trail Reviews

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Long time Yosemite hiker
 ·  Richmond, Fresno  ·  September 15, 2017

Beginning in 1949, my dad and I hiked the Glacier Point 1 1/2 mile ledge trail twice, the 4-Mile trail numerous times, Yosemite Falls three times, and the trail from Tuolumne Meadows to the valley and to Half Dome three times until 1955. The hike to Half Dome and back by Illilouette Falls was spectacular!! People used to tell us, "pronounciation is Illie-u-wanne, it is Indian."

Nice view of the park
 ·  60014  ·  August 22, 2017

Great hike with beautiful views along the way. It's a bit more strenuous than expected, so bring lots of water. We left our son's ashes at the falls and could not hope for a more beautiful site.

Views
 ·  San Jose  ·  August 5, 2017

Excellent hike. Not sure why the article says you don't get a good view of the falls. You see it from multiple angles.

Great trail
 ·  Long Island  ·  May 21, 2017

We enjoyed this trail from Glacier Point. Hiked well past the falls and returned. Wasn't crowded at all in the morning. Easy trail down and moderate on the way back. We crossed a few small streams, but kept our feet dry. Cool in the morning and warm on the trip back.

A long way down and up
 ·  Silicon Valley CA  ·  May 5, 2016

During our 50th Anniversary celebration with the whole family, I was determined that the healthiest of us would make the hike from Glacier Point to Nevada Falls and down the Mist Trail. After the gorgeous view of the valley at the point, we started down the easy drop to the creek. It was a warm day but down is easy. The creek at the bottom forms a peaceful pond due to an elevated rim before the drop off. We are lunch and our kids cooled and played in the pond as us oldsters (me, at 74, rested.) I thought I was going to die, rising 1500 feet in a haf mile of climbing switchbacks and had to rest after the first two. The steep walls of Illilouette are very challenging. Once at the top, the rim trail to Nevada and the down Mist Trail past Vernal to home was a snap. I, at 83, really wish that I could make that hike again. Memories!

What do you mean there's an uphill section...?
 ·  Thousand Oaks, CA  ·  June 22, 2015

Did Illilouette Trail as part of one-way hike to Yosemite Valley. Thought it would be easy since it's all downhill. 1. It's not all downhill (about 800 ft of up leaving the Falls), 2. downhill is hard on your knees (who knew!) and 3. it's long! Mapmyhike says it's 6.9 mi - my GPS said 9.2. Believe the GPS!

Still, it's a truly awe-inspiring trail! I always wanted to do it and I am glad I did!

Now, if we can just figure out a way to get to Glacier Pt without paying $40 each for the tour bus....

A great hike for seeing a lot of Yosemite in a short time - June, 2014
 ·  Santa Clarita, CA  ·  June 11, 2014

If you are looking to introduce someone (or yourself) to an array of great Yosemite views and hikes without having to drive too far, one way is to drive up to Glacier Point and hike a "Sampler Platter" of sorts. Because Illilouette Falls/Creek is the one of the less covered trails, it is a good one to start with on a warm Spring or Summer day. The two miles down are fairly easy, and you may stop often to admire the views from a variety of angles. In a high snowpack year, you may even see some waterfalls that are only around once in a while. At Illilouette Creek, there are plenty of areas to sit and admire the area (and eat any snacks you brought with). Do not underestimate the need for water going back up. It is all uphill on the return trip and since it will be a little later than when you left, it will likely be warmer as well. There are very few mosquitos on this hike (in my experience) even down by the creek. When you get back to Glacier Point, there is a snack shop with hot dogs, ice cream and plenty of drinks. Other hikes to do later in the same day include: (1) The 4-mile trail about 1.5 miles down and then back up, where you will see most of Yosemite Falls, a nice view of Tenaya Canyon (where it is easier to see how the glaciers cut through the valley), much of Yosemite Valley, and the reverse tunnel-view. This hike is described in detail on this site; (2) Sentinel Dome, which can be done from Glacier Point if you do not want to drive down the hill for the trailhead described by most publications (same with Taft Point). From Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome is about 1.5 miles each way (very wide-ranging views of almost everything from up there - and no crowds); and finally, (3) you can use some down time between hikes to stroll around the Glacier Point trail and see the Geology hut. All in all, you can see excellent parts of 3 different trails, put in about 11 miles of hiking, and always have a snack bar waiting at the end of each hike. Not bad for a day in Yosemite.

Spectacular scenery
 ·  Massachusetts  ·  July 4, 2013

This was one of my favorite hikes in Yosemite. Probably the most spectacular scenery you will see. Relatively uncrowded given the need to drive to Glacier Point. The hike down to Illiloutte Falls makes for a very nice and not too difficult hike. Panorama Point is only another 1/2 mile but does not add too much to the overall experience. Highly recommended. Take in the views from Glacier Point upon your return.

Probably our most favorite hike in Yosemite
 ·  Little Rock, Arkansas  ·  September 27, 2012

This is a rather tiring hike with a spectacular payoff! The views of Half Dome and Vernal and Nevada Falls along the initial portion of the trail are stunning – be prepared to stop often to take pictures! Half Dome is an incredible sight from EVERY angle.

About the time you stop being able to hear the roar of Vernal and Nevada Falls (how can they be that far away and still be so loud?), you start hearing Illilouette Fall – but you still can’t see it yet. Then, suddenly, there it is – and it’s a beautiful sight! Enjoy the view from the spectacular lookout point, but don’t get too close to the edge.

The trail continues working its way down to Illilouette Creek, which is more like a raging river than the word “creek” would suggest. Take off your hiking boots and dip a toe into the chilly water – it’s refreshing! (By the time you finish this hike, your feet will thank you!) This is a nice spot for a lunch break. Great views – both upstream and downstream – from the footbridge (although you can’t see the waterfall from here).

We hiked on in search of “Panorama Point,” which was going to be our turnaround point. We finally realized we must have gone too far, so we turned around (after taking a short break after a rather steep ascent) and headed back. On our way back down toward the bridge, we spotted an unmarked trail that led out to a clearing with some pretty impressive views and decided that must be “Panorama Point” – for us, at least!

We crossed the bridge and headed back up the mountainside toward Glacier Point. The views of Half Dome from the “backside” are another special feature of this hike. We got the feeling that many of the other hikers we crossed paths with on our return were wondering why we were heading in the “wrong” direction. The view of Illilouette Fall was just as impressive on the way back up as it had been on the way down – and we welcomed the opportunity to pause for a few minutes!

The grade seems easy enough on the way down from Glacier Point, but it’ll wear you out on the way back up! Be sure to conserve enough energy to make it back up those long switchbacks (you can see them from the other side of the creek). Much of this trail is in direct sunlight, so sunscreen and plenty of water are mandatory.

This is an awesome trail that you should definitely do; it isn’t just about the destination or a single view along the way. The entire hike is scenic. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy a great hike! (And what WAS that low thumping noise we kept hearing from time to time?)

Illilouette
 ·  Fresno, CA  ·  May 8, 2012

The hike to Illilouette Falls is one of the best hikes I have ever done. The view is awesome. You overlook Yosemite Valley, and get some very good views of Half Dome from the side and back. Just beware that the hard part is getting back to the car. I was not in good shape when I took this hike and thought I would never make it back to the parking lot.

Half Dome Via Glacier Point
 ·  H.B. So Cal  ·  July 2, 2011

Just summited Half Dome June 28th 2011. All the water in the valley is running high due to the heavy winter snow pack. We passed Illilouette falls en route and were mightily impressed. We passed at the bridge but did not go near the falls. The trail is peppered with open and covered sections. The views of the valley are incredible and the trail is in good condition. A very nice way into the little yosemite valley. Recommend the trail to any hiker in decent shape.