Hike along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park to a 370-foot waterfall. The Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This trail is less trafficked as compared to other popular trails in Yosemite, so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Don’t underestimate this hike! It will be easy as you descend down towards Illilouette Fall, but then you will regain 1,400 feet of elevation in about 2.5 miles. This hike will be tough but very do-able and very much worth it!
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Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Reservations and Timed Entry
A reservation is required from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Best Time to Go
Spring is the BEST time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Peak flow is from May to June due to snowmelt from the winter season creating massive waterfalls.
I personally recommend visiting Yosemite in May if seeing waterfalls is your top priority. The temperatures are warm but not hot, huge summer crowds are not there yet, and the waterfalls are magical!
READ THIS: How to Visit Yosemite in May
Glacier Point Road
The Panorama Trailhead is located at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. The road to Glacier Point, known as Glacier Point Road, is closed seasonally during the colder months and reopens sometime in May.
Always check the National Park Service website for road status updates prior to your trip!
Don’t Underestimate This Hike
I want to quickly note that this hike is considered hard! But it is easy to underestimate as you hike along the Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall because you will hiking downhill. With about 1,400 feet of elevation gain on the way back up, the difficulty of this hike increases significantly. Especially if you are unprepared.
Before hiking this trail, please make sure you are physically prepared! Also, bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sunscreen, and sun protective clothing. This trail offers minimal shade with lots of exposure to the sun, so in the summer it can get very hot. Be prepared and be safe!
Avoid the Yosemite Crowds
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in America. If you have visited before, then you will understand why. The entire place is beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking. Because of this everyone and their mom wants to visit. This results in big crowds, especially during peak season.
Thankfully, reservations and timed entries have been put in place to help control the crowds. Even though the hike to Illilouette Fall is not nearly as popular as Vernal Fall or Upper Yosemite Falls, I would recommend getting an early start. Plus, the parking lot at Glacier Point can fill up quick!
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall
Location: Illilouette Fall is located near Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2.5 to 4.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt/sandy, rocky/gravely, and many switchbacks.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead of Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall is located at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. The parking lot is fairly big but this area popular, so try to arrive early to secure a parking spot!
Put this address in Google maps: Panorama And Pohono Trailheads, Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite Village, CA 95389
Trail Directions
Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall
Locate the trailhead sign for the Panorama Trail and begin your hike from Glacier Point. Follow along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park.
As you slowly descend down the trail, you will be blessed with gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This hike is not as trafficked as other popular trails within Yosemite, so you may find peace from the crowds with the relaxing sounds of nature.
You will encounter many switchbacks along the way. It will be an easy hike on the way down, but tough on the way back up. Make sure you save plenty of energy for the return trip!
In about 1.5 miles, you will reach a junction in the trail. Stay left to remain on the Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall.
Hike down more switchbacks as you get closer to an overlook of Illilouette Fall that can easily be missed.
Before reaching a footbridge further down the trail, there will be an overlook of Illilouette Fall to the left. Please, please be careful here! There are no guardrails, and the overlook is sandy and slippery with a dangerous drop-off over the cliff.
It doesn’t offer the best view of Illilouette Fall, but it’s the only overlook of the waterfall along the Panorama Trail. However, you can see Half Dome from here which is always a great landmark to see!
If you want to see a footbridge that crosses over Illilouette Creek, then continue a bit further down the trail. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to rest up, drink water, and eat some snacks before ascending back up to Glacier Point.
Ready to make the tough trek back up? Simply retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. Take your time, take as many rest breaks as needed, and try to keep yourself cool and hydrated (especially if hiking in the summer heat).
Did you make it? Congrats!! 🥳
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls: Conquer this 7 mile out-and-back hike which takes you to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Enjoy the rewarding and jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley. Be prepared as there is a lot of elevation gain (about 3,200 feet), and the slippery, rocky terrain adds to the challenge. However, this trail is worth every step! Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why.
Vernal Fall: Hike 1.5 miles via the Mist Trail one-way to reach Vernal Fall which is most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Climb over 600 granite steps and feel the power (and mist) of Vernal Fall! Hopefully you will see a rainbow or two. The views from the top of Vernal Fall will leave you breathless!
Nevada Fall: Take the famous Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall then complete the loop via the John Muir Trail for a total of 6.5 miles and about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Add this beautiful hike to your chasing-waterfalls-in-Yosemite bucket list!
Wapama Falls: Located in Hetch Hetchy Valley, this 5-mile hike starts at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and takes you along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of about 500 feet and is considered moderately difficult.
Rancheria Falls: Hike to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Located within the Hetch Hetchy area, this challenging 13-mile out-and-back hike takes you to both Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. If you enjoy long day hikes, then this is the perfect adventure for you!
Chilnualna Falls: Hike to Yosemite’s most underrated waterfall known as Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na”). Located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, this waterfall consists of 5 large cascades with the tallest one dropping 240 feet. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike will take you through pine-dense forests, pass beautiful vistas, and offers spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls and its cascades.
Lower Yosemite Falls: Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a short 1-mile loop trail where you can get a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. The lower section of Yosemite Falls is 320-feet tall. It’s an easy 30-minute walk on a paved path. Very family friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow – best time for wheelchair users is late-Spring and Summer). Bicycles are prohibited but bikes racks are located nearby.
Bridalveil Falls: This is a short 0.5 mile out-and-back trail located in Yosemite Valley. It’s an easy 20-minute hike on a paved path to this breathtaking waterfall. Marvel at this 620-foot waterfall.
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