Illiloutte Falls from Mist trail (May 2005)
View of Illiloutte Falls and Cascade from Mist trail

Illiloutte falls is a very beautiful falls that most people do not visit. It is visible from the mist trail after about half-a-mile from the trailhead.

A great hike would be to take a bus from Yosemite lodge to Glacier Point. You will pay for a tour, but you have to tell the driver that you will not be using the bus for your return trip.

Once you reach Glacier Point, replenish your water supply, food and snacks and hike down the Panorama trail. It is a 8-mile walk to the valley. This is arguably the most beautiful trail in the entire valley.

Once the trail leaves Glacier Point, it is downhill all the way to Illiloutte Falls. There is a bridge that crosses the canyon and you get to see some beautiful cascades in early and middle summer. After crossing the canyon, the trail goes uphill for a while and goes downhill all the way to the top of Nevada falls. It meets up with John Muir trail just before reaching Nevada falls. Thereafter, take the Mist trail down to the valley (via vernal falls).