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For a waterfall as big as the 370ft Illilouette Fall, it's unusual in that it manages to elude most of Yosemite's visitors. That's because it is hidden from high traffic areas such as Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. It lies at the head of Illilouette Gorge facing away from most of the commotion, meaning you'll have to work a little to see this gem. The easiest access is from Glacier Point (signpost G11 at the end of Glacier Point Road). From there, it's a pretty long and steep two-mile downhill hike to the precarious overlook of the falls. Of course, it's a pretty tiring two-mile uphill hike back to Glacier Point from here, but it's definitely worth it. Just be very careful when trying to get a good view because it's a long way vertically down from here! Another pleasing option is to check out the falls as one of the stops along the 8.5-mile mostly downhill Panorama Trail starting from Glacier Point and ending at the Happy Isles Nature Center passing by Nevada Falls as well as Vernal Fall along the way. There's a Hiker's Bus (bookings necessary) that can accommodate this option so you don't have to go through the trouble of having two cars at opposite ends of the trail and arranging your own car shuttle. See the photographs below to catch a glimpse of the waterfall from various spots in the park.
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The cataract's profile as seen from the John Muir Trail not too far before the Vernal Fall Bridge (nearly a mile from the Happy Isles Trailhead)
Looking past North Dome towards the waterfall way in the distance. This view of the falls is on the North Dome Trail, which is roughly 10 miles of hills but also affords the opportunity to see Half Dome through perhaps the park's only natural arch of any significance at Indian Rock.
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