Is swimming allowed at Illilouette Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Illilouette Falls.

Nearby gauge (Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge) · 16 ft³/s · About average

Illilouette Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Illilouette Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Illilouette Falls. Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Illilouette Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $35.00. A permit is also required. A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in Yosemite's backcountry. Day hikes do not require a permit, but reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons.

California • Yosemite National Park • 370 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

phoca2004 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Garden State Hiker CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

btwashburn CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

s__i CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Dimitry B CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Illilouette Falls

Illilouette Falls is a stunning 370-foot waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is part of the Illilouette Creek and is visible from certain vantage points along the Mist Trail and Panorama Trail. The waterfall is surrounded by granite cliffs and lush vegetation, offering a picturesque view for visitors.

The Setting

Illilouette Falls sits at 5,584 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 370 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 370 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 2.0 miles to the west. Also nearby: Nevada Fall (594 ft, 1.7 mi) and Vernal Fall (317 ft, 1.3 mi).

Sentinel Fall Nevada Fall Vernal Fall

Trail & Hike Details

4.0 mi distance 600 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Illilouette Falls offers a mix of forested paths, granite steps, and breathtaking views of Yosemite's iconic landscapes. The Mist Trail provides a shorter but steeper route, while the Panorama Trail offers a longer, more gradual ascent with panoramic views.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 370 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Illilouette Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in Yosemite's backcountry. Day hikes do not require a permit, but reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Illilouette Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Illilouette Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its peak flow due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail. Stay on marked paths to avoid accidents. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 26 minutes ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 1.2 miles away, not on Illilouette Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

16 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 9 64 116

Based on 111 years of record

1.02 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

1.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 4,020 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

17 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

17 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

19 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

19 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

22 cfs

2/10

Sat

Low

24 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Illilouette Falls Frozen?

Updated about 23 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Illilouette Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 45°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 17 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Illilouette Falls is accessible via the Mist Trail or the Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park. Visitors can start their hike from the Happy Isles trailhead or Glacier Point, depending on the chosen route.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Yosemite Valley trailheads, including the Happy Isles parking area. During peak seasons, parking may be limited, and shuttle services are recommended.

Elevation

5,584 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.713816° N, -119.561828° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous, especially in warmer months. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

This trail sits at 5,584 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 600 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Upper Pines Campground

1.5 miles away · 240 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Upper Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from January 15 to June 14. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. Yo

Book on Recreation.gov