Best Easy Day Hikes Yosemite National Park by Suzanne Swedo

Author:Suzanne Swedo
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493040346
Publisher: Falcon Guides
Published: 2019-03-27T16:00:00+00:00

The Hike

Before you begin, take a minute to enjoy the overwhelming immensity of the panorama at the trailhead. To the left is North Dome, capping the graceful Royal Arches; in the center is Half Dome, the monumental symbol of Yosemite. Tenaya Canyon stretches away to the northeast, and to the west runs the Merced River canyon, down whose Giant Staircase flow Nevada and Vernal Falls. Beautifully sculpted Mount Clark and the Clark Range stretch off to the east.

The only confusing section of the whole route is here at the beginning. Do not immediately strike out along the edge of the cliff to the left (north) of the trail sign. Instead head slightly uphill to the right (south). At 0.1 mile there are two more signs and two trails. To the right (west) is the Pohono Trail, which skirts Yosemite Valley to the west. The Panorama Trail, described here, goes left (south) toward Illilouette Fall.

The first 1.0 mile of the trail switchbacks downward through an area burned in 1987. Fragrant ceanothus and chinquapin, with its spiny green fruits, line the path. This is a good place to listen for the booming call of the sooty grouse in spring and early summer. Males find a territory to their liking then sit and hoot, hour after hour, day after day, hoping to encourage a mate and discourage competitors. Their call is like the sound you make when you blow across the mouth of a glass bottle.

At 1.2 miles a trail coming from Mono Meadow to the south joins the Illilouette Fall Trail. Keep left (northeast) and continue to descend into the Illilouette Gorge. Shrubs give way to forest, and the rush of Illilouette Creek becomes audible. Other hikers have worn a little turnout to the left (north) of the trail to get a look at the falls, just out of sight of the trail itself. This is the only way to see most of Illilouette Fall from any direction because it is tucked so tightly back into the gorge.

Continue to descend a few more switchbacks to reach the footbridge over the creek. The fall is not visible from the footbridge, but the creek cascades down in picturesque wedding-cake fashion. In springtime the blooms of western azaleas lining the banks perfume the air.

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