2025 Apr 29: Chilnualna Falls Trailhead, Yosemite National Park (5 of 5) Description: Chilnualna Falls is a series of waterfalls totaling 690 feet (210 m), located on Chilnualna Creek in the southern section of Yosemite National Park. Chilnualna Falls consists of five tiers ranging from 30 to 300 feet (9-91 m) in height. The first tier is 90-120 feet (27-36 m) high. The second is a 30-foot (9 m) high cascade. The third and largest is 300 feet (91 m) high. The fourth is 60 feet (18 m) high. The final tier is a 180-210 foot (54-64 m) high cascade. The trailhead elevation is approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 m), and the trail reaches the main portion of the waterfall at 6,200 feet (1,900 m). The trailhead to the falls is in the northeastern portion of Wawona, at the end of the paved portion of Chilnualna Falls Road. *public info Chilnualna Falls 5 large cascades slide through and over large granite formations above the Wawona basin - water here is fullest in spring and early summer. This strenuous trail allows for you to view the Chilnualna Falls cascades in many locations along the hike and also rewards you with expansive views overlooking Wawona Dome during your uphill climb. It is a strenuous hike, but well worth it - for its views of the falls and Wawona Dome. Directions: From the South Entrance, drive towards the roundabout - continue at 12 o'clock. Take Wawona Road. Drive Past Wawona Hotel. You'll soon come to a bridge. After the bridge - turn right onto Chilnualna Falls Road. Keep driving past houses, school, library & market. There is parking right before you reach the Chilnualna sign. A public toilet is further down the road from the parking area. Hiking Distance: 9.65-miles round trip (CalTopo mileage) I think the links online show 'where the crows fly', so the distance is shorter, plus they may not include the multiple switchbacks. Length-of-Time: 5 to 6 hours if you're not stopping to rest or enjoy the views Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft (732 m) Difficulty: Challenging. This is not for the faint-of-heart. Because of the steep mountainside - there are many switchbacks. You definitely cannot climb straight up the mountain. The paths can be as narrow as one-foot wide on the rugged terrain. A misstep could see someone tumbling down the mountain into the waterfall. Along your hike, you'll go past several sections - man-made steps (some steep and narrow), through the forest, over several streams, and switchbacks (some steep and slippery). Highlights: Stunning waterfalls, beautiful scenery, and peaceful sections. The sounds of the first waterfall can be heard even before you reach the sign to the trail. As you hike up the mountain, some of the waterfalls may sound muffled - but don't give up. The waterfalls are your reward - the sounds of the waterfalls nudge you on. The views are exhilarating. The highlights also include the trees that stood majestic over hundreds of years, and the wonderful smoky cedar scent of Yosemite. Tips: 1) Start early. Preferably before 6:30 am. 2) Wear layered clothing so you can peel off a layer or two on your way up. 3) Bring plenty of water. Dehydration sets in pretty quickly. 4) Pack emergency items just in case. 5) Pack a light lunch. 6) Wear hiking shoes, not walking shoes. Yes, they're different. I wish I could share the sounds and sights of the rushing waterfall with you, but trust me when I say you need to make this hike up Chilnualna Falls - at least once in your life. It's been worth every pain in my muscles to do it at least once a year. Cheers! read more

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This review is for Chilnualna Falls Trail which was a ~7.7 miles round trip that took ~6 hours to complete in the snow. Chilnualna Falls Trail was located near the south entrance of Yosemite National Park; away from the busy Yosemite Valley. Lower Chilnualna Fall was a short ~0.2 miles and gets crowded at this particular spot. For the most part, the trail was a steady incline on dirt and rock with snow at higher elevations. In addition, there were a few downed trees over the trail. Overall, stunning views throughout this hike! There was a ~3 minute walk from the parking to the trailhead. Restrooms available at the parking area. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/jACscCHBcOg read more

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This is one of the harder trails to hike on account of its steepness and lack of resting places. Attempted it with our tween, my brother-in-law and octogenarian (and extremely fit) father-in-law. We started early in the day (well before 7) and hiked for over an hour before calling it a day, deciding to return another time to finish it. Along the way, there were beautiful views of the falls and water flowing into Chilnualna creek, and the air was clean and bracing. Will be back! read more

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I had my headphones on high as I started to walk this trail. The song that came on was "I Walk Alone" by the supergroup of the underground known as Pinhead Gunpowder. I couldn't have picked something more appropriately fitting to the moment so I will just let the genius of Aaron's words [as chanted by Billie Joe] do their part for this review, as they conveniently did for me on my walk up to this waterfall view: "I walk a crooked twisting path that seems to be leading nowhere. I do what seemed to be the right thing at one time. But now that time has passed, I'm the last one walking down this path." read more

Chilnualna Falls Trail - Look beyond the trees - Hiking Near Me - Wawona, California

Not too far from highway 41 in the Yosemite forest you'll find this relatively easy waterfall hike to access. Just park your car & go. Ill be honest tho... We didn't go the full distance. We did however come across 2 small waterfalls in the 1 mile of the 5 mile hike. So that was the easy part and good enough for us. There are small pools of water to get to and set up a picnic or just soak your feet. If you're able bodied the hike should be a piece of cake. There is also a horse trail. Id say the only thing that you should be conscious and respectful of is the coyotes, bears or mountain lions that you may or may not encounter. Always stay vigilant and remember to clean up any trash you leave behind. Remember to just breathe and take in the sights & sounds when here. Have fun! read more

Chilnualna Falls Trail - Accessible waterfall. In November anyhow. - Hiking Near Me - Wawona, California

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This is the trail that started it all for me. Over a decade ago I hiked this trail on my birthday, and that began a tradition of birthday hikes that remains a mainstay of my hiking plans each year. That hike, so many years ago, was a different time and place. I was at a family reunion and a group of us snuck away into Yosemite to hike. Without a plan, we crept up the Wawona side and quicky found our way to the trailhead. A few questions, filled water bottles, and we were off. The hike is not for the faint of heart. Especially in the summer temps, it's not as high up as say, the trailheads along Glacier Point Road, so you'll bake in the sun. As you begin climbing, you follow a river and a series of the most crystal clear pools below small cascades. We stopped at several of these and threw little ants in the water to watch the small trout surface and slurp them up. Pressing on, you get some great views as there's not a ton of shade. And then, you come up the rocks and find yourself atop the very first massive fall, looking down from above. On my first trip, we actually stopped here, as it's a steep ascent to the next ledge area high above, but you should press on to that ledge. From there, you can see the upper fall area, and there are lots of rock slabs and shady spots to eat your lunch. It was on that first landing, while having lunch, that I saw someone pass our group. They were pressing on up the rocky hill, wearing a backpack and obviously going in for a long, multi-day trip. I remember that moment so distinctly in my mind; my heart was left with the impression that I, too, would walk that trail someday on my own summer backpacking adventure. That second landing, just above the lunch spot from so many years ago, is where I spent some time this summer. Only this time, I had come all the way down from above, part of a 5-day backpacking trip that represented the fulfillment of that dream. It was the fulfillment of a promise to myself to go out there, chase after your goals, and live the kind of days that you'll remember. Those falls, those rocks, that view -- they're all a part of me now. I've swam naked in the waters of Chilnualna Creek; the cold, glacial runoff all around me reminding me I'm alive. Each birthday I think about this hike, and each day I carry a bit of it with me. read more

This trail is definitely one for the books. When my family & I first went to Yosemite, we came across this trail & decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness we were not ready! But it was totally worth it. It had beautiful views and most of the trail was covered in shade which was great. Got to the top & stayed up there for a couple of hours. A hike we will never forget. read more

Went Sunday. August. It just started "cooling down" so perfect weather to be hiking about mid 60s to 70s. About nine miles total from the parking lot. Took the walking trail (there's also the horse trail)... Leads one to a water fall then a couple more turns to the sign that's says 4.1 miles to Chilnualna Falls. Fellow hiker did the entire trail bare footed. Facts! Nice and very clean trail. There wasn't much of a water fall when you go to the the top but there are water holes where you can dip in or even filter water to drink. I had to filter some more water for my camelpack. LOTS of bees up there. So if you are allergic and/or afraid of them DO NOT go to the top. Also, the trail is very easy to find. It's not too far from the entrance of Yosemite... Just follow the signs! Dont forget sunblock, hydration, and a snack!! Happy hiking!! read more

Chilnualna Falls Trail - Hiking Near Me - Wawona, California

One of the hidden gems of Yosemite. Reason why is because of the beautiful scenery without all of the tourists. Overall, the hike is hard, but doable. The waterfall and views are well worth the hike. I remember standing at the bottom of the parking and looking all the way at the top and thinking, "omg this is the last time I let my girlfriend choose the hike. That mountain is ridiculously tall". It turned out to be easier than it appears and the incline is actually a lot more gradual than it looks. Oh yeah, we actually did half of this hike in the rain because we forgot to check the weather. Still worth it. The trail is pretty wide, just make sure you do not accidentally go down the "stock trail" and you will be fine. When you see the stone steps, you are close to completing the hike. Good luck! read more

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I really enjoyed this hike. We did the 8 mile route, and it was very rewarding. Throughout this hike there are many different water falls. There are two in the beginning of the hike. It is so refreshing and perfect for the long hot journey. For the most part this trail is empty, besides the few people in this hike. A few downsides are that there are bees on this hike. There are also weird flies that love to bite and swarm you after swatting them away. This is near the top or end of hike however. At the top of the hike, it is so beautiful and worth the journey. I would strongly recommend all hikers to hike this route. read more

Chilnualna Falls Trail - Hiking Near Me - Wawona, California

This is a gorgeous hike from beginning to end. It's long--a bit over four miles up and the same back. It's a lung-burner, but the trail is beautifully maintained and there's nothing scary or unmanageable. You go through gorgeous oak groves and forests. We hiked in late September and there were still wildflowers. The falls are spectacular. They cascade over contoured granite slabs that are fun to climb on and check out the trout as they make their way down. We didn't go to the very top top--we didn't need to because the views and the water are amazing all along the falls. We did have a bit of rattlesnake action. On the way down one rattled at me and slithered into the brush. As I write we are enjoying a cold one in the parking area and visiting with 4 delightful young men who backpacked in and spent the night at the top. This is definitely a five star and one of my favourites! read more

This trail begins at the end of Chilnualna Falls Rd in Wawona, CA located inside of Yosemite National Park. You can customize this hike according to your experience level, as you go as far as your experience level can take you, and then go back. It can be a quick and easy 30min hike or an arduous 4-6 mile hike, half of which can be rather steep and challenging. Chilnualna Falls has many "tiers" and you will experience these many levels on the way up. For the novice hikers, you can hike up to the lowest tier (Lower Chilnualna Falls), which will take about 30 min round trip. This lower tier can provide a very easy hiking and scenic experience, particularly in the early summer when there is plenty of water cascading down. Unfortunately later in the summer, there is not "as much" water. You can turn around and head back to the parking area, or if you want a bit more of a challenge, keep going higher to visit the upper areas of Chilnualna Falls. A word of caution, be careful and stay on the trails, as going too far away from it can expose you to some pretty steep drops. Also, swimming in the pools can be slippery! There are also Mountain Lion sighting here, so I don't suggest going with small children, but if you do, keep them very close to you. This is a wonderful trail for all experience levels, and best of all, because Yosemite brochures list this hike as an "advanced" hike, it doesn't attract as many people -- most will not know that there is an easy portion to it, that will provide a nice view of the lower falls! read more

love this trail. have brought many friends here. beautiful views. clean, fresh air (thought this is true of all yosemite). and quite an elevation gain along the way. great place for a strenuous workout, but you can make it just a moderate walk if you pace yourself. this trail is great literally all year round. havent really come here in the dead of winter due to vehicle limitations, but early spring, summer and fall though late fall are all wonderful. as i have been here in the summer there are even some really perfect natural pools formed by the huge rocks along the water. the icy cold water makes a refreshing place to take a dive or two on a long, hot day. there are many places to diverge off of the trail to the water. some of the best views and beautiful break areas are off the beaten path. easy not to get lost in. one of my favorite paths here is found about halfway up the trail. after climbing up a dry rocky area on the trail where it levels off there is a place to diverge from the trail. then you follow the water for about a half mile and there lie some of my favorite spots. big flat rocks to sit around on and eat sandwiches. take a nap. or just look around. here also are some of the aforementioned pools. being from the Central Valley it's so refreshing to have a trail that is so beautiful and forested just about 60-70 miles away. the view from the top is amazing and well worth the hike. signs posted say that there are trails as long as 13 miles there but I have only hiked to the top of the 4 mile trail. there are a lot of other great trails in Yosemite, but this one is very unique. have been here many times and will continue to do so. also in the warmer months watch out for snakes! read more

Chilnualna Falls Trail - view from about halfway up the trail - Hiking Near Me - Wawona, California

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While I didn't have the time to walk to the end of the falls this was a nice partly shaded, mostly sunny hike. (Did it in Mid-October). However, from the parking lot through the entire trail up until I turned around there were swarms of small flies, quite concentrated at times. While views were nice the flies really prevented me from enjoying this hike. read more

My family has a cabin in the nearby town of Wawona, so I've hiked this trail many times. It's about an 8.1 mile hike there and back, so it can be done in half a day, although it is more strenuous than in sounds. One would be wise to bring food and water with them. The views are beautiful, and as the earlier review stated, you're always near the water. At the very beginning of the trail, there are some great photo opportunities and rocks to climb (be careful!) The town of Wawona, and the falls itself are about 45 minutes from the valley, near the south entrance to the park. It's the only place where one can actually own land in a national park, and it's a great place to stay during the summer, as it does not get as packed as the valley proper. You should definitely consider this spot for your next vacation! read more

Peaceful and almost empty trail - I saw about 6 people total heading in the opposite direction - either couples or solo individuals (on a Thursday afternoon towards the end of April). Great if you like solitude. Was about 8 miles round trip, mostly uphill for the first 4, then you turn back around to take the same path down. Pretty tiring and hard on the knees. Bringing trekking poles really helped. At times, it just seemed endless, but was gorgeous when I finally reached the top. Nice feeling the waterfall mist too. Took me about 4 hours, but I was walking pretty quickly on the way back, so it might take most people about 5 hours. I didn't see any mountain lions or rattlesnakes, but I did see bears. On the way up, I was wearing a bear bell which rattles while u hike so that bears hear it and stay away. Halfway through my hike, another hiker I encountered said he didn't see any signs of bears so I took off the bell, feeling silly about wearing it in the first place. On my way back down (about 2 miles in from the trailhead), I saw a bear cub right on the trail, but it ran off when it heard me coming. It stopped to look back at me and was super cute - like a real life teddy bear. Glad the mama bear wasn't there. Two minutes later I saw another cub run across the trail like 20 feet in front of me. At that point I figured there was a whole family so I put my bell back on and walked as quickly as possible to pass that area. read more

Wow! Only saw a family of 5 on the trail to the very top of the falls! Unbelievable cascading falls, at least 15! The trail has 3 major falls and each one is stunning. Hike is fairly steep, probably an 8. You climb several thousand feet over a short while and in places it is hot and in the sun - but worth it! Be careful & respect to fellow creatures, I did give a rattlesnake on the trail wide clearance and he gave me wide clearance as well...just WOW! is the best description if you like cascading waterfalls. read more

Not congested, beautiful scenery and not really taxing on folks my age! It was gorgeous! Swinging bridge is a must!