Hike to Yosemite’s most underrated waterfall known as Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na”). Located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, this waterfall consists of 5 large cascades with the tallest one dropping 240 feet. The hike will take you through pine-dense forests, pass beautiful vistas, and offers spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls and its cascades.
Although the entirety of the hike is breathtaking, surprisingly you will not have to worry about massive crowds as compared to hikes within Yosemite Valley. This hike is fairly long and tough due to a gradual yet steady incline which results in a more peaceful experience. If you are looking to beat the crowd while visiting Yosemite National Park, this is the perfect hike for you!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Reservations and Timed Entry
A reservation is required from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Best Time to Go
Spring is the BEST time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Peak flow is from May to June due to snowmelt from the winter season creating massive waterfalls.
I personally recommend visiting Yosemite in May if seeing waterfalls is your top priority. The temperatures are warm but not hot, huge summer crowds are not there yet, and the waterfalls are magical!
READ THIS: How to Visit Yosemite in May
Avoid the Yosemite Crowds
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in America. If you have visited before, then you will understand why. The entire place is beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking. Because of this everyone and their mom wants to visit. This results in big crowds, especially during peak season.
Thankfully, reservations and timed entries have been put in place to help control the crowds. Even though the hike to Chilnualna Falls is not nearly as popular as Vernal Fall or Upper Yosemite Falls, I would recommend getting an early start. Plus, the parking lot at the trailhead of Chilnualna Falls is small and may fill up later in the day.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Location: Chilnualna Falls is located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 8.2 miles with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 4 to 6 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt/rocky, many stone steps, switchbacks, and stream crossings.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead of Chilnualna Falls is located at Wawona in Yosemite National Park. The parking lot is fairly small, so even though this hike is not very popular, I would still try to get there early to secure a parking spot.
Put this address in Google Maps: Chilnualna Falls Trailhead, Yosemite National Park, 8154 N Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona, CA 95389
Trail Directions
From the trailhead parking lot, walk up the Chilnualna Falls Road towards the trail.
There will be a junction in the trail with a trail sign indicating one way is for hikers and other way is for stock animals. Veer right for the “hikers only” path and a much more scenic hike as compared to taking the “stock animal” path.
The trail immediately ascends towards the first waterfall. In about 0.25 miles you will reach the lower portion of Chilnualna Falls.
Be prepared for several stream crossings along the way, especially during the peak run-off season. Usually, you can cross them safely by rock hopping and/or carefully balancing yourself over a few logs.
The trail continues to ascend in and out of the forest with views of Wawona and a magnificent granite dome, known as Wawona Dome.
In about 2 miles you will begin to see the largest of the cascades dropping 240 feet over a granite cliff. Unfortunately, this is the best view you will have of the largest portion of Chilnualna Falls. Once you reach the top of it, you will only be able to see Chilnualna Creek flowing over the cliff to form the waterfall.
Continue along the trail out of the forest and navigate up a few sets of stone steps to reach the top of the largest cascade known as the middle portion of Chilnualna Falls.
Please don’t attempt to see over the edge of the cliff for a better view of this portion of the waterfall. The rocks could be slippery, and falling over the edge could be deadly. Let’s be safe out there.
Either you can continue up the trail towards the uppermost portion of Chilnualna Falls or you can stop here for a much-needed rest break. This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a little dip in the cool, refreshing water of Chilnualna Creek. Just don’t swim close to the drop-off of the waterfall, and make sure the current is not too strong.
Now, it’s time to finish the rest of the hike. You will follow alongside the creek and up a set of stone steps. You will see another cascade which is also known as the middle portion of Chilnualna Falls but it’s much smaller than the other middle portion.
To reach the upper cascade of Chilnualna Falls, you will have to cross another stream. It might be too difficult during peak-flow season, so use good judgement and be careful!
The upper portion of Chilnualna Falls is absolutely breathtaking! It’s our favorite of all the cascades.
Further up the trail is a junction with a trail sign which marks the end of this hike. From here you can turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls: Conquer this 7 mile out-and-back hike which takes you to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Enjoy the rewarding and jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley. Be prepared as there is a lot of elevation gain (about 3,200 feet), and the slippery, rocky terrain adds to the challenge. However, this trail is worth every step! Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why.
Vernal Fall: Hike 1.5 miles via the Mist Trail one-way to reach Vernal Fall which is most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Climb over 600 granite steps and feel the power (and mist) of Vernal Fall! Hopefully you will see a rainbow or two. The views from the top of Vernal Fall will leave you breathless!
Nevada Fall: Take the famous Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall then complete the loop via the John Muir Trail for a total of 6.5 miles and about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Add this beautiful hike to your chasing-waterfalls-in-Yosemite bucket list!
Wapama Falls: Located in Hetch Hetchy Valley, this 5-mile hike starts at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and takes you along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of about 500 feet and is considered moderately difficult.
Rancheria Falls: Hike to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Located within the Hetch Hetchy area, this challenging 13-mile out-and-back hike takes you to both Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. If you enjoy long day hikes, then this is the perfect adventure for you!
Illilouette Falls: Hike along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park to a 370-foot waterfall. The Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This trail is less trafficked as compared to other popular trails in Yosemite, so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Lower Yosemite Falls: Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a short 1-mile loop trail where you can get a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. The lower section of Yosemite Falls is 320-feet tall. It’s an easy 30-minute walk on a paved path. Very family friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow – best time for wheelchair users is late-Spring and Summer). Bicycles are prohibited but bikes racks are located nearby.
Bridalveil Falls: This is a short 0.5 mile out-and-back trail located in Yosemite Valley. It’s an easy 20-minute hike on a paved path to this breathtaking waterfall. Marvel at this 620-foot waterfall.
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