Chilnualna Falls
Wowana, Yosemite National Park
| Address: | Chilnualna Falls Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA |
| GPS: |
37°32'52.3"N 119°38'35.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 8.40 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 2300 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.5 mi |
Restrooms Rivers Waterfalls Streams Trails National Park
Hike
Located near the southern entrance of the valley, Chilnualna Falls is one of the lesser known waterfalls in Yosemite. The hike is about 8 miles round trip and takes you to the upper part of the falls which runs into a few small nature pools. The lower 240 ft are difficult to see from the top, but can be seen at various points throughout the hike. The best view of the entirety of the falls is when you're about a quarter of a mile away, but a switchback leads you back into the forest and away from the water.
Although it's a steady climb up, the hike also takes you through several forests and you can stop at Chilnualna Creek on your way up. Because the trail goes in and out of shady wooded areas, it's not too difficult to keep cool if you go early enough. In the spring, there will often be mist rising from the falls and the creek that help cool you down as well.
Horses are allowed on this trail. There is a fork in the trail towards the beginning of the hike. The left allows horses, and the right is for hikers only. Watch out for rattlesnakes and the ocassional poison oak.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Wowana, Yosemite National Park
- Head south on Chowchilla Mountain Rd toward Wawona RdToll road(377 ft)
- Turn right onto Wawona RdToll road(0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Chilnualna Falls RdToll road(1.1 mi)
- Turn right to stay on Chilnualna Falls RdToll road(0.2 mi)
Parking is in a dirt lot just outside the trailhead.
Trails
Distance ?
2.5 milesElevation Gain ?
2,116 feetReal Ascent ?
2,301 feetReal Descent ?
185 feetAvg Grade (9°)
17%Grade (-12° to 44°)
-21% to 96%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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