Chilnualna Falls Trail

This hike is fantastic. My sister and I hiked the trail yesterday in the middle of the rainstorm to see the falls and found the hike surprisingly easy and, even in the heavy rain, the trail was not slippery though I would not do the hike if the trail is snowy/icy. The lower falls are an easy 10 minute walk from the trailhead and worth visiting alone if you do not have the time or energy to go to the end. The upper falls are more than 4 miles uphill from the trailhead trailhead elevation 4200ft, upper falls elevation 6200ft and the trek there and back took us 4 hours. The only point where the trail was steep was right by the lower falls where there are stone stairs, otherwise it is less steep than the Mist trail to Vernal falls in the valley. There are a number of scenic vistas on the trail and during the rain at least several smaller falls by the path, but you don't really get a view of the upper falls until you are less than a mile away and even then it's the waterfall the trail goes above- don't try to see it from that angle, the cliffs above that waterfall are treacherous. Don't go halfway- either just visit the lower falls or do the full hike. Note: the Google Maps App appears to butcher portrait photos, please view using a browser.

Moderately easy hike in Yosemite! Took us 3 hours round trip with lots of stopping and checking out the view. Well marked trail. Would be a great one to do with kids!

This is an amazing hike. Challenging for sure. The views along the way are stunning. The lower falls with their ninety degree bend are really out there, but the tranquility of the upper falls are hardly matched. Simply stunning. It's a good 2,000 plus foot elevation gain and had exposure, so it'll be hot. We got an early start, so the heat was on the downhill, but it's totally worth the effort.

Chilnualna Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall that flows year round. From Hwy 41, take Chilnualna Falls Road through Wawona to get to the trailhead. Parking is clearly marked and the actual trail is a short walk from there. Once on the trail, it's a steady climb via switchbacks. Amazing views!

Nice hike, moderate incline and interesting enough that you find yourself wanting to check out what's around the next corner.

The hike to the upper falls is relentless. It isn't particularly steep after the first half mile, but it is a constant climb. The upper falls themselves hide behind the trees much of the hike and you can't see them when you arrive at the top, but there's good shade in the morning, several other waterfalls along the way and awesome views of Wawona Dome and the mountains generally. The lower falls are probably the more spectacular, but less than half mile up the trail and more crowded.

Parking is a little limited, but pit toilets are located there before a nice hike. Views of the falls are somewhat limited and not nearly as spectacular as the other Falls in the park, but there is still lots of beauty to be seen, not to mention a good workout.

Lower Chilnualna Falls is beautiful when flowing and worth the short hike. It's about a 10 minutes or so walk from the Redwoods in Yosemite office and another 10 minute or so to the falls. Some parts of the trail are quite steep but it is a short, easy hike.

Not a lot of parking but the trail is much less crowded compared to the valley hikes. This hike is absolutely beautiful!

This is a hidden treasure! Our family has been visiting Yosemite for years and although it is spectacular and its beauty never ceases to amaze us, we really enjoyed the Chilnualna Falls too. They are located in Wawona, about a 45 minute drive from the valley floor. It is a short hike maybe .4 mi to the bottom of the Falls from their little parking area, and for the adventurous or at least those in better shape :-, it's a steep climb up to the top of the Falls, on carved out, granite, switchback steps. It is also a beautiful place for a picnic with lots of rocks to climb. However, the water is rushing right now, so be extra careful! And please, keep it a beautiful, natural place. Whatever you pack in, please pack out.