Lower Chilnualna Falls - Yosemite National Park
This week we’re enjoying the beauty of Yosemite National Park and heading out on a wonderful Spring waterfall hike. Join me along the trail to Lower Chilnualna Falls.
Location
Chilnualna Falls is made of five large drops over giant granite formations above the Wawona basin. From the town of Wawona, drive north across the bridge crossing the South Fork of the Merced River and turn right on Chilnualna Falls Road. The trailhead parking area is located less than two miles away off of Wawona Road.
Hike
The hike to a series of cascades and waterfalls, which make up the lower falls, leads from the parking area and continues alongside Chilnualna Creek. This trail contains a series of steep granite steps but the hike is relatively easy at just over 1/2 a mile round trip with 250 feet in elevation gain. Once you reach the base of the falls you can scramble & rock hop (at your own skill and comfort level) for up-close views to the rushing water.
Additional Exploring
The trail to the lower falls is definitely family friendly and can be completed in less than half an hour. However, if you’re up for a substantially more challenging hike, you can continue on to hike the entirety of the Chilnualna Falls Trail, which has existed since the Wawona Hotel was built in 1876. The full trail is over 8 miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so if you have all day (and some good hiking shoes) you can enjoy the full hike for unique views of all 5 tiers of Chilnualna Falls.
Know Before You Go
• As with most of Yosemite’s waterfalls, plan your trip in late Spring or early Summer for the most impressive water flow.
• There are restrooms and trashcans at the trailhead, along with bear proof containers to store food. Never leave food unattended in your vehicle.
• Not only is this black bear territory, mountain lions are known to frequent this area as well. Be sure to stay alert while exploring and don’t venture along this trail if posted signs advise against it. This area close occasionally due to mountain lion activity.
• Always check the NPS website prior to visiting Yosemite for road closures, weather information, and visiting guidelines. At the time of this article, reservations are required to enter the park, which can be obtained here.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
Top 10 Yosemite Waterfalls
Chilnualna Falls
Bridalveil Fall
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite. For a virtual visit of the Lower Chilnualna Falls hike, you can watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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