Chilnualna Falls
Yosemite's stunning Chilnualna Falls offers a less crowded, challenging hike with five majestic cascades tumbling over granite.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak flow, fewer crowds
Chilnualna Falls
Best Time
Peak flow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yosemite's stunning Chilnualna Falls offers a less crowded, challenging hike with five majestic cascades tumbling over granite.
"Personally one of my favorite places we went in yosemite. It was extremely pretty, and way less crowded."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cascading Grandeur
Chilnualna Creek
A series of five majestic cascades tumbling over granite formations, offering a spectacular display of nature's power.
Lower Chilnualna Falls
Trailhead area
An easily accessible section with a short, steep trail leading to a beautiful view of the lower falls, perfect for a quick stop.
Upper Falls & Punch Bowls
Top of the trail
Reach the upper falls and discover natural 'punch bowls' for a refreshing dip, a truly rewarding experience after the hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Explore Beyond Yosemite Valley
Strenuous Hike, Big Rewards
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Consider the Full Trail
While the lower falls are beautiful, the full hike offers incredible views and a more immersive wilderness experience.
🤫 It's a Hidden Gem
Chilnualna Falls is less crowded than Yosemite Valley attractions. Enjoy the peace and natural beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially near the falls. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Consider the Full Trail
While the lower falls are beautiful, the full hike offers incredible views and a more immersive wilderness experience.
🤫 It's a Hidden Gem
Chilnualna Falls is less crowded than Yosemite Valley attractions. Enjoy the peace and natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera to document the stunning cascades and panoramic views of the Wawona Basin.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Chilnualna Falls being a beautiful and worthwhile hike, often noting its significantly lower crowd levels compared to Yosemite Valley's main attractions. Many appreciate the stunning cascades and the rewarding experience of reaching the upper falls, though some find the hike strenuous.
"Sooo Beautiful. It's worth the hike. Picnic, bask in the river. The punch bowls are awesome. @beesavage"
Bee Savage
"Personally one of my favorite places we went in yosemite. It was extremely pretty, and way less crowded than some of the more popular areas. It was a great place to eat lunch, right next to the lower falls."
Koen Early
"We only did the lower part of the trail (which is about 1/2 mile round trip) but it was still beautiful! There was hardly anyone else on the trail, I think because not many people know about it? Anyways, highly recommend and I hope to go back and do the full trail for it someday, but I didn't have time when I went, unfortunately."
Rebekah Krause
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chilnualna Falls is located in the southern part of Yosemite National Park, near Wawona. From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 41 south towards Oakhurst. The trailhead is accessible from the Wawona area. It's about a 15-minute drive from Yosemite's South Entrance.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. It can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options directly to the Chilnualna Falls trailhead are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a shuttle service if available.
The most common way is by driving. The trailhead is well-marked off the main road in the Wawona area.
Road conditions can vary, especially during winter months. It's always advisable to check the official Yosemite National Park website for current road status and closures before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass is required to enter the park and access Chilnualna Falls. Passes can be purchased at park entrances or online in advance.
There are no additional fees to hike the Chilnualna Falls trail beyond the general park entrance fee.
Chilnualna Falls is accessible year-round, but the trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons. The park itself has operating hours, but the falls are an outdoor natural attraction.
No, tickets are not required for Chilnualna Falls as it's a natural attraction within the national park. You only need your park entrance pass.
Yes, Chilnualna Falls is an excellent destination for a day trip, especially if you're staying in or near the Wawona area. The full hike can take several hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The full hike to the upper falls is considered strenuous, with significant elevation gain (around 2,200 feet). The lower falls trail is shorter but still steep.
The hike to the upper falls can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls. The lower falls trail is much shorter, about 0.4 miles round trip.
It is generally not recommended to drink untreated water from natural sources like Chilnualna Falls due to potential contaminants. Bring plenty of your own water.
Yes, there is a pit toilet located in the parking lot at the trailhead.
While you can't swim directly in the main cascades, there are natural 'punch bowls' or pools at the top of the falls where brave visitors can take a refreshing dip.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The viewpoints along the trail offer stunning perspectives of the cascades. The area around the lower falls is easily accessible for photos, and the top of the upper falls provides dramatic shots.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially if there's a chance of a rainbow near the mist. Midday can be harsh, but the mist can create interesting effects. Consider golden hour for softer light.
For personal photography, no special permit is required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, you may need to obtain a permit from the park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for long exposures to smooth out the water.
Some visitors have reported being able to walk behind the upper falls, offering a unique and dramatic photographic perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is up for a more adventurous outing, consider packing a picnic to enjoy near the lower falls. The area offers a pleasant spot to rest and refuel. For older, more adventurous kids, the full hike to the upper falls can be a rewarding challenge, but ensure they are prepared for the elevation gain and terrain. Always supervise children closely, especially near water and steep drop-offs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save money on dining. There are no food services directly at the trailhead. Bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at designated stations will also help cut costs and reduce waste.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
While generally safe, it's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time. Be prepared with adequate water, snacks, and a map. The relative lack of crowds can be a double-edged sword; while peaceful, it also means you might not encounter many other hikers on the trail, especially on weekdays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chilnualna Falls Trail Experience
As you continue upwards, the trail becomes more challenging, featuring consistent inclines and granite staircases carved by nature. The full hike to the upper falls is a strenuous endeavor, demanding good physical condition. However, the reward is immense: reaching the top allows you to stand beside the powerful upper falls and explore the natural 'punch bowls' that have been carved into the granite.
+2Many hikers describe the experience at the top as incredibly rewarding and even emotional, especially after the demanding climb. The relative lack of crowds compared to Yosemite Valley's popular spots makes the experience feel more intimate and allows for a deeper connection with the natural environment.
+1Why Chilnualna Falls is Yosemite's Best-Kept Secret
+1Social media content often highlights Chilnualna Falls as an escape from the typical Yosemite crowds. Travelers who venture here often express surprise at how few people they encounter, allowing for a more personal connection with the stunning scenery. This lack of congestion means you can often enjoy the roar of the waterfalls and the surrounding forest without the constant buzz of large groups.
+1The hike itself, while strenuous, deters some casual visitors, further contributing to its 'best-kept secret' status. Those who do make the effort are rewarded with breathtaking cascades and a sense of discovery, making Chilnualna Falls a truly special destination for those willing to explore beyond the beaten path.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit