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Steep trail to impressive cascades that also leads farther into the backcountry


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6.9

Miles

11.1

KM

77%

Runnable

7,748' 2,362 m

High

4,239' 1,292 m

Low

3,574' 1,089 m

Up

326' 99 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Description

From the end of the Chilnualna Falls Road, head east following signs uphill to the trail, and take the "foot trail" rather than the stock trail option. The initial climb may seem daunting, but the grade does mellow considerably later on. Ascend steep rock steps and ledges next to the creek as it plunges through rocky chutes. During the spring runoff, the water really crashes through here. There are side trails that can be used to make short detours to better view the creek and get doused by mist.

Soon, views of Wawona Meadow and Wawona Dome's granite faces appear through clearings. Head steadily uphill with numerous challenging switchbacks. You should start to hear the falls and get tantalizing side views. The trail now exits the forest and ascends a rocky ledge that is plenty wide for safe passage, but is exposed to a drop off on one side. There are great views of the Wawona Valley from here!

From the top of the main cascade, about all you'll be able to see is the water rushing over the edge. Continue up more stone steps and around another knob to the next set of falls. There is a large pool here for wading or relaxing next to. This is a reasonable turn-around point, but if you'd like to see the top of the upper falls, continue along the same trail. You must get across the creek to reach the top-most pool and 50-foot falls, but be aware that this crossing is not safe if flows are high.

From the top of the upper falls, the trail continues deep into the backcountry and can be used by backpackers with permits for multi-day excursions. Destinations include Royal Arch Lake and the Chilnualna Lakes. The Chilnualna Falls Trail officially ends at a trail junction with the Deer Camp Bypass to Southern Yosemite Trail about 2.5 miles after the upper falls.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#6522

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#490

in California

#6,522

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0 Views Last Month
0 Since Feb 16, 2025
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Photos

Part of the Chilnualna Trail.
May 28, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Wawona Valley sunset.
May 13, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Some of the falls near the first climb of the hike. There are small steep stepsmeandering through oaks that could get slick in poor weather or icy after snow. If you have little people, keep them close here as there is decomposing granite and steep spots.
Feb 8, 2022 near Yosemit…, CA
Mileage sign. Chilnualna Falls 4.1 miles.
May 28, 2016 near Midpines, CA
Trail signs at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead.
May 13, 2016 near Midpines, CA

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