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Chilnualna Falls

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 15/100 · Easyout and back#waterfalls#wawona#spring#quiet
Distance
9.2 mi
Total gain
2,400 ft
Net gain
2,400 ft
Net loss
2,400 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Chilnualna Falls is Yosemite's quiet waterfall: a 9.2-mile round trip from Wawona to the top of a 2,200-foot cascade on the park's lightly traveled southern edge. The trail is one of the first to clear in spring and one of the last to feel crowded in summer.

Highlights

  • A 2,200-foot waterfall with real flow well into summer
  • The lightly traveled southern corner of the park
  • Views across Wawona and the south country from the upper trail
  • An easy-early-season alternative to the Valley's falls

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Chilnualna Falls Trailhead (Wawona) · parking: Chilnualna Falls road end above Wawona
  • Water: Chilnualna Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Wawona store is minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Chilnualna Falls entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, July, September, October.

Snow: One of the earliest trails to clear in Yosemite — often open by April.

Heat: The lower switchbacks are hot in midsummer.

Bugs: Moderate near the creek.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The lower switchbacks are exposed and hot by late morning
  • The falls' viewing areas are slick with spray in spring
  • Carry plenty of water for the upper trail

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Wawona & Glacier Point Backpacking Trails — Chilnualna Falls. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wawona-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (9.2 mi round trip) and elevation gain (2,400 ft) from the Chilnualna Falls trailhead.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.