Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, but one gem that often remains hidden from the spotlight is Chilnualna Falls. Located in the southern part of the park, this cascading wonder comes to life in high-water years, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. Join me on a journey to explore the magic of Chilnualna Falls during a high-water year, where we embark on a sunrise day hike and envision plans for a weekend backpacking adventure. The High water year oof 2023 was the perfect time for our first visit to the Chilnualna Falls trail near Wawona.
Chasing the Dream: A High-Water Year in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its iconic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush meadows. Yet, it’s the lesser-known spots that often hold the most magic. During a high-water year like 2023, Chilnualna Falls transforms into a roaring spectacle, capturing the hearts of those who venture to discover its beauty. and challenge its height.
Chilnualna Falls Specifics:
- Trail Distance to the Top: 8 miles Round trip
- Elevation Gain : 2300′
- Waterfall Plunges: Bottom: 50 feet, Upper Fall 240 Feet – Several Cascades with 100 foot drop in between, hard to see from trail.
Sunrise Day Hike: Embracing the Early Hours
Our adventure in the Early part of June 2023, begins with a sunrise day hike to Chilnualna Falls. Setting out in the pre-dawn hours from our base camp at Bass Lake, we navigate into the park and back through the Wawona township areas to the trailhead. The well-marked trailhead, leads along the Chilnualna creek with signage leading to the lower fall and options to climb via the hors trail above the lower falls. The anticipation builds as we listen to the distant rumble of the falls, growing louder with each step.
As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the towering trees, we reach the base of the falls. The water thunders down, creating a refreshing mist that dances in the morning light. The sheer power of nature is palpable, and the cool spray is a welcome respite from the early morning chill. Similar to the Mist Trail in Yosemite Valley this lower section of the trail is soaked with misty spray from the raging waterfall.
Most visitors call it a day right here as the beautiful and powerful nature of the waterfall is full display. However Chilnualna Falls is one of those rare treats that can not be completely seen from one location. It twists and turn’s over several cascading water fall sections. the First Fall you reach is a stunning 50 foot waterfall with approaching cascades above. In the High water season of 2023, this 50 foot section was almost unrecognizable as the water rushed into the whole with veroscity. After a short climb away from the fall , the trail cuts back to the creek where several pools with small cascades can be heard and seen,
The Trail to the top is four miles long and gradually climbs through a lush forest landscape as it switches across several ridges before taking hikers back towards the fall and visuals of a large waterfall that features a bit of a waterwheel in the higher water flow season like the one we experienced in 2023. Towards the top of the ridge the trail changes from dirt and rock to solid granite carved path through the side of the cliff. The views from here are spectacular looking south West and the roar of the waterfall has you seeking a better view after every step. Unlike the hike on the Mist Trail or Yosemite Fall in Yosemite Valley, the Chilnualna fall is a bit shy with its full view, never quite giving you the full glory of the waterfalls depth and power in one photo shot. still its an impressive and stunning site to see.
A Moment of Serenity
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the surrounding forest awakens with a symphony of bird songs. My Wife and I take time on several spots along the trail to sit and drink water and eat energy snacks. A Nice side water fall about 2/3 the way up provides a great place to splash a little water on our head as the heat of the morning starts to be felt on the trail. The world feels still, as if time itself has paused to allow us to soak in this moment of serenity. Being so early tot he trail we ae ahead of all other hikers today and feel like we have Yosemite all to ourselves for a short time. After a nice break we push onward towards the top and the surprising finish to this great hike.
Reaching the False Top
Chilnualna Falls trail is a bit cruel to first time visitors. After several hours of hiking you are just about certain to be at the end of the trial and top of the waterfall as you cut across the last bit of carved out granite steps. The awaiting reward of relaxing by the waterfall and river however are soon after exhausted as you realize that there is one more climb and a small river crossing to be achieved if you want to make it to the top.
This false top is an excellent place to stop and rest however as the water fall sounds are powerful and the smooth granite shelf provides flat surfaces to spread out and enjoy lunch, or a snack. For my wife and I we just had to complete the journey today so we located the trail crossing on the side creek flowing into Chilnualna Falls creek and continued on up top of the last remaining water fall section. This area we ran into our first set of backpackers who had been up here the night before and were still trying to figure out how to cross the Chilnualna Falls Creek, which was extremely dangerous at this stage in summer. (The week after our visit in 2023 a Backpacker fell into the river and did not make it out)
Backpacking beyond Chilnualna Falls
For those seeking a more immersive experience, a weekend backpacking trip to Chilnualna Falls is a must. The trail extends beyond the falls, leading deeper into the heart of Yosemite’s wilderness. Backpackers who take the Chilnualna Falls trail have access to several lakes including the Chilnualna Lakes and the Buena Vista Crest, Buena Vista Lake and the Royall Arch Lakes. Chilnualna Creek towards Buena Vista Lake (mileage approx. 8-miles) with beautiful 360 degree views the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between.
Campfire Tales and Stargazing
Backpackers that make it back to Buena Visit Lake and Peak region are welcomed by a blanket of stars and vista views all evening. Yosemite’s dark skies reveal a tapestry of stars that seem close enough to touch, making it a perfect opportunity for stargazing.
The Return Hike to Wawona
For us day hikers the day soon turns back towards Wawona and the majority of all the other late starters climbing the falls. My wife and I enjoyed the the rip back and the welcome feel of strolling around Wawona int he afternoon. Stopping by to meet to horses that pulled the wagons and hearing stories of times long ago in Yosemite. Wawona seems like the location that time past buy in Yosemite. It is a special area.
Discovering Chilnualna Falls Yosemite National Park is a place of endless wonder, and Chilnualna Falls is a hidden jewel that shines brightest in high-water years. Whether you embark on a sunrise day hike or a weekend backpacking adventure, the experience is nothing short of magical. The thunderous falls, serene meadows, and star-studded nights make Chilnualna Falls an essential stop on any Yosemite itinerary. So, lace up your hiking boots and set out to discover the untamed beauty of this spectacular waterfall. Yosemite’s Chilnualna Falls awaits your visit, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
