Chilnualna Falls Trail: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Hiking the Chilnualna Falls Trail should be on everyone’s Yosemite National Park itinerary! This 8-mile out-and-back hike takes you to one of Yosemite’s lesser visited spots. 🤩

The trail climbs steadily with rewarding panoramic views of the valley below. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the dramatic multi-tiered falls, which are at their most powerful in late spring.

What makes the Chilnualna Falls Trail so great is how it combines solitude with stunning views. Unlike other Yosemite waterfall hikes, this one is more peaceful yet just as incredible.

If you enjoy challenging waterfall hikes with fewer people, Chilnualna Falls is the perfect hike for you! 🙌

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Chilnualna Falls Trail Stats and Map

Chilnualna Falls Trail Stats

Chilnualna Falls Trail Map

Chilnualna Falls Trailhead and Parking

Best Time to Hike Chilnualna Falls Trail

🌷 Late spring to early summer (May – June) is the perfect time to experience Yosemite’s waterfalls at their best! The snowmelt from the winter season brings the falls to their peak flow, creating awe-inspiring displays of natural beauty.

The weather is warm but not hot, the crowds are still low, and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. It’s the perfect time for a peaceful, stunning Yosemite adventure!

✨ READ THIS: Why You Should Visit Yosemite in May

🍂 Fall (September – November) is also a good time to hike the Chilnualna Falls Trail. This time of year provides cooler weather and fewer crowds, though the waterfalls will be less intense.

Always check the weather forecast and current conditions before your visit!

Chilnualna Falls Trail Directions

Chilnualna Falls Trail

From the trailhead parking lot, walk up the Chilnualna Falls Road towards the trail.

There will be a junction in the trail with a trail sign indicating one way is for hikers and other way is for stock animals.

Veer right for the “hikers only” path and a much more scenic hike as compared to taking the “stock animal” path.

Lower Chilnualna Falls

The trail immediately ascends towards the first waterfall. In about 0.25 miles you will reach the lower portion of Chilnualna Falls.

Be prepared for several stream crossings along the way, especially during the peak run-off season. Usually, you can cross them safely by rock hopping or carefully balancing yourself over a few logs.

The trail continues to ascend in and out of the forest with views of Wawona and a magnificent granite dome, known as Wawona Dome.

Middle Chilnualna Falls (larger portion)

In about 2 miles you will begin to see the largest of the cascades dropping 240 feet over a granite cliff.

Unfortunately, this is the best view you will have of the largest portion of Chilnualna Falls.

Once you reach the top of it, you will only be able to see Chilnualna Creek flowing over the cliff to form the waterfall.

Continue along the trail out of the forest and navigate up a few sets of stone steps to reach the top of the largest cascade known as the middle portion of Chilnualna Falls.

Please don’t attempt to look over the edge of the cliff for a better view of the waterfall. The rocks could be slippery, and falling over the edge could be deadly. Let’s be safe out there.

Either you can continue up the trail towards the uppermost portion of Chilnualna Falls or you can stop here for a much-needed rest break.

This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a little dip in the cool, refreshing water of Chilnualna Creek. Just don’t swim close to the drop-off of the waterfall, and make sure the current is not too strong.

Middle Chilnualna Falls (smaller portion)

Now, it’s time to finish the rest of the hike. You will follow alongside the creek and up a set of stone steps.

You will see another cascade which is also known as the middle portion of Chilnualna Falls but it’s much smaller than the other middle portion.

Upper Chilnualna Falls

To reach the upper cascade of Chilnualna Falls, you will have to cross another stream.

It might be too difficult during peak-flow season, so use good judgement and be careful!

The upper portion of Chilnualna Falls is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s the reason this trail is one of my favorite Yosemite waterfall hikes!

Further up the trail is a junction with a trail sign which marks the end of this hike.

From here you can turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Tips for Hiking Chilnualna Falls Trail

1. Yosemite’s Entrance Fee and Reservations:

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, for U.S. residents, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US. residents will cost $250.

Reservations are not required at this time (updated January 12, 2026).

1. Start Early: Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

2. Be Physically Prepared: With a 2,400-foot elevation gain, be ready for a challenging ascent. Take your time and pace yourself.

3. Safety: Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and don’t swim upstream near a waterfall.

4. Watch for Wildlife: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite!

5. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

What to Bring to Yosemite

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

📆 Reservation – Depending on when you plan to visit Yosemite, you may need a reservation.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

Conclusion

The Chilnualna Falls Trail is one of the most underrated waterfall hikes in Yosemite National Park!

It offers a perfect mix of gorgeous scenery, a good workout, and peacefulness, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter Yosemite hike.

If this guide inspires you to hike the Chilnualna Falls Trail, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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