Yosemite Chilnualna Falls Hike: Ultimate Guide

Chilnualna Falls is a beautiful, hidden gem hike close to the south gate of Yosemite. If you want to avoid the drive into Yosemite Valley from the south gate and hike a more secluded trail, this is an excellent option for you. 

Chilnualna Falls hike is an 8.5-mile round-trip rail that begins and ends with a majestic flowing waterfall.  As you ascend the trail, you pass through beautiful fields of wildflowers and cascading streams. 

The namesake waterfall, Chilnualna, is at the top of the climb and absolutely stunning. If you don’t want to trek all the way to the top, there’s a lower falls approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead. 

This is an excellent alternative to doing the Mist Trail if you don’t want to deal with the traffic and parking in Yosemite Valley. 

I enjoyed this hike while living and working in Fresno as a traveling therapist. I loved escaping to Yosemite on my days off, but often dreaded the long drive from the south gate to the valley hikes. I did Chilnualna after completing some of the more iconic Yosemite hikes, like the Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, and Four-Mile Trail. 

Chilnualna Falls is an excellent option to enjoy the serenity and nature of Yosemite.

Basics of Chilnualna Falls

• This trail is ranked as moderate to hard
• Approximately 8.5 miles long
• 2,224 feet of elevation gain to the top
• 4-5 hours, depending on your speed
• A “hidden gem” in Yosemite that’s not too crowded
• No dogs allowed
• If you don’t want to venture to the top of the falls, there’s a lower falls only 0.5 miles from the trailhead with lovely views.
• Bring bug repellent and sunscreen; it’s buggy and sun-exposed.
• Wear layers as the temperature fluctuates with the elevation gain.

How Do You Get To Chilnualna Falls?

When you enter Yosemite from the south gate, follow Highway 41 to the Wawona Hotel. 

At the Wawona, you’ll drive north across a bridge and see a sign for Chilnualna Falls road. 

Turn right on the road, and the trailhead is about 1.5 miles down the road. 

Parking for the Chilnualna Falls hike is limited (maybe 20-30 cars), which made the trail relatively empty and relaxing.  

Due to the limited parking, it’s best to start this trail early in the morning (I started at 8 am) to get a spot.

Since cell reception at Yosemite is limited, I recommend starting navigation to the trailhead on your GPS when you have a reliable connection. I also recommend downloading the trail map from AllTrails+ to help you navigate. 

What Do You Need To Know to Hike Chilnualna Falls?

Depending on when you are hiking, you may be subject to having a timed entry at Yosemite. There is also a $35 fee for private vehicles to enter the park. Or, you can join with an annual America the Beautiful Pass.

Please review Yosemite’s website to determine entrance fees, current alerts, and requirements. 

This is a challenging hike. I don’t recommend this hike to first-time hikers; it requires endurance. If you’re a novice or first-time hiker, you may enjoy the lower falls.

The terrain is relatively easy to navigate. There isn’t any climbing or scrambling involved. It’s primarily switchbacks to get to the top of the trail. 

I didn’t use trekking poles. However, you may want them. 

Due to the limited parking space available for this hike, it is a more secluded and quiet hike. It almost doesn’t feel like you’re at Yosemite.

There is a bathroom at the trailhead. 

Lower Falls

If you want to see the beauty of Chilnualna without a 2,224-foot climb, you can walk to the lower falls. 

This waterfall takes about 15 minutes to walk to from the trailhead and is only 141 feet of elevation gain. 

When Is The Best Time To Hike Chilnualna Falls?

This is a great hike to do in late spring and early summer when the waterfalls are flowing. 

Check the Yosemite website to see when/if the trail is open in the late fall and winter time. 

What To Bring to Hike Chilnualna Falls?

• Water, this is a long hike. You’ll want at least 4 liters of water and/or a water filtration system.
• Food. Again, this is a long hike you’ll be hiking for a couple of hours
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sun shirts)
• Bug repellent
• Layers. It’s 20 degrees colder at the top of the trail than at the bottom. 
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Trekking poles, if wanted
• Hiking Essentials Kit
• First Aid Kit

Final Thoughts on Chilnualna Falls

This is a beautiful, secluded hike in Yosemite. If you’re looking for a waterfall hike without dealing with crowds, Chinualna is an excellent option. Don’t forget plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and bug repellent.