Chilnualna Falls
Chilnualna Falls surprises many visitors looking for a waterfall experience in the southern end of the park. That's because this excursion includes - not one - but at least four waterfalls! Each waterfall has its own shape, character, and "personality." I think these falls are the primary attraction of Southern Yosemite (though I'm sure others beg to differ) and a very worthwhile way to spend a half day or a relaxing full day in the bush. The falls are near the community of Wawona in just 4.4 miles from Yosemite National Park’s south entrance along Hwy 41 (21 miles north of Oakhurst). If you’re coming from Yosemite Valley, head south on Hwy 41 towards Wawona for 21.7 miles (about 30-45 minutes). Once you’re at Wawona, follow the sign for the falls and take the Chilnualna Falls Road east through Wawona. You’ll eventually reach the parking area at the end of the village after 1.7 miles. After parking your car, the start of the trail begins by walking back towards the main road then heading east for a few steps Below are some photos of the multi-waterfall experience. Tell us about your experience with this waterfall. [Back to top] [Go to next waterfall: Alder Creek Falls] [Go to the South Yosemite Waterfalls Page] [Go to the Yosemite Page] [Return from Chilnualna Falls to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]
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The first Chilnualna Creek waterfall - just minutes from the trailhead. There are actually many more tiers associated with this section, but the one photographed here has the largest, most impressive drop (possibly 30ft though the cumulative drop of all the tiers is much bigger).
The tallest of the Chilnualna Creek waterfalls. This one is the third one in the ensemble, but this is probably going to be the second you'll see - in the distance. It's estimated that this one probably drops about 270ft. Start looking for this waterfall at the elbows of the switchbacks after you get nice views of Wawona Dome (roughly over a mile or so into the hike).
This is the second Chilnuala waterfall in the ensemble, but it's not on Chilnualna Creek. It's only 15ft and seasonal, which probably goes dry early in the summer. Nonetheless, it's a decent spot for a quick rest, water break, and/or snack before moving on...
This is the fourth Chilnuala waterfall in the ensemble. It probably drops about 40-50ft. It's a short distance upstream from the top of the 3rd (the tallest one in the ensemble) waterfall.
Here's a different view of the last Chilnualna waterfall. This multi-tiered cascade drops probably for a cumulative height of 210ft. There is no established trail getting to the view of the falls shown at the top of this page. However, many people before have gone there so you might be able to make out the paths that deviate from the main trail which start where you begin to get the view of the falls pictured to the left. During period of high flow, this might involve getting your feet wet at a few stream crossings.