Southern Yosemite Initiation Itinerary

In this itinerary, we did a weekend camping trip where the focus of this visit was to explore the quiet southern section of Yosemite National Park, particularly in the Wawona area.

While we spent the better part of a day just enjoying the relative tranquility of this part of Yosemite National Park, we also managed to fit in brief visits to Yosemite Valley. It was through these repeat visits to the valley that we observed more of the behavior of the waterfalls there.

For example, we started noticing the correlation between temperature, snowpack, and waterflow. And this allowed us to gain a better appreciation of how to time visits for some of the smaller waterfalls in the region.

Here’s a summary of how this trip went…

Trip Map

Chilnualna Falls – This was the main waterfall of the Wawona area, but one thing we didn’t realize about it was that it actually consisted of multiple waterfalls! I believe I had counted about five notable ones we were able to stop for though the snow started to make walking and navigating a little trickier as we got higher. Still, we made it up to the terraced drops of what I believe to be the fifth and final one we could get close to (there are probably more hidden or unseen tiers). Plus, we got views of the Wawona Dome as well as the valley way down below.

Cascade Falls – I believe this was the very first time that we had seen this waterfall from the top of Turtleback Dome where we were finally able to witness its entirety. Prior to this, we were only able to see its base but we knew we somehow weren’t seeing all of it until now! Now, there’s probably no going back when it comes to experiencing this falls.

Yosemite Valley – No matter how many times we had gone into this incomparable valley, we keep marveling at how it never seems to lose the essence of its beauty. Sure it may seem that it can get crowded or a bit too commercialized when it comes to the people sharing this place with each other, but at the end of the day, there’s a reason why it’s so popular. And that underlying reason is the inherent truth behind how special this place really is.

Mirror Lake – One of the things we always tended to neglect was this little pocket of Tenaya Canyon. Indeed, after not being able to find the actual reflection spot in the past, we finally figured it out on this trip. And ever since then, I’m sure any time we come here we know exactly where to look.

Day 1: Drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park

Overnight: Wawona Campground (Yosemite National Park, California, USA)

This was basically a long driving day. No sightseeing on this day.

Day 2: Wawona and Yosemite Valley

Overnight: Wawona Campground (Yosemite National Park, California, USA)

We started the day doing the rigorous hike to Chilnualna Falls. Afterwards, we then headed to Yosemite Valley where we saw Cascade Falls, Silver Strand Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, Sentinel Falls, Royal Arch Cascade, Staircase Falls, and Mirror Lake. And we did all that prior to a Curry Village pizza dinner.

Day 3: Drive Home

After breaking camp, we went home. No further sightseeing on this day.