Chilnualna Falls

Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls are at their best right now. Some of the most visited and most majestic falls in the park include Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Ribbon Fall. These well-known and well-loved waterfalls are favorite sights of almost everyone who visits the park during the spring and early summer. But these falls are hardly the only waterfalls worth visiting in Yosemite. If you're willing to go a little bit off the beaten track, you'll find yourself at Chilnualna Falls in the Wawona area. Chilnualna Falls may not be quite as tall as Yosemite Falls, but the lack of crowds at this waterfall make it a much more peaceful and relaxing sight. Getting to Chilnualna Falls To get to the less well-known Chilnualna Falls, go to the end of the Chilnualna Falls Road and start hiking down the trailhead that begins there. After only about 200 yards you will come across the Chilnualna Creek which has several beautiful cascades of its own all along the four mile hike. The beautiful hike up to Chilnualna Falls will also provide you with a great view of Wawona Dome as well as the unparalleled natural beauty of the forest. There is a good deal of elevation along the hike to Chilnualna Falls, and a good portion of the hike will leave you exposed to the hot sun. Be sure when taking this hike to pack plenty of water or to bring supplies to treat creek water along the way. After climbing about 2400 feet along the four mile trail you'll finally come to Chilnualna Falls, a beautiful 60-foot cascade. Not far from the trail you also find an area of the creek that is perfect for relaxing and swimming, though it is only advice to swim in this area during the summer months when the creek’s current is gentle. Other Yosemite Waterfalls Other waterfalls to visit outside of the more famous falls in Yosemite Valley include Waterwheel Falls and Tueeulala Fall. Waterwheel Falls sits on a rigid incline that causes the falling water to loop back on itself, creating the so-called waterwheel effect. This waterfall is best seen during the spring months and is located downriver from Tuolumne Meadows. Tueeulala fall is located in Hetch Hetchy and is accessible via the Evergreen Road off of Highway 120. Wapama Falls is also located in this area and maintains a significant flow all year long, a feat few other Yosemite waterfalls can boast. Whichever waterfalls you choose to visit during your spring or summer trip to Yosemite National Park, be sure to make your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our great location will put you just minutes from your favorite waterfalls and other Yosemite sights and activities. After a long day of fun in the sun, come home to a relaxing cabin or home by reserving your Yosemite accommodations through Scenic Wonders. Call our office today 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to speak with our friendly staff about making your Yosemite reservation. Photo credit: Jay 0110