Located in Wawona, Chilnualna Falls is one of Yosemite’s lesser-known treasures, at least to me. With all of the tourists heading to Yosemite Valley, that leaves this area pretty well unoccupied, by Yosemite standards. I decided to head out on a 3-day trip and what follows is how it went.

Trail Map

Chilnualna Falls

On May 25-27, 2002 three people from our ‘Mount Whitney Death-March Group’ took off on a three day, 25+ mile excursion around Chilnualna Falls in preparation for our August 7th day hike of <a href="/trailhead/day-hiking-trips/mount-whitney/">Mount Whitney</a>.

After we got our permits at the Wilderness Center, located across from the Wawona Hotel, we were off on our adventure.

Almost immediately the trail begins to climb beside the lower portion of Chilnualna Falls. Having forgotten my trekking poles at home, I was a little concerned about this first climb, as it was pretty steep and wet.

Through a break in the trees we catch a view across the Wawona Valley. With all of this beauty, it's hard to imagine that I've never given this area much thought before.

<em>“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”</em> ~Psalm 37:5-6

Our steady climb is interrupted with brief flat sections. A chance to catch your breath from the climb and enjoy the surroundings.

With all of this climbing, our progress has been slow. We should be able to complete our trip, but it will take a little longer.

After about 4 miles of travel, we finally reach sight of the falls. Truly amazing! There is a lot of water up there.

We’ve got another 6 miles to go before we reach Crescent Lake, our first night’s stop. We decide this would make a great place to have lunch.

Finding a rock to rest on, Jim and Tom take some time to eat and rest up for the rest of the journey.

Finding a rock to rest on, Jim and Tom take some time to eat and rest up for the rest of the journey.

Reaching Chilnualna Creek late in the afternoon, we searched for a safe crossing. Before heading across, we figure that our slower pace would leave us hiking well past dark, and we had at least two more river crossings to make. There was a nice, established campsite right along the river. We decide to stay rather than continue.

With that decided, we set up camp and fix dinner. I cook hamburgers for Jim and I. Nothing like real food while your backpacking! Judging by what Tom brought, he wasn’t going to starve either.

Well, my ‘go-button’ was still engaged, after all we only traveled 4 of the 10 miles planned. I noticed the sun was beginning to set and I wouldn’t be able to see anything from our campsite. I set off back down to the falls for some sunset pictures. I had to go someplace.

The falls take on a new personality under the evening sun.

We had a full moon that night and I decided to watch the moonrise.

Breakfast time. Tom manages to find a few things for breakfast. Grilled bagels in olive oil, I'll have to try that.

Breakfast time. Tom manages to find a few things for breakfast. Grilled bagels in olive oil, I'll have to try that.

After breakfast and more lounging around camp, it’s time to pack up and head back home.

We returned by the same route that we took. It’s amazing the “new” scenery that you see, just by hiking a different direction.

We returned by the same route that we took. It’s amazing the “new” scenery that you see, just by hiking a different direction.

Once again back to level ground. Our progress quickens, but not too fast, there's too much here to miss.

Our journey is nearing the end as we pass by the lower Chilnualna Falls. It’s been a great adventure, despite having been cut short. If I’ve learned anything from backpacking is that you've got to be flexible!

Are we now prepared to conquer <a href="/trailhead/day-hiking-trips/mount-whitney/">Mount Whitney</a>? Have we learned anything from this trip? Maybe, maybe not. One thing is certain, we’ve all made at least one new friend that weekend and nobody got hurt or sick. That’s what it’s all about.

Located in Wawona, Chilnualna Falls is one of Yosemite’s lesser-known treasures, at least to me. With all of the tourists heading to Yosemite Valley, that leaves this area pretty well unoccupied, by Yosemite standards. I decided to head out on a 3-day trip and what follows is how it went.