Chilnualna Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Oakhurst

This hike is fantastic. My sister and I hiked the trail yesterday in the middle of the rainstorm to see the falls and found the hike surprisingly easy and, even in the heavy rain, the trail was not slippery (though I would not do the hike if the trail is snowy/icy). The lower falls are an easy 10 minute walk from the trailhead and worth visiting alone if you do not have the time or energy to go to the end. The upper falls are more than 4 miles uphill from the trailhead (trailhead elevation 4200ft, upper falls elevation 6200ft) and the trek there and back took us 4 hours. The only point where the trail was steep was right by the lower falls where there are stone stairs, otherwise it is less steep than the Mist trail to Vernal falls in the valley. There are a number of scenic vistas on the trail and (during the rain at least) several smaller falls by the path, but you don't really get a view of the upper falls until you are less than a mile away (and even then it's the waterfall the trail goes above- don't try to see it from that angle, the cliffs above that waterfall are treacherous). Don't go halfway- either just visit the lower falls or do the full hike.

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The Chilnualna Falls trail is a great hike in the wilderness. The falls consist of the easy lower falls and the hike to the upper series of cascading falls. The trail is also a gateway to the spectacular Yosemite back country that leads to other trails within the park. To travel beyond the upper falls, you must register with the park service (as with all back country hiking) in Wawona. In the high back country, you sometimes run into Rangers on Horseback, so don't be surprised. We shared a campsite one night on our four day hike to the Valley with two Rangers and their horses. They told some great stories of idiots and unprepared hikers that had no business in the wilderness. We laughed our heads off, good people. One more thing, all things considered, you will run into relatively few people on the trail to the lower or upper Chilnualna Falls and way way less people in the back country. Always hike prepared and tell someone where you will be hiking and your itinerary in case that unexpected "something" happens....

Beautiful day hike with a nice steady incline that’s not too strenuous at all. Switchbacks are long n peaceful. Lots of beautiful lookout points that get better n better the higher you get. Only bummer is the biggest n main waterfall not being visible on the hike up to it, as you wind up right to the top of it. Kinda makes you want to lay down n peep your head over the edge so you can get a look at it. However, I DO NOT recommend doing that as there is a possibility of you falling to your death and contaminating the beautiful crystal clear snow melt. Just keep hiking up higher to see the upper cascades and smaller waterfalls. I give this hike 4 n 7/8ths stars out of 5 all day 😝 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ My gorgeous girlfriend and I had such a nice time hiking this one. I will definitely remember this hike and consider backpacking up there as well. P.S., Beware of any portals you walk through on the trail. You might wind up somewhere else when you come...