Lower Chilnualna Falls
Mariposa County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Mariposa County, California
- Access status
- Official NPS trailhead; short steep walk
- The walk
- About 0.5 mile return
- Ground & access
- Short but steep, with stone steps beside the creek. No pets or bicycles.
Start at Chilnualna Falls Trailhead near the end of Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona. Walk the short but steep trail beside Chilnualna Creek for about a quarter mile to the first cascade. Return the same way. The upper falls are a separate, much longer hike.
Plan your visit
Chilnualna Falls Trailhead, Wawona, to the first cascade on Chilnualna Creek
NPS says the first cascade is about 0.25 mi (0.4 km) from the trailhead. The return figure is derived by doubling it.
Short but steep, with stone steps beside the creek. No pets or bicycles.
Where to start
Trailhead parking area near the end of Chilnualna Falls Road, with a vault toilet.
Timing & water
Flows year-round; peak flow is typically around May.
Before you go
Yosemite entrance fee applies (private vehicle $35, valid seven days). Check NPS for any reservation requirement in force.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
Chilnualna FallOfficial NPS trail and trailheadMariposa County, CA1.2 miNE
Chilnualna Creek CascadesPartial guide: exact cascade position on the route not confirmedMariposa County, CA1.4 miNE- Alder Creek FallsPartial: parking at the trailheads is not described by NPSMariposa County, CA3.2 miNW
- Red Rock FallsPublished trail route and roadside trailhead documented; bridge condition near start unconfirmedMadera County, CA8.1 miS
- Corlieu FallsNational forest trail from a highway turnoutMadera County, CA9.3 miS
- Chinquapin FallsMariposa County, CA11 miNW
Silver Strand FallsPartial guide: viewpoint from a travel company guide, not confirmed by NPS574 ft (175 m) · Mariposa County, CA11 miN
Bridalveil FallSource-reviewed route and parking617 ft (188 m) · Mariposa County, CA12 miN
Illilouette FallPublished trail route documented; Glacier Point Road open when checked361 ft (110 m) · Mariposa County, CA12 miN