Chilnualna Falls Trail

Description:

• The Chilnualna Falls Trail is a nice ascent of the eastern wall of the Wawona basin.  Find the trailhead up Chilnualna Falls Road where there's usually plenty of parking.  The route starts steeply along the creek, where the first few hundred yards are graced with the dramatic cascades of the lower creek.  After topping out on a pleasant bench (an adequate picnic destination for many) in less than half a mile the trail leaves the creekside and climbs through yellow pine forest and fragrant mountain misery groundcover.  Nice views appear near the top as the trail rejoins the creek at the top of Chilnualna Falls.  It's about 3 miles to the top, where a well-earned rest should be enjoyed.  Backpackers (with permits) can continue on to the east (no camping for another mile), dayhikers will return to Wawona by the same trail.