An 8.2-mile strenuous hike to two tiers of falls, beautiful in spring but very hot by summer; no dogs allowed.
National Park entrance fee required
Fullest in spring; this lower-elevation hike can get unpleasantly hot by midsummer, per NPS.
Chilnualna Falls rewards experienced hikers with two tiers of waterfalls after an 8.2-mile strenuous ascent. This lower-elevation Yosemite hike is at its best in spring, when flows are full and temperatures are manageable.
By midsummer, the trail becomes uncomfortably hot and exposed. Water is scarce on the ascent, so bring ample water and sun protection. Dogs are not permitted on NPS Yosemite trails.
Time your visit for spring or early summer to enjoy the falls at their fullest and hike in pleasant conditions.
Fullest in spring; this lower-elevation hike can get unpleasantly hot by midsummer.
5-7 hours
Avoid in midsummer if you're heat-sensitive; no dogs allowed.
National Park entrance fee required
Via a 8.2-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 9 waterfalls in Yosemite/Sierra Nevada.
There are 4 other waterfalls we track in Mariposa County. All Yosemite/Sierra Nevada waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS 'Day Hikes in Wawona and Mariposa Grove' page, checked Aug 2026. NPS describes the trail as 'very challenging' with 2,400 ft elevation gain; total-height figure (~690 ft, widely cited elsewhere) is not stated on the NPS page, so left null.
Checked August 2026.