Updated July 2026
Chilnualna Falls
Chilnualna Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, with the main fall about 240 feet and a cumulative drop of several hundred feet. The strenuous trail climbs steadily through forest with views of the cascades.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check National Park Service for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chilnualna Falls drops about 240 feet. That makes it the 70th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 90% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Chilnualna Falls Trail reaches it about 8.2 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 2,400 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Wawona. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with National Park Service for closures and current conditions.
spring (peak around May). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
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