Chilnualna Falls

Chilnualna Creek produces one of Yosemite's more consistent waterfalls in the southwest corner of the park, well outsides the confines of Yosemite Valley. Chilnualna Falls drops a total of about 340 feet over a large granite wall above the Wawona village, in steps of about 80-100 feet and a bit over 200 feet, with interstitial cascades in between. The Chilnualna Falls trail leads to the top of the 200-foot tier of the falls but does not provide a clear view of it despite its audible roar for several miles. The upper tier is easily visible from the trail and many hikers assume it to be the extent of the falls. In the past Chilnualna Falls had been assumed to drop nearly 700 feet due to the precipitous nature of the gorge below the actual falls. Further examination of the geology in the area revealed the majority of this 700-foot descent to consist of steep cascades over, under and around large boulders which have cleaved off the adjacent cliffs and fallen into the bed of the creek, and hence cannot be considered part of the falls.