Chilnualna Falls

winter hike - wilderness snow camp - waterfall - cold water therapy

CHILNUALNA FALLS TRAIL (WINTER) - Yosemite NATIONAL PARK

the journey from la

Directions: Park just before Chilnualna Falls Trailhead at 8154 N Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona, CA 95389.

From Los Angeles, head north up the 5, then take the 99 to Bakersfield. Continue up to Fresno and take the 41 towards Yosemite and Oakhurst. Turn right off the 41 at Wawona and drive all the way to the end of Chilnualna Falls Road.

When to go: Springtime through to mid-summer is ideal and you’ll still find snow cover above the falls (if that’s what you’re looking for). Late summer and fall can get hot and dry (still beautiful). December - March is often very cold and covered in deep (impassable) snow.

Time from LA to trailhead: 5 hours

Total adventure time: 2 days (1-night camping)

Along the way:

Surprisingly few decent options for healthy food en route. We recommend stocking up in LA pre-departure.

what to pack

Accommodation:

Hiking backpack
Lightweight tent
Roll mat
Sleeping bag
Camping towel
Head torch + spare batteries

Clothing:

Hiking boots
Hiking socks + spare
Hiking trousers
Lightweight t-shirt for daytime + spare for evening
Sun hat
Fleece (evening)
Beanie (evening)
Down jacket (evening)
Waterproof outer shell in case of rain/snow

Food & drink:

Water filter
Water bottle and/or camel pack: 2-3 ltrs per person
Thermal mug for coffee
Food:
- Lunch on the trail: pre-made sandwiches, nuts, cheese, apples, nut butter, dates, biltong, Larabar
- Dinner x1 - freeze-dried - meal-in-a-bag
- Breakfast x1 - freeze-dried meal-in-a-bag
- Instant coffee

Sanitation:

Sun lotion
Toothbrush + paste
Loo roll + trowel
Smell-proof bag for used loo paper (carry out)

Technical gear:

Snowshoes (if snow-covered). You can rent these from our friends at Alpenglow Gear Co in Oakhurst on your way in.

Entertainment:

A good book

THE TRAIL

Chilnualna Falls Trail

Length: 8 Miles (out & back)

Elevation Gain: 2,201 ft

The trail continues deep into Yosemite if you want to walk for longer, or over multiple nights.

WHERE TO CAMP

Once you clear the top of the falls, the trail levels out before entering deep forest. There are many options for flat ground among the rocks in that area.

WILDERNESS INFO

Permits: Wilderness Permits are required year-round for any overnight trip (not for day trips). Book these via nps.gov

Pooping: Dig a 6-inch deep (minimum) hole at least 100 yards from any water or any trail. Squat. Poop. Place paper in smell proof bag and carry out. Cover the hole with displaced dirt. Walk away as if nothing happened…

Fires: Allowed during winter

Pets: Not allowed (we know, it’s annoying)

Litter: Take a bin bag and pack everything out. Never burn litter in case it contains plastic

Water: Pack your own & don’t forget a water filter!

Food storage: Strongly advise packing all food (and toiletries) in a bear canister if not a sturdy smell-proof bag and storing away from your tent or up a tree.