As Mel and I stage out of Oakhurst, California, we generally do one hike just inside the south gate of Yosemite National Park prior to progressively venturing further towards Yosemite Valley via Wawona Road (Hwy 41). This day is no exception. Our first hike of this day will be on the Chilnualna Falls Trail to Lower Chilnualna Falls. Access from Wawona Road is on the opposite side of the bridge over South Fork Merced River where, earlier in the week, Forest Drive took us to the trailhead for Swinging Bridge.
A quarter-mile (0.4 KM) north of the Wawona Hotel we turn right, after crossing the bridge over South Fork Merced River, onto Chilnualna Falls Road and drive 1.7 miles (2.7 KM) to signed trailhead parking. We curve right on the footpath and hike up the hillside next to the rocky cascades of Chilnualna Creek.
A short, steep, excellent-quality path delivers us to an overlook of Lower Chilnualna Falls in only 300 feet (91 m) of elevation. Granite ledges and outcroppings provide excellent views of the thundering Lower Chilnualna Falls from a variety of angles and locations.
The camera handles the contrast of early morning light better than expected. We hike the return from Lower Chilnualna Falls the same way we came although there are several alternatives. By climbing the granite staircase beside and past the cascading water of Lower Chilnualna Falls, we can link to the trail that will take us to Chilnualna Falls further upstream. This will change the hiking dynamic to a substantially more aggressive 8.2 mile (13.1 KM), 4.5 hour and 2,400 ft (732 m) of elevation endeavour. It is very tempting. The relentless climb to Chilnualna Falls follows fast-flowing, cascading water culminating in a twisting, 240 ft (73 m) free fall through a narrow gorge. The trail passes numerous cascades separated by pools and granite slabs as well as spectacular views of the Wawona area and Chowchilla Mountains. The complete Chilnualna Falls trail links to a labyrinth of trails leading to Bridalveil Creek, Buena Vista Peak and Buck Camp. Mel and I will not take the time to do the longer hike today. Back at the trailhead there is an alternate trailhead leading to a trail over the Chilnualna Creek and across to Swinging Bridge over South Fork Merced River. The 4.7 mile (7.5 KM) loop beginning from Pioneer Yosemite History Center and Covered Bridge to Lower Chilnualna Falls and across Swinging Bridge would be an attractive and fairly easy, relatively flat day hike with a fascinating host of attractions. Mel and I return to the car and drive north and east on Wawona Road through Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View into Yosemite Valley.
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We are pondering and remembering similar things today Barry. I have been looking over some old images of waterfalls and am planning a return to many of these this year. There is much about water running over rock that I find meditative and an opportunity for contemplation…
Thanks for your holiday wishes too.
Have a wonderful time recalling your adventures as this year eases into the next…
D
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Well, D. I too, have always been a sucker for a waterfall. There is something about the sound and the motion and the abundance of negative ionization which works really well for me. Yosemite Valley is a mecca of waterfalls as water drains off the High Sierra from every direction. It would be fascinating to visit the valley in spring when waterfalls are partially iced and frazil ice flows on Yosemite Creek as all water makes its way into the mighty and incredibly beautiful Merced River. I will continue to work on the Yosemite National Park Adventure over the winter and there are more waterfalls to cover. Perhaps you will visit Triple Falls in the Sheep River Valley if you can successfully navigate the cold water crossing of the fast running Sheep River. It is one of my very favourite waterfalls and many years ago my son and I arrived at Triple Falls when bears were playing in the pools at the base and we had to wait until they left to complete our hike. Very special. As I complete trip reports for Yosemite, I am planning next summers adventures. So much to do and so little time. Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for a great 2012. Thank you for your comment D. and I will find special places again next year to place summit stones and spread the word about the peaceful magic of the wilderness.
Hello Barry, My brother has a colleague who knows about the Professor Falls. In the summer they are cut off as something called a dirt bike would go there and hack up the area. But THESE falls remind me of those falls and as it is Christmas time I am so happy to see them. On my list, if I can ever get there. Your accounts light up every week and change the gloom that is Britain/Oxford at this time of year, especially with all the European issues, will it rain or will it snow and general darkness. Many thanks for sharing your hiking life and a huge huge Christmas bag of Greetings to you and all you colleagues and family. Thank you. Sandy
Thank you for your comment, Sandy. There is a labyrinth of trails in the area below Mount Rundle and west of the Canmore Nordic Centre. I can understand why motorized dirt bikes or all terrain vehicles would be discouraged from hacking up the trails. The entire complex in that area is primarily devoted to cross country skiing in winter and mountain biking in the summer. Unfortunately, Professor Falls is on the north face of Mount Rundle so access will be later in Spring or early Summer as this protected area will be the last place for snow and ice to leave the area because the sun shines on the other side of the mountain. Timing is very important here. If I have the opportunity to get in there, I will. Everyone will benefit when European economic issues are resolved. I am glad the bright images light up your gloomy winter. There is still a way to go to completion of reporting for the Yosemite National Park summer adventure. And, more spectacular waterfalls to come. So, stay tuned. Thank you for your kind comments and I wish you and yours all the best for the Christmas season and for 2012.
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