Chilnualna Lakes

Chilnualna Lakes are a chain of backcountry lakes in the southern Yosemite Wilderness, reached by continuing well past Chilnualna Falls on the trail that climbs out of Wawona. This isn't a casual day hike — getting to the lakes means committing to an overnight, permit-required backpacking trip with real elevation gain and mileage behind it.

The Route

The trail starts at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead on the east edge of Wawona, the closest trailhead to Fish Camp, climbing switchbacks along Chilnualna Creek to the falls themselves — about 4 miles one way with roughly 2,300 feet of gain. Past the falls, the trail strings together a series of backcountry lakes, including Grouse Lake, Crescent Lake, and Johnson Lake, with Royal Arch Lake (named for the granite arch framing its shore) reachable as an extension or loop further west. Total distance to the farthest lakes runs in the neighborhood of 12 miles one way.

Permits and Timing

Overnight travel here requires a Yosemite wilderness permit, available through the park's advance reservation system or as a walk-up at Wawona when space remains, and the trailhead carries its own daily quota. This corridor draws lighter permit demand than the Valley's big-name trailheads, so it's a reasonable option if you want backcountry solitude without competing for a slot months out. Snow can linger into early summer at these elevations — late June through September is the more reliable window.

Practicalities

Once the trail crosses Chilnualna Creek, dispersed camping is allowed on granite slabs at least 100 feet from the water. A bear canister is required throughout Yosemite's wilderness, and there are no services once you leave Wawona.