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Chilnualna Falls Stock Trail
The pack-stock bypass trail beside Chilnualna Falls in Wawona
About
The Chilnualna Falls Stock Trail is a short, functional route in Wawona built for pack and saddle stock, not sightseeing. It splits left from the main trailhead parking area and runs about 0.4 miles before rejoining the hiking route at a set of stone switchback steps — bypassing the stretch of foot trail that Yosemite National Park closes to stock traffic at the horse-trail junction.
Who It's For
This isn't the scenic push to the falls — that's the Chilnualna Falls Trail itself, a longer climb past cascading pools toward sweeping views of the Wawona basin. The stock trail exists purely so riders and pack strings can skip the hiker-only segment near the trailhead, where park regulations prohibit stock. If you're on foot, ignore the left-hand fork at the start and stay on the single-track toward the cascades — it's the more scenic option anyway.
Riding With Stock in Yosemite
- Party size is capped at 25 head
- Stock must be well-broken, properly shod, and in good health
- No cross-country travel — stock stays on designated trails
- Grazing is allowed only more than four miles from trailheads, paved roads, or High Sierra Camps
- Overnight wilderness trips on non-maintained routes are capped at 12 head and 8 people
Check with a Yosemite wilderness permit station before heading out — trail conditions and temporary closures around Wawona shift through the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chilnualna Falls Stock Trail open to hikers?
It's built for pack and saddle stock, not foot travel. Hikers heading to Chilnualna Falls should stay right at the trailhead fork and follow the standard single-track route, which is closed to stock at that junction.
How long is the stock bypass?
About 0.4 miles, rejoining the main hiking trail at a set of stone switchback steps near the start of the route.
What are the rules for bringing pack or saddle stock into this part of Yosemite?
Parties are capped at 25 head, stock must be well-broken and properly shod, cross-country travel isn't allowed, and grazing is restricted within four miles of trailheads, paved roads, and High Sierra Camps. Overnight wilderness trips on non-maintained routes are limited to 12 head and 8 people.
Where can I check current trail conditions before a stock trip?
Check with a Yosemite wilderness permit station — conditions and temporary closures around Wawona change seasonally.
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