The passes are open but the high country isn’t yet melted out. Where to go on a weekend overnight that will give me my Sierra fix, but avoid the unknown conditions and snow/mud hybrid trails that are common at this time of year? The answer occurred to me last Wednesday – an easy, low elevation hike that has been on my ‘early season’ to-do list for a few years now. The destination was Chilnualna Falls out of Wawona. The falls are just above 6000 feet so I knew the trail would have long been free of snow. Also, Chilnualna Creek would be running strong with snow melt, fed even more by recent thunderstorms.
On Saturday morning David and I headed to Wawona. We weren’t in a big hurry – I had called and there were plenty of permits available, and the hike was short. I just wanted to get out there and enjoy the Sierra – I didn’t need a big hike. We got to the Wawona station and then sat in line for EVER. I’ve never come in this way during a busy time and I couldn’t believe the line. I’ve been in shorter lines on 120 on holidays. So after a long time of waiting to get into the park, we made our way to the wilderness office and finally had our permit in hand by about 11 am. Next time I’ll bite the bullet and plan on getting up for an early arrival, just to avoid sitting in line at the gate with the RVs and tour buses.
As we hit the trail my pack felt so light. Some of this year’s new gear helped, but also helping was the fact that David was along and sharing stuff. 🙂 This was my first outing with some of the new gear that will be coming on this summer’s longer trips: the Bearikade Weekender Bear canister, Therm-a-Rest Neoair, a Montbell titanium mug, a womens Montbell down liner jacket (to replace an older poor-fitting unisex one), and some Icebreaker layers. All performed wonderfully, and together save me over a pound compared to last year’s gear.
We started off hiking in the sun but before long the clouds forming over Wawona dome turned into thunderstorms. The trail up to the Falls is nice and protected so I enjoyed the hike in the light rain, occasionally hearing the rumble of thunder. I really liked the trail – it climbs a little over 2500 feet in a little over four miles but it is so well graded I hardly noticed any climb at all. Wildflowers were everywhere and I’m still working on identifying the ones I was able to photograph.
On the hike in we didn’t stop much due to the rain (didn’t take many photos, either). We enjoyed the falls as we passed them, then continued on for another mile or so before getting off the trail to find camp. There is a point about 4.5 miles in where the trail crosses Chilnualna Creek and it is completely impassible at this time of year due to the high water. I had expected that, so as planned, we left the trail and followed the creek for a short distance until we found a lovely campsite next to a big cascade.
The rain stopped for the perfect amount of time for us to set up the tent, have lunch, and make tea. When the next wave of storms rolled through, we crawled into our dry clothes and sleeping bags to warm up. I dozed on and off to the sound of the rain, thunder, and nearby cascade. There is no better way to nap! As is typical in the Sierra, the storm cleared in the late afternoon and we were able to make dinner and use a small campfire to dry out. The creek was amazing – in the short couple of hours we had been in camp, it had risen almost 2 feet and was really churned up from the storms.
Sunday dawned bright and sunny, and after a leisurely morning of drying out and packing up we headed back down the trail. This time I was able to take photos since it wasn’t thunderstorming, although there were clouds forming for the storms that would strike later in the day (which we could see in the rear view mirror as we drove home). It was a quick overnight, but really satisfied that need for a night in the Sierra I’ve been itching for ever since the end of last summer’s season. Now, where to go next weekend….
I see where your priorities are. Fancy new equipment to save the pounds on the trail, yet drinking cans of Fat Tire at camp 🙂
That must taste great after a long days hike, but however do you keep? (snowpack?)
errr….keep it cold….
Great time, great shots, and you’ve made me sufficiently envious to try that trip soon! (Which I’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing! And I love big water, thunderstorms and the High Sierra!)
@Randy – but that’s why I have to save weight on gear – to have the space to carry those yummy treats! I don’t carry beer on the longer trips, but for an easy overnight you can bet I have one stashed in my pack. 🙂 I keep it wrapped in my fleece and tucked deep in my pack, that at least keeps it from getting warm. If there’s snow I’ll stash it there, or else I’ll stick it in the creek (held in place by rocks if necessary) when I get to camp to help it chill.
I don’t drink much anymore, but I have been known to hike in a twelve pack with ice over 8 hard miles! Just ridiculous! But, wow, did I ever savor those beers deep in the woods!
Calipidder, thanks for the nice trail description. I live in MD and am heading out there July 30 I have 3 days before I have to be at my job as camp nurse at Bass Lake, and wanted to do a 2 night bcpk, but wasn’t sure about the Chilnualna falls area–I’ve usually headed up to Tuolmne and the Saddlebags lake area as I love the higher peaks, but am short on time and do get altitude sickness if I don’t acclimate. Your description helped me decide to go the Wawona-Chilnualna Falls-Buena Vista lakes loop. Any idea if I’ll have difficulty getting a permit at 3pm on a thursday? It’s too late to go online, and my plane comes into Fresno at 1pm. thanks again for a nice trail report, Sunny
Thanks! I don’t think you’ll have a problem at 3 pm on a thursday, especially if you’re not going until the next day. Even starting on thursday, that’s not a very popular trailhead at this time of year, and on a weekday it should be fine for a solo permit.
I’ll be hitting the trail out of Lyell canyon on the 30th – can’t wait! Have a great time in Yose!
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