Hike to Alder Creek Falls

Mariposa County, California

Save

View all 8 photos

All 8 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

10 miles

Elevation Gain

1000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Zack Valle

Fun and beautiful hike only an hour and a half outside of Fresno in Yosemite National Park. From towering trees to plenty of creek crossings this trail has it all.

The trail leads from the parking area across the Mosquito Creek road and heads uphill north through an open pine forest with manzanita growing on dry slopes. The trail provides access to Alder Creek Falls a hidden gem within Yosemite's Wawona wilderness. I did the trail towards the end of February and as soon as you pass the fall the dense forest turns into a snow wonderland so waterproof boots and or clothes is recommended to continue north on the trail. Exact coordinates for the falls are as follows, 37.589660, -119.660483. Putting those coordinates in Google will get you there.

If you want to make this an overnight, you can learn more about permits here.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Camping

Chillin

Yoga

Backpacking

Hiking

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Waterfalls

Hike to Alder Creek Falls Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground contains a fire pit, bear-proof food locker, and picnic table. This campground doesn't offer the best ...

Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

Hiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trailhead from the south side of the park coming in on 41. Right as you pass the Wawona Lodge take a righ...

Johnson Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and take few breaks, it should take you anywhere from 7-8 hours to make it to the lake. The trail from...

Chilnualna Falls

Many visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna Falls hike is about 4 miles each way and you gain approximately 2,300 feet of elevation. So thoug...

Crescent Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always head east at each fork in the trail. There will be signs for Royal Arch and Johnson Lakes to d...

Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

The hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or two until you're parallel to the river. After about 15-20 minutes of slight elevation gain you are m...