Note to Reader: The videos in this series were captured during my 1,000-mile hiking quest in the summer of 2024. You can read more about that journey in my upcoming book The Woman on the Ferry: A Journey of 1,000 Miles to Redefine Success and Discover Joy.
The first week of July brought a relentless heat wave, scorching much of California. But even in the height of summer, Yosemite National Park holds hidden pockets of coolness—refuges tucked away from the crowds. On an early morning, seeking solace from the heat, I set out for one of the park’s lesser-known treasures: Chilnualna Falls. An hour’s drive from my RV park, it seemed like the perfect escape.
Chilnualna Falls isn’t a single dramatic plunge but a series of five cascades, each revealing its own beauty. I quickly learned the hike would be no gentle stroll—8.2 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of around 2,400 feet. The canopy of trees offered welcome shade in places, but sun-drenched stretches sapped my energy. It was one of those hikes where the upper falls taunt you—always in sight but never seeming to get closer.
Determined, I trudged on, taking frequent breaks and drinking in the scenery. Eventually, an encouraging hiker passed by, promising the falls were “just beyond the bend.” And then, I found my magic spot—not the roaring crescendo of water I’d imagined but a quiet, calm flow between the falls. The spot was unexpected, serene. I scrambled onto a boulder surrounded by the creek, a natural throne in the middle of tranquility. There, I captured 60 seconds of pure peace.
It’s funny—sometimes it’s not the thundering waterfall that steals your breath but the hushed places in between. Those pockets of stillness where time stretches, and nature whispers instead of roars.
Before making the descent, I dipped my Columbia sunscreen shirt and hat in the cool water—a relief I would savor twice more on the way back. It was a challenging day, but unforgettable. A reminder that the best moments in nature often come when you pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
I hope this glimpse of Chilnualna Falls brings you a bit of that peace too. Step outside, seek out the quiet places—they’re closer than you think.
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