Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

Yosemite Valley, California

4.2/5

based on 5 reviews

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Added by Lisa Bao

Distance: 6 miles roundtrip from trailhead. Duration: 3-4 hours. Secret waterfall and swimming hole.

Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls.

To get there, start at the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17, or park at Curry Village and walk up the road about a mile), hike 2.5 miles on a well maintained trail to a footbridge spanning Tenaya Creek. Look for a faint user trail on the southeast side of the creek, and start hiking upstream. You may have to scramble over some boulders, but after a half-mile, you'll see a log (see photo above) that you'll walk across. After a bit more scrambling, you'll be greeted by the mist from this cascading waterfall and can enjoy your packed lunch on the platform directly facing the falls.

Many people also choose to climb up further past this section to get a better view of the top of the falls. This is safer when water flow is minimal. Depending on your skill level, shoes, water level, this will all vary. Always practice the LNT principals.

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Reviews

Ashley Reeves

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

02/17/22

Pretty hike

5.0

Explorer

Kyle Frost

Explorer

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

04/09/15

While this is a rad spot, I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to find it on your own. The trail is faint and sketchy in places. Don't be another Yosemite tourist that got in over their head and got lost. If you have access to a local who's been there before then go for it.

4.0

Caius Julio

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

03/19/15

Be super careful if doing it in spring when there is lots of water.

4.0

Caius Julio

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

03/19/15

I think it's disgusting that people would share gems only known to locals, if you don't know where to go, you'd have a really hard time getting there. It's not on the books for a reason. If you get hurt it's hard to get help to you. With all the t said meet a local and go with them.

4.0

Caius Julio

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

03/19/15

4.0

Leave No Trace

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

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Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

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