Alder Creek-Mosquito Creek Trailhead

The Mosquito Creek trailhead is the fast way in to Alder Creek Falls — an unsigned pullout with a bear box, right where Mosquito Creek crosses Wawona Road a few miles from Wawona. It's shorter and steeper than the signed Alder Creek Trailhead off Chilnualna Falls Road, and it draws a fraction of the traffic other Yosemite waterfalls pull in.

The Climb

From the pullout, the trail climbs steadily through a regenerating burn area — open, sun-exposed, and thick with early-season wildflowers once the snow clears. For about a mile it follows the grade of a defunct logging railroad, crossing small drainages that feed Alder Creek before the climbing gets more sustained. Figure roughly 7.3 miles round trip with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain — a demanding half-day out-and-back with little shade on the way up.

Alder Creek Falls

The falls themselves run around 100 feet and flow year-round, with peak volume in May and June as snowmelt feeds the creek. Because it sits well off the main park roads, most visitors never make the trip — but the granite above the falls is exposed and can be slick when wet, so keep your distance from the lip rather than scrambling for a closer look.

Before You Go

• Park at the small, unsigned pullout where Mosquito Creek crosses Wawona Road (Highway 41), and use the bear box rather than leaving food in your car.
• Go early and carry extra water — the burn-area sections offer little shade once the sun's up.
• Spring and early summer bring the strongest flow and the coolest hiking temperatures.