Three Chute Falls

Overview

Tucked in lower Tenaya Canyon just upstream from Mirror Lake, Three Chute Falls (also called Hidden Falls or Tenaya Creek Falls) spreads across a granite slab into three distinct chutes, then drops roughly 80 feet with an additional 40-foot cascade below. It’s a low-key favorite for those who like a little adventure without committing to an all-day sufferfest.

Getting There

• Start from Mirror Lake Trailhead (Valley Shuttle stop #17). If driving, park at Curry Village day-use parking and walk about a mile up Mirror Lake Road to the trailhead.
• Follow the Mirror Lake/Tenaya Creek trail for roughly 2.5 miles to a footbridge over Tenaya Creek. Cross and look for a faint user path on the southeast side of the creek.

Route & Difficulty

• Expect informal travel: a social path, boulder hopping for about half a mile, and a log crossing en route. Footing can be slick, and route-finding matters.
• Round-trip distance is about 6 miles and typically takes 3–4 hours, depending on pace, conditions, and how far you scramble for views.
• This is not a signed, official destination. Navigation can feel “sketchy” in spots; many hikers advise going with someone who knows the way.

Season & Conditions

• Best flow is during spring snowmelt; by late summer/early fall the falls may be low or dry, though autumn storms can briefly revive them.
• Granite stays slick even when dry. In spring runoff, currents are powerful and spray can make rocks treacherous near the water’s edge.

Safety & Etiquette

• Stay well back from the brink and base when flows are up; don’t attempt creek crossings that feel risky. Turn around if conditions exceed your comfort.
• Wear shoes with excellent traction for polished granite.
• Pack out all trash and avoid widening the social trail or trampling creekside vegetation.

Amenities

• Vault/pit toilets are at Mirror Lake; there’s no running water at the lake or along the informal path to the falls. Fill bottles in the Valley before you start.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring through early summer for water flow; late summer/fall for easier scrambling in low water.
• Start early to beat Mirror Lake corridor crowds and give yourself unhurried time for route-finding.

Good to Know

• Some hikers continue above the main viewpoint for a different angle when flows are low, but extra scrambling adds exposure—use judgment.