Yosemite Planet - Wawona & Mariposa Grove
Wawona & The Mariposa Grove
Wawona is in the south western part of Yosemite National Park and is much less visited compared to Yosemite Valley. If you are entering the park from the most southern point, from Fresno OR LA, then you are on Highway 41 also known as Wawona Road once you enter Yosemite. Areas not to be missed are the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which was protected by Galen Clark 150 years ago and is home to over 300 massive Sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world still alive today. Visit the Pioneer Yosemite History Center to see horse-drawn wagons, walk across a covered bridge, and visit historic buildings out of Yosemite's past. The history center explains how Yosemite was the inspiration for national parks across America and throughout the world. The history center is always open daily (24 hours). Wawona has one of the only natural trails that you can take your dog on and it's called the Wawona Meadow Loop. Parking is available at the Wawona Hotel. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WAWONA HOTEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSE FOR AN INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME. The General Store is open and there are Tesla electric chargin stations at the General Store along with a small Visitor Center, bathrooms, and a trail to the Swinging Bridge.
Easy
Wawona Meadow Loop. 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip, 1.5 to 2 hours. Pets are allowed on this trail. Begin at the Wawona Hotel. Cross the street and walk on the paved road. Take a left at the sign-posted trailhead. The trail is an unpaved fire road which loops around the meadow and returns to the Wawona Road. A relaxing and scenic stroll, this trail offers views across Wawona Basin and opportunities to see wildlife and wildflowers. Please note that horses, bikes, and leashed pets are allowed on the trail. Sometimes this trail gets muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
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Moderate
Swinging Bridge Loop 4.75 miles (7.6 km) round trip 2 to 3 hours 1 mile round trip from end of Forest Drive 30 minutes. Park and begin at Wawona Store / Pioneer Yosemite History Center parking area / or at the end of Forest Drive. Forest Drive is a paved road that leads 2 miles (3.2 km) upstream from the Pioneer Yosemite History Center to the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. At the camp, bear to the left onto the dirt road and park. Walk 1/2 mile to the Swinging Bridge. Cross the bridge and bear left onto the trail which becomes a dirt road and then Chilnualna Falls Road. This road will return to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center at the Wawona Stable. Cross the covered bridge to return to the parking area. Most of this trail is along roads.
Wawona to Mariposa Grove 6 miles (9.6 km) one way to the Grizzly Giant in the Mariposa Grove 3 hours (2,400 ft / 732 m elevation gain) Begin at the Wawona Hotel. The trail begins behind the last uphill building of the Wawona Hotel—Moore Cottage. Look for the trailhead 50 yards uphill marked by the sign, “Mariposa Grove.” If operating, ride the free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove back to the Wawona Store. You can also do this hike in reverse and take the free shuttle to the Mariposa Grove and hike downhill back to Wawona. Another option is to begin this trail from .25 miles up Forest Drive, where the trailhead will be on your right.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Begin at Mariposa Grove parking area. No pets or bicycles allowed beyond parking area.
Don't miss the Grizzly Giant Tree and California Tunnel Tree: 1.6 miles (2.5 km) round trip, 1 hour (400 ft / 122 m elevation gain)
If you are looking for a longer hike: Wawona Point: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip; 3 to 4 hours (1,200 ft. / 366 m elevation gain) Outer Loop Trail: 6.9 miles (11.04 km); 4 to 5 hours (1,200 ft / 366 m elevation gain) Various trails exist throughout the Mariposa Grove. To reach the Grizzly Giant, follow the trail that begins at the far end of the parking area. From there climb uphill through the lower portion of the grove to reach the Grizzly Giant Tree and the California Tunnel Tree, which is just 50 yards (50 meters) beyond the Grizzly Giant. To continue to the museum (open summer only) continue through the Tunnel Tree further into the grove. Once in the upper grove, you may choose an alternate trail down, or continue on to Wawona Point before heading back to the parking area. Since parking at the trailhead is limited, consider taking the free shuttle bus from Wawona (in summer only). Carry lots of drinking water in the summer, when temperatures can be extreme.
Strenuous
Alder Creek 12 miles (18.7 km) round trip to Alder Creek. 6 hours (2,500 ft / 762 m elevation gain) Begin at Alder Creek Trailhead parking area; located .4 miles up Chilnualna Falls Road. The trail leads from the parking area across the road and heads uphill north through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita growing on drier slopes. The trail provides access to Alder Fall, a little-visited, 100-foot cascade. Carry lots of drinking water in summer, when temperatures can be extreme. ALTERNATIVE: Begin at Mosquito Creek along Wawona Road (hike is 8 miles round-trip to Alder Fall).
Chilnualna Falls 8.2 miles (13 km) round trip 5 to 6 hours (2,400 ft / 732 m elevation gain). Begin at Chilnualna Falls Trailhead parking area located two miles up Chilnualna Falls Road. The trail leads from the parking area across the road and along Chilnualna Creek for 1/2 mile (.8 km). A series of switchbacks lead away from the creek into the open forest. The falls are comprised of five large cascades sliding through and over rock formations above the Wawona Basin—water here is fullest in spring and early summer. Carry lots of drinking water in the summer, when temperatures can be extreme.
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