Wawona Meadow Loop   Begin at the Wawona Hotel. Walk on the paved road across the Wawona Golf Course. Once across the golf course, 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.   3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip 1.5 to 2 hours Images are from Wawona Campground area and up the Chilnualna Road

Swinging Bridge Loop (easy)

4.8 miles (7.6 km) loop; 2 hours

Begin at the Wawona Store parking area

Follow Forest Drive, the paved road, two miles upstream from the store to the Seventh Day Adventist camp. At the camp, bear to the left onto a dirt road and continue a half-mile to Swinging Bridge. Cross the bridge and bear left onto the trail that becomes a dirt road, then paved Chilnualna Falls Road. This road will take you back to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Walk through the history center and its covered bridge to return to the Wawona Store.

Download a self-guiding trail brochure for the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

Wawona to Mariposa Grove (moderate)

12 miles (19.2 km) to the Grizzly Giant (in the Mariposa Grove) and back to Wawona

Begin at 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 “Two Hour Trail Ride.”

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (moderate)

Grizzly Giant: 1.6 miles (2.5 km) round-trip; 1 hourWawona Point: 6 miles (9.6 km) round-trip; 3 hoursOuter Loop Trail: 6.9 miles (11 km) loop; 4 to 5 hours

Various trails criss-cross the Mariposa Grove. To reach the Grizzly Giant or Wawona Point, follow the trail that begins at the far end of the parking area. Hike beyond the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree toward the Galen Clark Tree to reach the Upper Grove and Wawona Point. The Outer Loop Trail begins on the uphill side of the parking area.

Download a self-guiding hiking brochure and map for the Mariposa Grove (256 kb PDF).

Alder Creek (strenuous)

12 miles (18.7 km); 6 to 8 hoursBegin 0.4 miles up Chilnualna Falls Road

The trail begins across the street from the parking area at the “Backcountry Use” sign and leads uphill north through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita growing on drier slopes.Chilnualna Falls (strenuous)

8.2 miles (13.1 km) round-trip; 5 hours. 2,400 feet elevation gainBegin at Chilnualna Falls parking area, two miles up the Chilnualna Falls Road

The trail leads from the bottom of the parking area and along cascading Chilnualna Creek for a half mile (0.8 km). A series of switchbacks then lead away from the creek into the open forest, where you’ll get views of the Wawona area.

Categorised as: Uncategorized