A Wawona Day Trip - Walking Distance or a Short Drive From Our Cabin!
Many guests return to our mountain home year after year, as they have discovered the
many recreational choices right in their own backyard. You can spend a whole day
relaxing on the deck of the cabin, surrounded by towering pines, or, in the winter,
nestled in front of a fire in the cozy living room. Here are just some of the ways you
can spend a day in Wawona.
•On each side of and actually spanning the South Fork of the Merced River is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of furnished cabins and buildings, an old jail, horse-drawn vehicles, exhibits, and a covered bridge. During certain times, volunteers open the cabins and portray historic figures from Yosemite's past. You can also take a 10-minute horse-drawn stage ride from the Wells Fargo Office in the History Center.
•A riding stable behind the History Center is open during the summer, offering guided horseback rides.
•Enjoy a campfire program, ranger-led walk, or evening entertainment at the Wawona Hotel. Check the Yosemite Guide for current schedule.
•Play a round of golf on the historic 9-hole Wawona Golf Course. The course was laid out in 1917, and while the layout is not especially long, it features lots of rough and water hazards. Watch for deer grazing the fairways! After a winter snowfall, the course is perfect for cross-country skiing and sledding!
•Swimming holes dot the South Fork of the Merced River as it runs through Wawona. Our front desk staff will direct you to some of our favorite swimming holes.
•Spend the afternoon sunning on the rocks at Swinging Bridge, an idyllic mountain stream retreat.
•Fishing is allowed on the South Fork from the last Saturday of April until November 15. You can obtain a California fishing license and guidelines at the Pine Tree Market in Wawona.
•Hike Chilnualna Falls. A short 20-minute climb leads to a delightful small waterfall, which cascades over boulders and rocks. A strenuous 8.2 mile roundtrip hike, which gains almost 2,500 feet over 4 miles, will reward you with views into Wawona Valley and wooded ridges beyond, as well as spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the roundtrip hike, and take plenty of water in the summer, as there is significant exposure to the sun on the trail, and temperatures can be extreme.
•Enjoy a pleasant walk on the Meadow Loop Trail. This unpaved fire road skirts the edge of the Wawona Meadow, and then circles back through pine forests to the Wawona Hotel. Enjoy wildlife and solitude on this 3-mile loop, which should take less
than 1 ½ hours.
•Relax with a beverage on the wide front porch of the historic Wawona Hotel, before enjoying a delicious dinner or Sunday brunch in the Wawona Hotel Dining Room. Summers include outside Saturday BBQ's. The Winter holidays have their own special events.
On any day trip, always take along a pack with water, snacks, camera, binoculars, insect repellant, and sunscreen.
many recreational choices right in their own backyard. You can spend a whole day
relaxing on the deck of the cabin, surrounded by towering pines, or, in the winter,
nestled in front of a fire in the cozy living room. Here are just some of the ways you
can spend a day in Wawona.
•On each side of and actually spanning the South Fork of the Merced River is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of furnished cabins and buildings, an old jail, horse-drawn vehicles, exhibits, and a covered bridge. During certain times, volunteers open the cabins and portray historic figures from Yosemite's past. You can also take a 10-minute horse-drawn stage ride from the Wells Fargo Office in the History Center.
•A riding stable behind the History Center is open during the summer, offering guided horseback rides.
•Enjoy a campfire program, ranger-led walk, or evening entertainment at the Wawona Hotel. Check the Yosemite Guide for current schedule.
•Play a round of golf on the historic 9-hole Wawona Golf Course. The course was laid out in 1917, and while the layout is not especially long, it features lots of rough and water hazards. Watch for deer grazing the fairways! After a winter snowfall, the course is perfect for cross-country skiing and sledding!
•Swimming holes dot the South Fork of the Merced River as it runs through Wawona. Our front desk staff will direct you to some of our favorite swimming holes.
•Spend the afternoon sunning on the rocks at Swinging Bridge, an idyllic mountain stream retreat.
•Fishing is allowed on the South Fork from the last Saturday of April until November 15. You can obtain a California fishing license and guidelines at the Pine Tree Market in Wawona.
•Hike Chilnualna Falls. A short 20-minute climb leads to a delightful small waterfall, which cascades over boulders and rocks. A strenuous 8.2 mile roundtrip hike, which gains almost 2,500 feet over 4 miles, will reward you with views into Wawona Valley and wooded ridges beyond, as well as spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the roundtrip hike, and take plenty of water in the summer, as there is significant exposure to the sun on the trail, and temperatures can be extreme.
•Enjoy a pleasant walk on the Meadow Loop Trail. This unpaved fire road skirts the edge of the Wawona Meadow, and then circles back through pine forests to the Wawona Hotel. Enjoy wildlife and solitude on this 3-mile loop, which should take less
than 1 ½ hours.
•Relax with a beverage on the wide front porch of the historic Wawona Hotel, before enjoying a delicious dinner or Sunday brunch in the Wawona Hotel Dining Room. Summers include outside Saturday BBQ's. The Winter holidays have their own special events.
On any day trip, always take along a pack with water, snacks, camera, binoculars, insect repellant, and sunscreen.
Four Seasons of Fun
Winter
A winter snowfall cloaks the towering trees and granite monoliths in a mantle of white. When the clouds part, an endless blue sky and a million crystalline reflections are revealed. Yosemite's winters invite thoughtful reflection by the glow of a fire or exhilarating recreation on skis, skates, or snowshoes.
Spring
Spring is the time to come experience nature's joy of renewal. Waterfalls thundering with winter snow melt, dogwoods blossoming in the shadow of incense cedars, meadows dressed in a profusion of wildflowers, and a doe with her newborn fawn - declare the reawakening of Yosemite.
Summer
A parade of sunny days are the perfect backdrop for the wealth of recreational choices during Yosemite's summer season. Possibilities include river swimming, horseback riding, hiking, ranger-led walks, and campfire programs. Warm summer nights invite you to witness Yosemite's waterfalls shining under lunar rainbows.
Fall
Crisp days and the radiant gold and red hues of autumn leaves paint the backdrop for seasonal change. Bring your camera and be ready to capture the ever-changing play of light and beauty of Yosemite.
Winter Activities
ICE SKATING - Ice skate in the shadow of Half Dome at the Curry Village Ice Rink.
RANGER SNOWSHOE WALKS - Join a ranger for a two-hour snowshoe walk at Badger Pass to explore the forest in winter.
SKIING - Badger Pass is a great family ski resort with downhill, snowboard, and cross-country ski lessons and equipment rental available.
SLEIGH RIDES - Yosemite Trails Pack Station offers Belgian draft horse-drawn sleigh rides.
SNOWPLAY - Bring your own sleds, saucers, and innertubes for great winter fun at Goat Meadow.
Spring, Summer & Fall Activities
BACK COUNTRY HIKING - Plan a day or overnight hike with The Redwoods as your home base.
BARN DANCES - Learn how to square dance at the Gray Barn in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona.
BICYCLE RENTALS - Rent a bike at Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village and explore the 12 miles of bikeways in Yosemite Valley.
FISHING - Fish from the banks of the South Fork of the Merced River or from a boat on Bass Lake.
GLACIER POINT - Plan an evening picnic at Glacier Point and enjoy a ranger-led program as you gaze at High Sierra vistas.
GUIDED DAY TRIPS - Rock climb, fly fish, birdwatch, or hike on a custom hike or tour, or with a private guide from a local guide company.
HORSEBACK RIDING - The Wawona Stables and the Yosemite Trails Pack Station offer guided one-hour to full-day trail rides.
MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS - Hike or take a tram tour through the Mariposa Grove where you can see trees over 2,700 years old and measuring more than 25 feet wide.
MERCED RIVER RAFTING - Spend a lazy summer day floating on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
NATURE CENTER AT HAPPY ISLES - This family-oriented nature center includes a wildlife diorama, tracking tips, and interactive exhibits.
PIONEER YOSEMITE HISTORY CENTER IN WAWONA - See horse-drawn wagons, walk across a covered bridge, and visit historic buildings out of Yosemite's past.
RANGER WALKS, TALKS, AND CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS - Choose from a variety of ranger-led programs at many Yosemite Park locations.
RIVER SWIMMING - Take the plunge or sunbathe at Flat Rocks or Swinging Bridge swimming holes.
STAGE RIDES - Experience the adventure of horse-drawn stage travel in Yosemite.
TIOGA ROAD AND TUOLUMNE MEADOWS - Explore the High Sierra with a day trip across the Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows.
WAWONA GOLF COURSE - Try your skill on the historic nine-hole Wawona Golf Course.
YOSEMITE MOUNTAIN SUGAR PINE RAILROAD - A four-mile scenic railroad excursion on The Logger Steam Train or on Jenny Railcars is not to be missed.
YOSEMITE THEATRE - A variety of evening performances are given at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center auditorium.
Yosemite Valley Day Trip
Yosemite Valley's seven square miles is the most visited area of the park, and for good reason. At every turn, you will be treated to one of the outstanding scenic wonders of the Park. Yosemite Valley is also the hub of the Park's educational, recreational, shopping, and dining choices. In fact, you could make several day trips to the Valley, if you are inclined to spend time exploring or hiking. We've outlined below our suggestions for a one-day visit to the Valley, and then listed many of the other choices for you to customize your own day tripping plans.
One-Day Visit to Yosemite Valley
• Start early, and take a backpack lunch with you.
• Take your Yosemite Guide. The Yosemite Guide is published quarterly and you should receive one at the Park Entrance Station when you enter the Park. We have a supply of Guides at our office, and one can also be obtained at the Park's Valley Visitor Center. The Guide has a detailed map of the Park and Yosemite Valley, as well as current information about Park programs, guest services, operating hours, and the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus.
• Stop at Tunnel View pullout for your first breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley.
• Park your car at the day-use parking lot at Curry Village, and take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus to the Valley Visitor Center (Shuttle Bus Stop #6).
• The Valley Visitor center is a good place to start your visit. Park information, orientation programs, exhibits, and books are available.
• Reboard the Shuttle Bus to Yosemite Falls (Shuttle Bus Stop #7). The walk to the base of the falls is easy and short.
• Consider a two-hour Valley Floor Tour (1999 season - $17.50/adult), which you can board from Yosemite Lodge (Shuttle Bus Stop #8). A 2-hour, 26 mile tour on an open-air tram or enclosed motor coach (depending on weather) to see and photograph the beautiful landmarks and waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. Guides will share information about Yosemite's animal and plant life, as well as the geology and history of the Park.
• Reboard the Shuttle Bus to Happy Isles (Shuttle Bus Stop #16). Enjoy your backpack lunch soothed by the sounds of tumbling water near the Happy Isles Nature Center. A seasonal snack stand is nearby. The Happy Isles Nature Center is open late spring to early fall. Check the Yosemite Guide for operating hours of both the snack stand and Nature Center.
• Happy Isles is the trailhead for hikes to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Hike to the Vernal Falls footbridge (1.4 miles, 1-2 hours) for a stunning view of this cataract, or continue along the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls (3 miles roundtrip; 2-4 hours). This is considered a "moderate to strenuous" hike.
• Reboard the shuttle bus to the Curry Village day-use parking lot (Shuttle Bus Stop 1).
• Return to your cabin at The Redwoods for a great home-cooked dinner, or enjoy dinner before leaving Yosemite Valley. You can choose from a variety of dining experiences in various Valley locations, ranging from snack food to fine dining. Check the Yosemite Guide for your dining choices.
Customize Your Yosemite Valley Day Trip - Just a Few of Your Other Choices
• Rent bicycles at Yosemite Valley or Curry Village and tour the Valley on more than 12 miles of surfaced bike paths.
• Visit the Yosemite Museum Gallery, Indian Cultural Exhibit and Village, and Ansel Adams Gallery, all located in Yosemite Village near the Visitor Center.
• Join a Park Service Ranger for a walk to explore Yosemite's natural and cultural history. Check the Yosemite Guide for the current schedule.
• Venture out on one or more of the many Yosemite Valley Day Hikes described in the Yosemite Guide.
• Rent a raft at Curry Village and float along the Merced River soaking in the changing scenery of Yosemite Valley.
• In winter, ice skate in the shadow of Half Dome at the Curry Village outdoor ice rink.
• Attend an evening performance of the Yosemite Theater, which offers a variety of theatrical and musical presentations. Check the Yosemite Guide for the current schedule.
• Enjoy an elegant dinner at The Awhawnee Dining Room or The Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge. Note that for dinner, a suit coat and tie for men, and dresses or evening pantsuits for women are preferred at The Ahwahnee Dining Room. Our favorite time is lunch or brunch so to see the beautiful scenery. Prices are much better too!
Glacier Point Day Trip
◦ As you wind along the 16 miles of Glacier Point Road to the amazing promontory at Glacier Point, you will enjoy the unfolding majesty of the High Sierra from roadside pullouts and short hiking trails. The route is open to Glacier Point from late spring until winter storms arrive.
▪ Start out midafternoon, and pack a picnic dinner and backpack supplies for a short hike.
▪ Drive to the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead parking area.
▪ Select either the Taft Point or Sentinel Dome trail. The Taft Point trail is mostly flat and downhill, and will reward you with unusual rock formations, including the Fissures (wide gaps in rocks hundreds of feet deep), as well as an overhanging lookout point to the Valley floor below you. The Sentinel Dome trail is an uphill climb to the top of Sentinel Dome, where you will marvel at a 360-degree panoramic view of Yosemite's landscape. Either trail is about 2 miles roundtrip. Allow 2 hours hiking time.
▪ Continue driving out Glacier Point Road, and stop at Washburn Point to enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the High Sierra, as well as views of Vernal, Nevada, and Illilouette Falls.
▪Drive to the end of Glacier Point Road. A walk of about 300 yards from the parking area takes you to Glacier Point, where you will enjoy one of the most magnificent views in the Park. The vista includes views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and down a 3,000 foot cliff into Yosemite Valley.
▪ Time your arrival at Glacier Point for early evening, and enjoy your picnic dinner at the amphitheater with the High Sierra as your front seat view. A seasonal snack stand is open until 6:00 pm. Check your Yosemite Guide for current schedule.
▪ Meet a ranger to enjoy an evening program presented at Glacier Point, with the alpenglow on the High Sierra country as a backdrop. On some evenings, rangers and volunteers from astronomical societies will host a star program, and on nights with a full moon, there is a special "Full Moon Rising" program. Check the Yosemite Guide for current schedule of activities.
Badger Pass Ski Resort
In the winter, Glacier Point Road is plowed in six miles to the Badger Pass Ski Resort, California's original ski area. This family ski resort offers nine downhill ski runs. Ninety miles of cross-country trails begin from Badger Pass. Tracks and skating lanes are groomed to Glacier Point, 21miles round trip, no trail fee. Weather permitting, Badger Pass is open daily from mid-December until early April. Check with our reservation specialists for mid-week lift ticket special.
• Spend the day downhill or cross-country skiing, or even give snowboarding a try. If a full day is too much, half-day tickets are sold after 12:45 pm. Seniors (65+) ski free Monday - Friday.
- Yosemite Ski School offers morning and afternoon group and private downhill and cross-country lessons. Lesson packages include the lesson, equipment rental, and lift ticket. Badger Pups downhill ski program is a great first ski experience for children ages 4-6, and hourly Badger Den babysitting is available for children ages 3-9.
- Equipment rental, food, and beverages are available at the Badger Pass Lodge·
- Join a Park Ranger for a 2-hour morning snowshoe walk into the winter woods.