Yosemite National Park has always held a special place in my heart. For a beautiful few days spanning the summer solstice, I had the chance to explore its wonders once again. This time, I spent a few days delving into the magic of Southern Yosemite, a region that everyone I mentioned it to described as peaceful. And peaceful it truly was.
Beyond the crowds and gridlock traffic of Yosemite Valley, Southern Yosemite unfolded before me as a hidden gem. Here, towering granite cliffs gave way to charming historic towns and ancient sequoia groves that whispered tales of forgotten times.
Join me as I share my exploration of this enchanting corner of Yosemite. We’ll wander through the streets of Wawona, a pioneer town steeped in history, and delve into the awe-inspiring Mariposa Grove, where giants older than time itself stand sentinel. We’ll uncover hidden gems, unveil forgotten secrets, and craft the perfect itinerary for your own escape to the tranquility of Southern Yosemite. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to be enchanted!
Information about Yosemite National Park
Location
Wawona is nestled towards the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, within the Sierra Nevada range of Central California.
For gateway communities, your closest options are Mariposa (around a 30-minute drive) and Oakhurst (roughly a 15-minute drive).
As for airports, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (Fresno) is the most convenient, sitting approximately 45 miles away. Other options include Sacramento International Airport (150 miles) and San Jose International Airport (190 miles).
Native Land
While Yosemite National Park is a treasured natural landmark today, it’s important to acknowledge the history of the Ahwahnechee people, also known as the Southern Sierra Band of Miwok or the Seven Tribes. This region served as their ancestral home for millennia. Forced displacement began during the 19th century Gold Rush and culminated with the 1953 Yosemite Indian Housing Policy.
Entrance Fee
Current entrance fees are $35 per vehicle, or free with an Interagency Pass – reservations are also required to enter the park during peak hours.
Weather
Southern Yosemite offers a sweet spot for outdoor adventures: sunny days and refreshingly cool nights. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to high 80s during the day, ideal for setting off on hikes, unwinding with a picnic, or delving into the park’s wonders.
However, keep in mind the temperature variations that come with higher elevations. You should also be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which tend to roll in and out quickly but somewhat unpredictably.
The Traffic
Traffic can be a nightmare in Yosemite if you don’t plan your arrival strategically. To avoid hours long long delays, plan to arrive before 7 am or after 3 pm. If you arrive between those hours, expect potential gridlock and significant wait times.
Food + Groceries
The Wawona Hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in its historic dining room every day of the week. The food here isn’t the best considering the price, but it is a hot meal in a beautiful building that you don’t have to worry about.
There are also two convenience stores in Wawona that have a mix of groceries and premade grab-and-go meals. The Wawona Store is located just adjacent to the hotel grounds, with a nice shaded picnic area along the banks of the river on the other side of the parking lot. The Pine Tree Market, located a ways down Chilnualna Falls Road, seems to cater more to the locals living within the park boundaries, and is a better location of the two for actual grocery shopping.
Fuel + Charging
There is a little gas station in Historic Wawona that is open 24/7 with shockingly reasonable pricing for gas. There are several Rivian brand charging stations throughout the parking lot for the Wawona Store, but on busy weekends you may find many of them in use.
Must Do Activities in Southern Yosemite
Visit the Swinging Bridge
Nestled in the charming Wawona district of Yosemite National Park, a hidden gem awaits adventurers. Swinging Bridge, a short walk from the historic Wawona Hotel, offers a delightful dose of nostalgia. As you traverse the bridge, feel the gentle sway beneath your feet and soak in the sights and sounds of the serene creek flowing below. Keep an eye out for playful chipmunks and listen to the calming melody of the rushing water for a truly memorable Yosemite experience.
Walk Amongst Giants in Mariposa Grove
Towering giants await in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park. Prepare to be humbled by these ancient sequoia trees, some standing for over 2,000 years. While the Grizzly Giant Loop offers a majestic introduction, venture further on the Guardians Loop for a quieter exploration amongst these behemoths. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and feel the immense presence of these natural wonders.
Go for a Swim in the Merced River
The South Fork of the Merced River cuts a refreshing path through southern Yosemite, and a great way to escape the summer heat is with a dip in its cool waters. Head towards lesser-known stretches near Wawona, like the one just opposite the Wawona store. This area offers easy access to the riverbank with plenty of space to relax. Remember, the current can be strong in the Merced River – choose a calm section and prioritize safety, especially when supervising children.
Explore the Pioneer History Center
Step back in time at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona. Explore a collection of original cabins and buildings that showcase life during Yosemite’s gold rush era. Wander through the historic Wawona Covered Bridge and imagine the horse-drawn carriages that once clattered across its wooden planks. Informative exhibits and demonstrations bring the past to life, offering a glimpse into the lives of the park’s early settlers.
Go Horseback Riding at Wawona Stable
Embark on a thrilling horseback ride through Yosemite’s wilderness with Wawona Stable where adventures await, from scenic half-day explorations to full-day immersions. Traverse meadows bursting with wildflowers and ancient sequoia groves, all from the back of a trusty steed. Wawona Stables offers unforgettable experiences for all skill levels.
The Best Day Hikes in Southern Yosemite
Wawona Meadow Loop
Very gentle 3.5 mile loop that starts at the Wawona Hotel with pretty even terrain and very little elevation change. It is the only non-paved trail in Yosemite National Park that is dog-friendly, and as a bonus is almost completely shaded throughout by big ponderosa pines. It is also a great trail for spotting wildflowers in the meadow!
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Wawona Swinging Bridge
This trail is technically a loop, but I prefer parking at the little dirt lot at the very end of Chilnualna Falls Road and treating it as an out-and-back. After a little over half a mile of gentle descent along the river, you’ll find the namesake swinging bridge. It is a perfect place to bring a little picnic lunch, good book, and a towel to just while away the afternoon on a big slabby rock.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point
Recently reopened following major renovations, this hikes starts at the Big Trees Loop, which is actually a fully paved wheelchair accessible boardwalk trail. From here, you’ll take the Grizzly Giant Loop, which leads two miles uphill to the famous California Tunnel Tree and Grizzly Giant Tree. The next five mile loop will take you on a strenuous uphill climb of 1200 ft through towering sequoias before arriving at Wawona Point with panoramic views over the valley.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Chilnualna Falls
This is easily one of my favourite hikes not just in Wawona, but in all of Yosemite National Park. The hike to the lower falls is about a quarter mile from the trailhead to summit, and is a worthwhile hike in itself for anyone with more limited time or mobility constraints. The trail to reach the upper falls gets very hot and exposed through the afternoon, especially once you reach the granite cliffs near the summit, so the earlier you get started the better.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Where to Stay in Southern Yosemite
Wawona Campground
If you want to go camping in Southern Yosemite, Wawona Campground is the best option for non-stabled travelers inside the park. It’s stunningly beautiful, located right on the banks of the Merced River and framed by towering trees. The campsites nearest the rear and the exterior are the nicest, while the sites located in the interior of the loop and those near the ranger station are pretty exposed and hot during the day.
Wawona Campground is just a stone’s throw from all of the biggest hikes and attractions within Southern Yosemite, and is also conveniently less than a mile away from both a gas station and a grocery store. The biggest problem is that these campsites tend to book up months in advance, often within minutes of being released. You can set an alert for dates of your choice on rec.gov, but I’ve also had luck just opening up the booking calendar a day or two before.
Wawona Hotel
Originally constructed in 1856 as one of the nation’s first mountain retreats, the historic Wawona Hotel is a great option for anyone looking for a few more creature comforts while staying in Yosemite National Park. The hotel consists of about fifty rooms with private baths, and another fifty with shared bathroom facilities.
Despite both the grand exterior and the history of the building, the Wawona Hotel itself has become a little worse for wear under Aramark’s stewardship as of late, and the interior feels outdated in a Holiday Inn kind of way. That being said, the grounds are still absolutely lovely to explore, and the swimming pool is a great option for families who want to cool down without risking the river’s currents.
The Redwoods in Yosemite
Getting Around Southern Yosemite
Private Car
Exploring Wawona and the Mariposa Grove by car allows you the freedom to set your own pace, but parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends and holidays during the summer months.
To avoid circling for spots, aim to arrive early in the morning or consider exploring later in the afternoon. If you’re staying nearby, using the Yarts for destinations like the Mariposa Grove can be a great way to save time and frustration. Traffic congestion can also occur in the afternoons, so planning your itinerary to minimize driving during those times will help you make the most of your visit.
Remember, obeying speed limits and staying alert for sudden wildlife crossings are crucial for everyone’s safety while navigating the park roads.
Public Bus
Yarts, the public transportation system servicing Yosemite National Park from gateway cities, offers various routes including a Fresno-Highway 41 route with stops in Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Mariposa Grove, and Wawona.
If you are on a tight time crunch, just be aware that the busses are not entirely dependable time-wise and can sometimes fill up completely before you board, causing you to have to wait for the next bus.
Some Final Tips for Visiting Southern Yosemite
- Save room for Wawona Hotel’s famous barbeque cookouts on the lawn during summer weekends.
- Forage for wild blackberries along the trails in late summer – a delicious and rewarding treasure hunt.
- Keep an eye out for ranger talks – especially coffee with a ranger in the mornings or fireside chats in the evenings.
- If you finish reading your book during your stay, consider donating it to the Wawona Library!
- Visit the Wawona Hotel’s Sun Room & Golf Club for your best chance at wifi.
- Verizon LTE customers have pretty much perfect service throughout Southern Yosemite, but all other service providers are out of luck.
PS: if you enjoyed this guide, then you’ll likely be pleased to hear that I also spent a while exploring the famous Yosemite Valley, which you can read all about here!
