What to do in Wawona

HomeWhat to do in Wawona

The Covered Bridge

The Wawona Covered Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places - #06001261. It spans the South Fork of the Merced River near the Pioneer History Center. It was built by Galen Clark, the original guardian of the Yosemite Grant in 1868. The original bridge was not covered – the top was added in 1878. The bridge was used for local horse, stock and pedestrian traffic, as well as the trail to Yosemite Valley. It was meticulously rehabilitated in 1956, reusing all salvageable materials-in-kind and was hand-hewn, as was the original. It remains at its original location in Wawona.

The Yosemite History Center

Next to the Covered Bridge is the historic History Center, with structures from various eras and areas around the Park. They were collected in Wawona in the 1950s and 1960s, and each has a story to tell. In the summer, the Chinese Laundry and Superintendent’s Office have exhibits, and you can take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon or watch a blacksmith at work. When possible in the summer, there are barn dances on Saturdays. The Wawona Stable is also here, offering trail rides in the summer.

The Wawona Hotel

The Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark, built in 1876. It comprises 6 buildings in the Victorian style, with 104 rooms that open onto large verandas. The rooms are furnished with antiques and vintage elements. There is a full service restaurant and a large lounge area with piano music on summer evenings. The Golf Shop has sandwiches and snacks as well as golf apparel and products. Hotel guests can also enjoy a pool and a tennis court. The Thomas Hill Studio is on the premises. Thomas Hill, a renowned landscape painter, created many famous paintings of Yosemite

The Meadow Loop Trail

The Meadow Loop is a beautiful and easy trail that goes around the large meadow across from the Wawona Hotel. Only 3.5 miles long, it’s a wide smooth trail and has lovely views of the forest, the meadow, and lots of wildflowers.

The Wawona Golf Course

The Wawona golf course was the first regulation golf course in the Sierra Nevada when it opened in 1918. It’s a nine-hole par 35 course designed by famed architect Walter Favarque, and surrounded by evergreen meadows. Golfers enjoy the rolling terrain, a variety of challenging holes, and a tranquil setting. It’s adjacent to the Wawona Hotel and was part of the whole Hotel Complex plan – giving guests at the Victorian style hotel, with its green-trimmed white cabins and large lawn, a beautiful view to enjoy.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Only a few miles from Wawona, near the south entrance to the Park, is a grove of over 500 mature giant sequoia trees. It is one of Yosemite Park’s “must-sees”. President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Grove and Yosemite Valley in 1864, and the Grove was added to Yosemite National Park in 1906. There are easy trails near the bottom part of the Grove, with additional trails that go higher up into the Grove ranging from moderate to strenuous. Galen Clark was the original Guardian of the Grove, and his cabin is near the top, set into a small grassy area and surrounded by sequoias.

Wawona Dome

Granite domes were formed about 65 million years ago, when molten rock solidified into granite deep within the Earth and were pushed up under pressure to the surface. The granite was shaped into domes as the uplifted, curved layers of rock cleaved off. Visitors to Wawona enjoy views of Wawona Dome from many vantange points, including the Meadow Loop and various places along the South Fork of the Merced River. The most well-known Yosemite dome is Half Dome in the Valley

Chilnualna Falls

Chilnualna (“chil new ALL na)” Falls is a series of waterfalls, with the top consisting of 3 levels of Falls at 6500 feet. As you descend the trail there are smaller waterfalls and swimming pools that continue down to the trailhead at 4200 feet. You can hike up just a quarter of a mile to the first cascade (easy) or continue toward the top (strenuous). Near the trailhead, you can walk down to a large bridge where you can view the lower falls. The water (Chilnualna Creek) continues beyond the bridge to merge with the South Fork of the Merced River.

Swinging Bridge

A short distance from Wawona, the swinging bridge crosses the South Fork of the Merced River. It really does “swing”, so hold on tight to the cables! It’s a very popular swimming hole, with large “pots” to sit in and feel the water whirling around you. (These shallow holes in the rock were made by Indian women for pounding black oak acorns that were used for flour.) The area also boasts smooth large rocks that are used as a “slide” downriver and plenty of large flat rocks to sit on and sunbathe.

Yosemite - Wawona Elementary Charter School

Originally founded to provide educational services for the children of national park and concessionaire employees, in the past few years, the school has begun attracting students from surrounding communities. The foundation of the program includes a multi-age classroom (K through 6th grade) based on the Montessori approach of project-based learning activities. Residents and guests can use the adjacent playground and basketball court.

Wawona Bassett Memorial Library

The Library is staffed by Mariposa County personnel and volunteers from Wawona. It’s open to all in the summer, Monday to Saturday, and in the winter on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Many residents have contributed books and artwork . It also offers free internet and wifi.

UC Merced Yosemite Field Station

The Field Station is dedicated to facilitating collaboration between the sciences, the arts and humanities, education and natural resource management. They host a wide range of researchers and students and offer lodging and classroom space.

The Pine Tree Market

Owned and operated by Michael and Katie Henderson, the Pine Tree market has a little of everything – groceries, quality meats and fish, fresh produce, wine and liquor, kitchen essentials, camping and fishing accessories, t-shirts and sweatshirts, etc. They have also made it a community center, with pizza nights, s’mores by the firepit, and a place to come and sit at the table in front and chat with neighbors.

The Wawona Store

Operated by the Park concessionaire, Aramark (Yosemite Hospitality), the Wawona Store is located by the gas station and Post Office. It also has a little of everything.

The Redwoods Rental Office

The Redwoods is the largest company in Wawona for cabin rentals – they manage approximately 110 privately-owned cabins. They have a housekeeping department and linen service, as well as a full-time maintenance Department. Next to the front desk here is a large room and deck that are available for events and gatherings.