Wawona is a region situated in the southern end of Yosemite National Park, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. This area is characterized by verdant pine forests, impressive granite formations, and the South Fork of the Merced River, which flows through its landscape. Wawona Meadow offers a diverse environment that transforms with the seasons, providing varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. The region supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, and jogging.
Wawona offers 5 routes…
27
Routes
4.7
(371)
Average rating
4889
People visited

4.8
(94)
1,213
hikers
3.32km
00:59
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
24.7km
07:08
610m
600m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
1.03km
00:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.32km
00:40
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
9.73km
00:47
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
6.01km
00:33
70m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.12km
00:39
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
74.8km
05:23
1,590m
1,590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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35
runners
17.1km
02:16
510m
510m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
5.47km
00:44
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
22.7km
02:53
460m
460m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Wawona offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, and jogging. The region has 5 routes, with over 11,000 visitors sharing experiences that result in an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars. These activities allow exploration of the diverse landscape within Yosemite National Park.
Popular hiking options include the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) unpaved fire road suitable for leisurely walks. For a more challenging experience, the Chilnualna Falls trail ascends nearly 2,500 feet over 4 miles (6.4 km) to a series of waterfalls. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias also offers various trails to explore ancient trees.
Yes, Wawona offers family-friendly options. The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) unpaved path ideal for leisurely walks. The easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round-trip hike to the Swinging Bridge also provides access to the South Fork of the Merced River for picnicking. For more ideas, explore the Easy hikes around Wawona guide.
Leashed pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail, which is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) unpaved fire road. This is one of the few trails in Yosemite National Park where pets are permitted. Always check current park regulations for specific trail access.
Key natural features include the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to approximately 500 ancient trees. Chilnualna Falls offers a series of cascades, and the Wawona Meadow showcases seasonal wildflowers. The South Fork of the Merced River flows through the area, providing swimming holes.
The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is suitable for touring cycling, offering a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) unpaved fire road. This loop is one of the few trails in Yosemite where bicycles are permitted. For more information, consult the Cycling around Wawona guide.
Jogging enthusiasts can utilize the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) unpaved fire road. This trail offers a scenic and relatively flat option for running. Further details can be found in the Running Trails around Wawona guide.
Permit requirements for hiking in Wawona, as part of Yosemite National Park, vary depending on the specific trail and whether it involves overnight stays. Day hikes generally do not require permits, but it is advisable to check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most current regulations, especially for popular or wilderness areas.
Komoot offers several guides for Wawona, including Hiking around Wawona, Easy hikes around Wawona, Cycling around Wawona, and Running Trails around Wawona. These guides provide detailed information for various outdoor activities in the region.
As Wawona is part of Yosemite National Park, official information can be found on the National Park Service website. The official website for Yosemite National Park is www.nps.gov/yose. For general park inquiries, the phone number is +1-209-372-0200.
Wawona is situated at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) within the southern end of Yosemite National Park. This elevation is similar to that of Yosemite Valley, contributing to its diverse landscape.
Wawona offers a more tranquil experience compared to the bustling Yosemite Valley, providing a refuge with a rich history. It features the Yosemite History Center and diverse trails for all fitness levels. The area is known for its combination of history, recreation, and visitor amenities.

