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Wawona, California

Looking for the best chillin in Wawona? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Wawona. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Wawona

  • Bishop, California

    Camp at Oh Ridge Campground on June Lake

    5.0
    Nestled along the shores of picturesque June Lake, is the Oh Ridge campground. Oh Ridge has access to the beach of June Lake via Pine Cliff Road, and the town of June lake as well as Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake are all within a short driving distance along the June Lake Loop.  Mammoth ...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Snowshoe Shady Rest Park

    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    Shady Rest Park is located on Sawmill Road just minutes from the Mammoth Lakes town center. Start off by crossing through the parking lot headed north towards the large open field covered in snow. The open field is a great place to walk around and become comfortable with wearing and walking in sn...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Relax at Laurel Lakes

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake Vista Point

    Mono Lake Vista Point is a quick pull off on the right side of Highway 395 as you’re headed south toward Mono City. The pull off is fairly big and is a great spot to pull over quickly to take in a view of Mono Lake and the greater area.
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  • Lakeshore, California

    Evolution Valley via Florence Lake

    4.5
    30.36 mi / 3238 ft gain
    You can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike Panum Crater Trail

    3.3 mi / 874 ft gain
    If you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...
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  • Pinecrest, California

    Backpack to Chain Lakes

    4.4 mi / 864 ft gain
    This trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...
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  • Mono County, California

    Fishing at Convict Lake

    4.3
    Many people come to Convict lake for the fishing. Convict is located only 2 miles off the main highway in the Eastern Sierras. The lake is clear and pristine with beautiful views. There are various ways to fish here; some rent out boats or bring their own and cruise around the lake fishing. O...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Backpack to Green Lake and Virginia Pass

    17 mi / 4452 ft gain
    Day 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips.   However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness.  Best...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir

    10 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Matterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness

    3.0
    Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Camp at Mono Lake

    5.0
    Many people visit Mono Lake for a quick photo opportunity of the South Tufa. When I discovered camping was allowed on the North side of the lake, I knew I had to experience it and share.You head East on Cemetery Rd. just North of Lee Vining. This road turns into a dirt road, which will require yo...
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  • Pinecrest, California

    Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)

    4.5
    8.34 mi / 705 ft gain
    Start by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance. To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this ro...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Photograph the Fall Colors of McGee Creek

    5.0
    3 mi / 500 ft gain
    McGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offer...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Rock Tub Hot Springs

    Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Mammoth Lakes, California, lies a hidden gem known as Rock Tub Hot Springs. Tucked away off highway 395, visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing warmth of natural hot springs while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Eastern Sierra mountains. R...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Backpack Chewing Gum Lake

    3.3
    4.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Chewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...
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