Wawona, California
Wawona, California provides is an excellent getaway for explorers. From scenic trails to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone. The best trails to explore in and near the area include the Wawona Meadow Loop, the Chilnualna Falls Trail, and the Wawona Tunnel Trail. For outdoor activities, visitors can go fishing, swimming, or boating in the nearby lakes and rivers. Other must-visit attractions include the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and the Wawona Hotel. With so many options for exploration and fun, Wawona is the perfect place to explore and have fun.
Top Spots in and near Wawona
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Mariposa County, California
Olmsted Point
5.00.4 mi / 26 ft gainJust off the side of the highway, look for the pullout for Olmsted Point on your Map. There is a parking area with about 25 parking spots and the lookout point with the tree is right next to there. Come in the summertime and during a new moon to get the best views of the Milky Way. Never crowded,...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite
5.013.38 mi / 3035 ft gainBeginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2641 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
May Lake Trail
4.02.34 mi / 489 ft gainMay Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute
6 mi / 3000 ft gainThis is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead
5.55 mi / 1978 ft gainThe May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Tenaya Lake
4.63.08 mi / 0 ft gainTenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others pre...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest
4.718.93 mi / 4524 ft gainStart out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. Once re-connected to the Clo...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop
22.7 mi / 6427 ft gainStart and end this loop from the Sunrise Lakes TH along the Tioga Road, and in between you'll travel over 26 miles through Yosemite's backcountry gaining and losing over 7,000 feet in elevation. Unlike typical mountain summit hikes where it's climb climb climb to the top and then descend, this w...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake
5.011.65 mi / 2766 ft gainThe "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest to Half Dome
18.52 mi / 0 ft gainBecause this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...Read more -
Wawona, California
Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park
This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
5.048.29 mi / 9469 ft gainThis is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Coming up out of Pate Val...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau
11.68 mi / 1867 ft gainThe most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake
5.0Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy wat...Read more -
Wawona, California
Pothole Dome
5.01.01 mi / 220 ft gainGetting There From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, head west on Tioga Road/ Hwy 120 towards Tenaya Lake. You'll only travel about 1 mile down the road until you see Tuolumne Meadows open up again on your right, and there will be a very large gravel pull out where you can park. Pothole Dome ...Read more
