Wawona

Wawona Hotel

 

“Wawona is like a bright green emerald set between the sparkling diamonds of Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls and the red rubies of the Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove.” – Yosemite visitor, early 1900s

Although Wawona was not added to Yosemite National Park until 1932, this large mid-elevation basin has hosted many people and activities for centuries and is home to numerous other natural features. Originally home to American Indians, the Wawona area later became a prosperous settlement and primary thoroughfare for people traveling to Yosemite Valley during the late 19th century. Galen Clark, the first state-appointed guardian of Yosemite, built Clark’s Station, which later grew to become the Wawona Hotel.

 

To Get There

• Car: Wawona is located on the Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 inside the park), 27 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Wawona is accessible by car year-round, though tire chains may be required from October through April. A gas station is open year-round in Wawona.

• Bus: Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS), which operates between Oakhurst and Yosemite Valley, provides public transportation to Wawona on a seasonal basis.

 

Visitor Center and Museums

• Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio (May to October): Ranger-staffed information desk and exhibit of Thomas Hill’s work, recreating a "salon hanging"—paintings covering the wall from floor to ceiling, typical of Victorian galleries in the nineteenth century. Offers wilderness permits year-round (self-registration permits available on porch when closed).

• Yosemite History Center: Go back to a time of horse-drawn wagons, a covered bridge, and rustic cabins. The history center is a collection of the historic buildings where outdoor interpretive signs tell the stories of people who moved here from around the world and shaped the park’s development. During the summer, visit exhibits inside the Chinese Laundry and the Acting Superintendent's Office, take a ride on our horse-drawn wagon, or watch blacksmiths forge iron tools on a coal forge! Check the Yosemite Guide for details.

 

Activities

• Art & Photography (all year)
• Backpacking (all year)
• Birdwatching (all year)
• Camping
• Fishing (spring to fall)
• Golfing (spring to fall)
• Hiking and Walking (all year)
• Horseback Riding and Stock Use (spring to fall)
• Picnicking (all year)
• Ranger & Interpretive Programs (spring to fall)
• Water Activities (summer)

 

Chilnualna Falls flows all year, with peak flow in May. Pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na,” this waterfall is comprised of five large cascades sliding through and over large granite formations above the Wawona area. A strenuous trail, Chilnualna Falls allows for you to view the cascades in many locations along the hike and also rewards you with expansive views overlooking Wawona during your uphill climb.

 

In the Yosemite History Center, see horse-drawn wagons, walk across a covered bridge, and visit historic buildings out of Yosemite's past. During summer, stage rides are available and some buildings are open for demonstrations or exploration.

 

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. There is no shuttle service between Wawona and the Mariposa Grove for the general public. The welcome plaza has about 300 parking spaces and may fill up by late morning. Arrive by mid-morning to increase chances of finding a place to park.