Discover North Wawona

If North Wawona is your destination, organize your outing plans around nature, park history, and outdoor activities. The topics range from Wawona Meadow to historic buildings and hiking destinations.

Meadow Habitats and Nature

Wawona Meadow provides wetland, riparian, and upland habitats for numerous rare and sensitive plant and animal species. These include the state-listed Willow Flycatcher and the Great Gray Owl. The upper 165 acres of the meadow provide habitat for a lower-elevation submontane meadow. This information highlights different aspects of the same natural area: the diversity of habitats and the distinctive character of its lower-elevation area.

Along the Wawona Meadow Loop, five interpretive signs describe the meadow’s ecology, historical events, and restoration process. The loop therefore brings together themes of nature and history. Individual signs or content may change.

Park History in Wawona

Many buildings in the Yosemite History Center were relocated to Wawona from different parts of the park in the 1950s and 1960s. Their varied places of origin are part of the history of these buildings. The History Center’s summer exhibits include the Chinese Laundry and the Acting Superintendent’s Office. Exhibits are seasonal; specific operating details may change. If you plan to visit one of the buildings, check the latest information in advance.

Hiking Destinations and Other Interests

The Chilnualna Falls Trail continues beyond the waterfall to Chilnualna Lakes. This lets you consider the route not only in terms of the waterfall but also its further destination. From the end of Forest Drive, a 0.3-mile hiking trail also leads to a suspension bridge and a popular swimming spot on the South Fork Merced River. Swimming conditions vary by season and river flow; check them before planning a swim.

Near Yosemite’s South Entrance is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees, with about 500 mature giant sequoias. This approximate number refers to mature trees, not every tree in the grove. Golf is also among the recreational opportunities in the Wawona & Mariposa Grove area. Availability may change.

Visitor Information and Getting There

North Wawona is home to the North Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio, which includes a Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. Visitor service details may change; check which services are currently available before your visit.

YARTS provides seasonal public transportation to Wawona and operates between Oakhurst and Yosemite Valley. If you are planning to use this service to get there, check the schedule before traveling. Its seasonal operation is an important difference from planning a trip independent of the time of year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mariposa, Midpines, Bootjack, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Buck Meadows, El Portal, Yosemite National Park.

For the main travel overview: Mariposa.