Wawona
A Living Chapter of Yosemite
Located less than eight miles from Tenaya at Yosemite and open year-round, Wawona is where history and outdoor exploration come together. Established in 1857 by Galen Clark as a welcoming stop for travelers on their way to Yosemite Valley, the area carries a legacy shaped by resilience and a deep connection to place. Today, that spirit remains in its historic sites, scenic surroundings, and quieter pace.
Wawona Covered Bridge
Built in the 1870s, the Wawona Covered Bridge once welcomed horse-drawn wagons across the South Fork of the Merced River. Now preserved as a historic landmark, the bridge invites you to pause, cross on foot, and experience a piece of Yosemite’s past still standing.
Wawona Golf Course
Tucked into the forested landscape of Wawona, this nine-hole golf course offers a quiet, scenic escape within Yosemite National Park. Fairways wind through tall pines and open meadows, creating a setting that feels both relaxed and uniquely Yosemite.
Pioneer Yosemite History Center
The Pioneer Yosemite History Center invites you to experience Yosemite as it once was. A collection of historic buildings, including cabins, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop, has been carefully relocated and preserved to recreate a living snapshot of the past. As you walk the grounds, each structure reveals a piece of the everyday life that defined Yosemite’s early settler communities.
Chilnualna Falls
Chilnualna Falls offers a rewarding hike to one of Yosemite’s most impressive cascading waterfalls. Located near Wawona, the trail climbs steadily alongside the falls, revealing a series of granite steps and rushing water along the way. The full trail spans approximately 8 miles round trip with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain, though shorter out-and-back sections offer equally scenic rewards at a more moderate pace.
Stay
Choose the way you stay and wake ready for Yosemite.
Activities
Spark discovery with on-site activities included in each stay.