Spring in Yosemite, what it is like?

The snow has melted in nearly all of the lower elevation places, the rivers and streams are rushing, the baby animals are strolling, the flowers are in full bloom, and the mountains are calling. What better way to see the natural beauty of Yosemite than by taking a hike during this exciting time? Whether you are looking for a short and sweet hike through the meadow, along the river, or crave a more strenuous hike to visit a raging waterfall, Wawona has you covered.

1. Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail 

The Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail is a short and mostly flat .75 miles (1.2. km) round-trip hike to the swinging bridge which takes you across the scenic and wild South Fork of the Merced River. It’s beautiful, serene, and the bridge does truly swing. In addition to enjoying the wildflowers, in summer, you can also swim in the river down below, which is not nearly as busy as other water holes and beach spots in Yosemite Valley for example. While you’re in the area, don’t forget to also check out the Pioneer History Center for fun Yosemite history. 

2. Wawona Meadow Loop

The Wawona Meadow Loop is a relatively flat 3.5 (5.6 km) loop trail that starts at the Big Trees Lodge. Formerly known as the Wawona Hotel, this is one of California’s oldest hotels that has been operating since 1879. This is the only bike and leashed pet-friendly trail in the area, so bring Fido along. It’s also home to various wildflower species, and now is the perfect time to see them! 

3. Chilnualna Falls 

This is a strenuous 8.2 mile (13.1 km) hike, with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet (732 m) that leads you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park via a series of switchbacks. It begins two miles from the Chilnualna Falls Road, in the Chilnualna Falls parking area. This hike is made up of three cascades, including some smaller ones at the bottom. It’s not heavily trafficked, so you will likely get most of it to yourself. You get bonus points in the summer for dipping in some of the secluded swim holes along this trail. 

     4. Mariposa Grove Hikes

Mariposa Grove has finally opened for the season! This area is home to wonderful trails winding through some of the world’s oldest trees, including the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant. Keep in mind that visitors must park in the south entrance, which is two miles away from the grove. The shuttle busses pick up visitors every 10-20 minutes. Visitors with disability placards can drive to the Grizzly Giant parking area rather than take the shuttle in. Here are a few great hikes within Mariposa Grove:

• Big Trees Loop

This is a very short and easy 0.3 miles (0.4 km) loop trail, that is wheelchair accessible, leading you to the Fallen Monarch tree. 

• Grizzly Giant Loop

This is a 2 mile (3.2 km) mile loop trail that’s rated as moderate, with a 300 (91m) elevation gain. In addition to the Grizzly, you will pass other famous trees in the lower grove like the Fallen Monarch, Bachelor, Three Graces, and the California Tunnel Tree. 

• Guardians Loop Trail 

This is a 6.5 mile (10.5 km) strenuous loop trail, with an elevation gain of 1000 ft (305 m). In addition to passing by Grizzly Giant Loop trees, the trail passes by some notable spots in the upper grove like the  Telescope Tree, the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree and the Mariposa Grove Cabin. 

• Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point 

This is another somewhat strenuous hike that’s 7.0 miles (11.3 km) in total, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet (366 m). In addition to the Grizzly Giant Loop trees, you pass by portions of the upper grove, including famous sequoias like Three Graces, the Gaintful Coupole, the Bachelor and the Clothespin Tree. This also leads you to the historic Wawona Point (6,800 ft.)  that has a beautiful overlook with a panoramic view. 

Looking for a cabin near the hikes? Check out our Current Specials!

All of our 120 Redwoods In Yosemite cabins are located in historic Wawona, near the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park, just a few miles from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Relaxing and private, these fully equipped vacation homes border the wild and scenic South Fork of The Merced River, the Wawona swinging bridge and Chilnualna Falls (the second highest vertical drop waterfalls in Yosemite)! Our Event Center includes full use of the Fireside Room and adjacent deck, with audio and visual equipment and a catering kitchen. Many of our cabins are pet friendly, some feature spa tubs, and all have private decks with BBQ’s and upgraded linens for that, “Home Away from Home” experience. Come on up! Relax. Explore. Escape!

Text credit: Christina Kantzavelos, BuenQamino

Yosemite National Park brings in over four million visitors each year!  Since 4 million yearly fans can’t be wrong, there are many reasons to want to visit Yosemite, and plenty of reasons to stay within the park boundaries during your next visit. During peak season, we expect large crowds, heaps of cars, traffic delays (sometimes 1-2 hours), busy attractions, and limited parking and lodging. Here are five reasons why staying in Wawona will allow you to spend less time in your car, and more time enjoying what this great park has to offer… 

1. Avoid the Morning Wait at the Southern Entrance. 

Waiting for any attraction is as certain as taxes, and the wait for the entrance to Yosemite can begin up to two miles before you reach the Southern Gate, or other entrances too. After finally driving up to the entrance, why would you want to squander  extra waiting in your car? If you’re already in the park, the morning wait is one less thing to worry about, so you can spend your precious vacation time wisely. 

2. How To Spend Less Time Spent Driving in the Valley 

If you’re staying closer to Yosemite Valley (in the heart of the park), you have easier access to the park’s free shuttle. Once in the valley, we strongly encourage you to take the free bus rides or book a valley tram tour for example. The shuttle runs from 7 AM – 10 PM daily, and provides access to all of the valley’s hot spots. The more people who opt for the use of the shuttle, the less traffic within the park. It takes about 35-40 minutes, a 26 mile drive, from Wawona to Yosemite Valley.  Renting a bicycle is also a great option!

3. Wawona Walking Distance Perks 

Staying in Wawona means you are within walking distance to two local markets, a restaurant in a historical national landmark such as the The Wawona Hotel, gas station, The Pioneer History Village, Thomas Hill Studio, Wawona Stables, barn dancing, stagecoach rides, river walks, swim hole hikes and dips, waterfall access, golfing, a beautiful library, a laundry facility, (deep breath!) and the Mariposa Grove. Basically, you have access to all of these perks from your private home rental nestled in a historic, mountainous, small town inside a national park. 

4. Access to the Mariposa Grove Shuttle from Wawona 

If you’re a guest at The Redwoods, then you’re entitled to a free Mariposa Grove Shuttle from Wawona (park and ride at the Wawona General Store near the gas station) to the newly reopened Mariposa Grove Plaza, from where another quick 5 minute bus/shuttle takes you inside the giant sequoia grove.  

5. Fall asleep underneath the Redwoods or lay on a meadow stargazing

There is nothing more serene than staying away from the city buzz, to fall asleep underneath a clear sky in the shade of the Redwoods. You can see just why Theodore Roosevelt had his breath taken away when he first arrived here. There is nothing like enjoying the early mornings, sunset, and evenings in the tranquility of Yosemite’s spectacular natural beauty, so grab the blanket and a picnic basket, and find your spot under Wawona’s starry skies this summer and fall!

Have we convinced you to plan your next stay within the Yosemite National Park?

All of our cozy Redwoods cabins and spacious vacation homes are located in Wawona, at the Southern entrance of Yosemite, just 6 miles from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (don’t forget the free shuttle access). Relaxing and private, our fully equipped vacation homes and cabins border the wild and scenic South Fork of The Merced River, the Wawona swinging bridge and Chilnualna Falls (the second highest vertical drop waterfalls in Yosemite)! Our Event Center includes full use of the Fireside Room and adjacent deck, with an audio and visual equipment and a catering kitchen. Many of our cabins are pet friendly, some feature spa tubs, and all have private decks with BBQ’s and upgraded linens for that, “Home Away from Home” experience. Relax, explore, escape! 

Find your cozy cabin or spacious vacation home here!

Text collaborator: Christina Kantzavelos, BuenQamino

*activities are subject to change. For the most up-to-date park news and accessibility please click or tap here here.

The Redwoods In Yosemite Year-Round Vacation Home Rentals, Wedding and Event Center Reopening News Release

Wawona, CA – We are excited to confirm that as of July 28, 2022, visitors of Yosemite National Park are able to stay in our vacation home rental accommodations at The Redwoods In Yosemite.

A reminder, Yosemite National Park day-use reservations are not required for Redwoods guests. As usual you can make a cabin or vacation home reservation online at www.redwoodsinyosemite.com.

Our wedding and event center has resumed operations as well and you can find out more about the current wedding/group size requirements by calling our Events Coordinator at 877-496-3052 or visiting our website.

As you may know, on July 8, 2022 we had to close our Redwoods facility on Chilnualna Falls Road and evacuate due to the Washburn Fire burning near Wawona and The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. All of our Wawona employees were evacuated for a 14 day period and we thank everyone who helped with housing our staff during this time! Simultaneously, The Redwoods team worked closely with our Wawona Rangers and first responders on evacuating over 70 vacation homes that day, ensuring all of our in-house visitors have left the area safely and quickly. Over 470 reservations made by visitors from all over the world had to be canceled by our front desk team. More importantly though, we are so relieved that the preservation of Mariposa Grove and Wawona was successful, without loss of human life, and we are back in Wawona to serve guests, homeowners, and the Wawona community to the best of our abilities. Thank you once more, Yosemite Fire and Aviation + NPS, Incident Teams 6 + 15 and all first responders, hot shot crews and fire fighting vendors and personnel for saving historic Wawona and The Big Trees!

These days the saddest news however, come from Mariposa, where currently the Oak Fire is still burning with 45% containment. The blaze, although more than 10 miles away from Wawona, feels very close to the soul and is burning a scar into our #MariposaStrong hearts. With over 100 single-home residences now destroyed in the Jerseydale/Midpines area of the Oak Fire, we would like to focus on finding ways to help the victims in any way possible in these harsh times.

To anyone able to help, please consider the following:

Make monetary donations to the Mariposa Community Foundation

https://www.mariposacommunity.foundation/

Make monetary donations to the Alliance for Community Transformations

https://givebutter.com/Oakfire

Make clothing and shoe donations to the American Red Cross at the below locations:

Mariposa Elementary School

Stage Stop Gas Station

Mariposa Disposal

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is accepting any person or group wishing to volunteer

Call: (209) 966-5911 or (559) 683-4911

To our incoming guests, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for the most current conditions and information in the park. The smoke impact of the Oak Fire has significantly reduced in the last few days and we recommend for you to keep your reservation and not lose your place in line for the home rental of your choosing at The Redwoods. Although Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remains closed at this time for post-firefighting cleanup and debris removal, Nelder Grove, Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove are open for visitors.

Thank you!

Warm regards,

The Redwoods In Yosemite Mariposa Strong Team

As you may know, on July 8, 2022 at 4:04 p.m. we had to close The Redwoods facility on Chilnualna Falls Road and evacuate our Yosemite offices in Wawona until further notice. The Washburn Fire became a threat to Wawona and guests, residents and staff were ordered by NPS to leave the area as quickly as possible. We have compiled a list of useful links below if you need to be current on the fire progression.

Follow our social media channels and you can also stay tuned to the below for more pertinent fire info:

• Inciweb Washburn Fire
• Evacuation Map
• Deadwood PG&E Camera
• Redwoods Roof Wawona Dome Camera
• Flight Tracker (you can monitor what air attacks and recon flights are ongoing)
• Central Sierra Tac Team Public Broadcasting
• Smoke Map
• CalTopo (check fire activity, fire history, distance proximity, etc.)
• Yosemite Fire and Aviation Facebook

Public Facebook Groups and channels:

• Jeff Aiello Talk of The Hill
• Yosemite Incident Feed
• Mountain Fire and Emergency
• The Lookout
• Jenna’s Workshop

The Redwoods In Yosemite News Release

Release Date: February 25, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

Media:    [email protected]

The Redwoods In Yosemite Vacation Home Rentals, Wedding and Event Center Reopen on March 1, 2021

Wawona, CA – We are excited to confirm that beginning March 1, 2021, visitors of Yosemite National Park will be able to stay in our vacation home rental accommodations at The Redwoods In Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park day-use reservations are no longer required for all park visitors and Redwoods guests, including annual and senior pass holders.

As usual you can make a cabin or vacation home reservation online at www.redwoodsinyosemite.com and for Covid-19 related health and safety information, please visit: https://redwoodsinyosemite.com/blog/covid-19-measures-and-precautions-at-the-redwoods-in-yosemite/

Our wedding and event center is resuming operations as well and you can find out more about the current wedding/group size requirements by calling our Events Coordinator at 877-496-3052.

Please be mindful of ongoing infrastructure related construction in the area. There will be utility and tree removing crews working in Wawona for the next few weeks and more, so please be alert and drive with caution. If your stay with us is heavily dependent on a solid internet connection, we advise to contact our Reservations team at 888-225-6666 before booking your vacation home. As of now, our homes and main building show low to mediocre bandwidth internet/data speeds.

For the most up-to-date current conditions in Yosemite National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Have a safe trip and we look forward to re-connecting with you all!

If you’re thinking about visiting Yosemite, an autumn trip can be a great idea. There’s still a lot to see during the autumn season, and for those who can’t get away in the summer or don’t like the summer traffic, planning a fall trip might be the best option. In general, lots of people are planning natural outings for fall, when temperate climates have just begun to shrug off the summer heat. It’s a magical time – so why not go to Yosemite and see some of the grandest American scenery in the country, carefully curated by National Parks and other stakeholders

Visit During the Quiet Off-Peak Season

During the fall season, the Yosemite experience is different. You’ll sense a chill in the air – (for those used to more southerly climates, there will be an extra chill in the air) – and some of the waterways might not be as active as they were in the spring and summer months. Some areas of the park will be closed, but there’s still a lot to see and enjoy.

Fall Foliage

Just because many parts of our natural areas are filled with evergreens doesn’t mean you won’t see beautiful fall foliage in Yosemite. Some of the videos on various websites online show the beautiful golds, reds, and other hues of deciduous leaves through October and into November

Tour Yosemite Valley

Although some of the upper trails may be closed as winter approaches, Yosemite Valley is open all year round, and it’s an amazing scenic part of the local area.

Visitors often describe the gigantic rock formations of the Valley surroundings as “sculpted” – and for those who are used to the hill country, this is quite a grand and impressive panorama. Enjoy walking the valley forests and staring up at the formidable terrain of ancient glacial deposits with a lot more open parking and elbow room!

At The Redwoods in Yosemite, we have your lodging options available including camper cabins, comfortable homes, and amenities to help you enjoy nearby areas like Wawona Loop and other most popular trailheads or scenic areas that draw so many visitors all year.

Take a look at our lodging specials online for the fall season, and think about how these nature-adjacent lodging options can help you get closer to the somber beauty of Yosemite in the fall. You can use our online promotional codes to book at discount prices. Call with any questions – we’ll be excited to help you to plan your trip. Come see the beauty of Yosemite in a relaxing and convenient setting.

Staying active is the key component to living a long and healthy life. Finding the right outdoor activities will require you to invest some time and effort in research. If you love the outdoors and getting plenty of cardio exercise, then hiking may be a good activity. Each year, over 42 million people go on hikes in the United States.

If you are looking for some breathtaking scenery to take a hike through, then you need to plan a trip to Yosemite National Park. There are tons of great hiking trails here but you will need to prepare before you head off down the trail. If you are hiking during the winter months, then you need to consider the following tips to ensure you have a good experience.

Check Weather Conditions Before You Start Hiking

Trying to have a great hiking experience without proper planning is an impossible feat. This is why you need to work in the months leading up to your hike in Yosemite to make a great plan of attack. Not only will you need to figure out what trail you are going to be hiking on, you will also need to get an idea of what the weather will be like.

Ideally, you want to choose a day that has plenty of sunlight to go on a hike. Since it gets darker much earlier during this time of year, you will have to time your hike perfectly. Ignoring the need for a check of the weather will only lead to problems during your hike. Knowing if and when rain is moving into the area is vital when trying to avoid getting stuck outside during bad weather. Luckily, there are a number of websites and mobile apps that can provide you with the weather-related information you are seeking.

Be Sure to Dress For the Occasion

When planning out your hiking trip through Yosemite, you need to dress for the experience. Trying to wear tennis shoes and shorts on a winter hike can be disastrous. This is why you need to focus on getting some comfortable shoes with plenty of grip and warm clothing. As the day unfolds, the temperatures outside will start to rise. This is why dressing in layers is a good idea.

If you have a shirt made of a breathable material under a heavy jacket, it will be easy to stay comfortable. The money you spend on new hiking clothing will be worth it in the long run.

Bring Along Plenty of Drinks and Healthy Snacks

If you are planning a longer hike through Yosemite, you are sure to get hungry and thirsty. Packing plenty of water and some healthy snacks can help you have an enjoyable hike. Most hikers enjoy things like protein bars because they are lightweight and provide vital nutrients.

Planning on Visiting Yosemite?

If you are planning on visiting Yosemite Nation Park in the near future, reach out to the team at The Redwoods in Yosemite. We have all of the accommodations you need to enjoy your trip to this iconic park.

Getting married is something over 2.4 million Americans do on an annual basis. If you are like most people, making sure your wedding is both appealing and memorable is something you are adamant about. One of the first things you need to decide when planning a wedding is where you will have the ceremony.

If you and your soulmate love the beauty of nature, then getting married in Yosemite is a great idea. While having a wedding here can be beautiful, it will also require a lot of planning. Failing to plan out every detail of your outdoor wedding can be problematic. Here are some of the things you need to do to make your dream of a beautiful outdoor wedding a reality.

Be Sure to Dress Accordingly

While getting married outdoors can be enjoyable, there are also a number of factors that may be out of your control. One of these factors is the weather. In the days leading up to your outdoor wedding ceremony, you need to continuously check the weather. Staying on top of any developing changes in temperature or bad weather conditions is crucial. With this information, you and your guests can dress accordingly.

If the weather outside is going to be hot that day, you need to dress for both style and comfort. Wearing a wedding gown made of a sheer and breathable material is one of the best ways to avoid getting overheated. Making these small changes can make your outdoor wedding ceremony more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Don’t Take On This Planning Process Alone

If you and your partner are passionate about having an outdoor wedding, you need to avoid taking on the planning process on your own. Planning a wedding is difficult, which is why you need to enlist the help of experienced professionals. Hiring a wedding planner and an experienced wedding photographer is an essential part of having a great wedding.

These professionals will be able to use their past experience with planning outdoor weddings to offer you guidance. Refusing to get this type of professional help may lead to big mistakes being made. These mistakes can affect your wedding day in a very negative way. The money paid for this type of professional guidance will be worth it in the long run.

Always Have a Back-Up Plan

One of the main pieces of advice you will receive from professionals when planning an outdoor wedding is to have a back-up plan. If a stray rainstorm hits during your wedding, you need to have an inside venue nearby to run to. Most wedding venue suppliers will have a variety of locations they can offer. By having a back-up plan in place, you can avoid weather-related wedding disasters.

A Wedding in Nature

If you want to have your wedding in Yosemite, the professionals at The Redwoods in Yosemite can help you out. Contact us for more information on the wedding venues we have for rent.

Dealing with stress is something most adults are familiar with. The longer you allow the stress in your life to build, the harder it will be to avoid serious mental and physical health issues. Taking a vacation can help you forget about your problems for a while.

The average American adult takes around 18 vacation days a year. The key to having a great time on vacation is choosing the right destination. If you love nature and being outdoors, then planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is a great idea.

Here are some of the things you need to consider when planning your first trip to Yosemite.

Plan to Stay a Few Days

Yosemite National Park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails. The total size of this national park is roughly 748,000 acres. With all of this ground to cover, you need to come and stay for a few days. Most seasoned Yosemite enthusiasts recommend newcomers spend up to 3 days in the park on their first trip.

Not only will this give you time to see all of the natural wonders contained in this natural park, it will also give you time to relax and forget about your stress. Finding the right accommodations should be one of your main concerns. Luckily, there are rental homes and luxury cabins all around Yosemite for rent. With a bit of online research, finding the right place to stay will be a breeze.

Get Your Car Ready For the Trip

If you are traveling to Yosemite for the first time, it is best to plan your arrival during the daytime. This is due in part to the fact that the roads leading into this national treasure are a bit narrow and winding. If you are driving your own vehicle to Yosemite, you need to spend some time getting it ready.

During the winter months, snowfall is a near certainty in Yosemite. Taking along a set of snow chains may be a must when trying to navigate the roadways of this national park with ease and compliant to park requirements in winter. You should also be aware that there are 3 gas stations open year-round at Wawona (Hwy 41), El Portal (Hwy 140) and at Crane Flat (Hwy 120) and one gas station open seasonally at Tuolumne Meadows (generally June through October) on the Tioga Road. There are two electrical vehicle charging station in Yosemite Valley.

Properly Preparing For Hikes in Yosemite is Important

As previously mentioned, Yosemite National Park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails. If you are going on vacation in Yosemite to test out some of these trails, you need to plan out your excursions ahead of time.

The Yosemite website has a guide that contains information about each of the hiking trails and how difficult they are to navigate. With this information, you can begin the process of picking the right trails to use during your stay at Yosemite. You can also check YosemiteHikes.com

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Are you looking for great accommodations in and around Yosemite National Park? If so, contact the team at The Redwoods in Yosemite for more information about the home and cabin rentals we can provide.

Everybody knows that Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of adventure, fun outdoor activities and breathtaking natural landscapes. After all, who hasn’t had their breath taken away by seeing El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall alight with the ember-like glow during late February? However, visiting Yosemite isn’t something that should be reserved exclusively for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, for those of you who want to combine their love of nature with their love of their significant other, a jaunt down to Yosemite could be just what you need to both ignite and keep your home fires burning.

Spend Valentine’s Day with Us

While there are advantages to visiting Yosemite National Park throughout the year, something about February makes it extra special. Horsetail Fall, for instance, takes on its famous fiery appearance during the last couple of weeks of this month. Of course, if you’re hoping to spend Valentine’s Day with us, we’ll go above and beyond to make sure you and your special someone have an amazing time. We boast hot tubs, romantic hikes, and fine dining. When booking your reservation with us, please be sure to ask about our ongoing promotions!

Tie the Knot While Visiting Yosemite

Your wedding day is going to be arguably one of the most important days of your life. When it comes to planning this beautiful celebration of love, you want to make sure the day is as wonderful as your love for your significant other. Why not exchange your vows with the phenomenal vistas of Yosemite right behind you? We have highly skilled event planners who are ready to help your wedding day go smoothly, ensuring that the tears shed that day will be only tears of happiness and love.

Rent a Cabin for Your Anniversary

If you fell in love in Yosemite, and you got married here with us, why not also celebrate the important milestones of your anniversary with us, too? Even if this is your first time coming to visit, we have the finest luxury accommodations that you desire to make you feel that spark – no matter if this is your first anniversary or you’ve been celebrating fifty years together! If you’re looking for something a little more rustic, we’ve got you covered there, too. No matter your tastes, we want you to feel welcome when you stay here.

Without a doubt, Yosemite National Park is absolutely for lovers. From our incredible views to our cozy accommodations, we have everything you need to help you fall in love and stay in love. To learn more about how we here at The Redwoods In Yosemite can help make your special occasion even more romantic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!