When you make a vacation home rental reservation at The Redwoods In Yosemite, you know that you’ll be staying in a private cabin inside Yosemite National Park, with incredible access to the myriad sights and activities that people travel from around the world to see.
Note: When the park institutes a reservation system, a cabin rental in Wawona from The Redwoods In Yosemite is enough to get you access to the park without having to get a separate day-use reservation.
There are many things to do and see right near Wawona. Plus you’ll be within easy striking distance of other in-park destinations like the views from Glacier Point and the iconic Yosemite Valley waterfalls as well as views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Wawona Hikes
The Wawona Meadow Loop is one of the dog-friendly trails in Yosemite.
With a Redwoods In Yosemite cabin as your home base, you’ll also find plenty of activities even closer to home.
There are great hikes nearby that you can start right from your doorstep without even getting in a car. Try the Chilnualna Falls Trail for views of cascades and waterfalls, the Wawona Meadow Loop for a casual stroll around the outskirts of the meadow, or Swinging Bridge along with a bit of swimming when the season is right.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is only a few minute drive from the cabins in Wawona. Enjoy spending time with family and friends while marveling at these ancient trees.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is also practically in your backyard. This is Yosemite’s largest and most impressive grove of giant sequoias. Most prefer to take the short drive to the parking area and walk from there, however, the ambitious can walk straight from Wawona. The trail connects to the outer loop trail of the Mariposa Grove after 4.4 miles (7.1 km) one-way.
Note: the free shuttles will not be running during the summer of 2021, so there is a ~2-mile (3.2 km) hike (one way) to get to the lower grove.
Wawona History
Pioneer History Center – Stroll across the historic covered bridge and between a collection of historic Yosemite buildings to get a glimpse of earlier days at the Pioneer History Center. During the summer, chat with blacksmiths at work at the forge, and other living history actors who bring stories to life.
Learn about historic painter Thomas Hill at this exhibit at the Thomas Hill Studio in Wawona.
Thomas Hill Studio – Swing by the Thomas Hill Studio for a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century artist, famous in part for his rich landscape paintings of Yosemite. This small building close to Wawona Hotel is now part visitor center and part free museum.
Wawona Hotel – Explore the elegant Victorian hotel that greets visitors to Wawona. Built in 1876, Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After wandering the grounds, the wide verandas are the perfect place for lunch and an afternoon lemonade.
Other Things to Do in Wawona
Unlike the Swinging Bridge in Yosemite Valley the Wawona Swinging Bridge actually swings and sways as you step lightly across the river.
You don’t have to go far for a fun-filled day. Take a break from the car and explore some of the exciting things Wawona has to offer. (Note that some of these activities are available seasonally, please call ahead to check for availability before making your plans.)
Golf and Disc Golf – Wawona’s own nine-hole par-35 golf course is just across the street from town. You can rent clubs and carts at Wawona Hotel. Or change it up and enjoy a round of disc golf on select afternoons.
Horseback Riding – Trot on over to the Wawona Stables for a convenient Western riding experience along the edge of Wawona Meadow/Golf Course. (Or saddle up over at Yosemite Trails to ride with real cowboys (and girls) through mountain streams and pine-scented national forest land.)
Swimming – Exploring Wawona’s swimming holes is a summertime highlight. Grab a towel and stroll out to some of the best swimming holes in the area.
Tennis – Get in a few sets at the beautiful outdoor tennis court at Wawona Hotel. There is a small court fee for non-hotel guests.
Stay cool at one of the refreshing swimming holes in Wawona.
Fishing – The rivers and creeks surrounding Wawona have plentiful brookies, browns, and rainbows. For the inside line, spend the day with one of the fishing guides at Yosemite Sierra Fly Fisher.
Geocaching Scavenger Hunt – A fun way to explore the local area. Check with the front desk at The Redwoods In Yosemite for more information.
Free Ranger Programs – Enrich your Yosemite experience by spending a few hours with a knowledgeable NPS ranger. Programs vary throughout the year. Check with the front desk for a current schedule.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Yosemite Tour – Relax and let the tour guide do the driving while you kick back and soak in the great Yosemite stories your guide will share with you at Discover Yosemite Tours. Check out special group rates. Discover Yosemite Tours picks up at nearby Fish Camp (~20 min. drive).
Ride a steam train back into history at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
Ride a Steam Train – Take a ride in an open-air car through the Sierra Nevada aboard a vintage narrow-gauge steam engine at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Pick up your 10% off coupon at the front desk at The Redwoods In Yosemite. (~20 min. away)
Axe Throwing – Time to flex your lumberjack credentials with Yosemite Axe Throwing. This activity is sure to hit the bullseye for fun and unique experiences! No experience necessary. (~35 min. away)
Rent a bike at Pedal Forward to explore Yosemite or take on the trails in the Sierra National Forest.
Rent a Bike – Pedal Forward in Oakhurst rents bikes and bike racks so that you can get around Yosemite Valley more easily, ride up to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, or explore the many National Forest trails nearby. A good way to commute – and lots of fun. (~35 min. away)
Off-Road Adventures – Get ready for some off-road action with Yosemite Adventure Co. This is a powerful way to get off the beaten path and explore National Forest lands around Yosemite. Take a tour – drive your own RZR or have an exciting Jeep 4X4 experience with a knowledgeable guide at the wheel. (~30 min. away)
Millers Landing Watersport Rentals – Want to combine your time in the mountains with some fun on the water? Stop by Millers Landing Watersport Rentals to rent anything from ski boats to kayaks to enjoy time on the water at Bass Lake. Mention you’re a guest of The Redwoods for a 15% discount. (~50 min. away)
Yosemite Trails horseback rides wind through high alpine forests and across streams.
Yosemite Trails – It’s a little further away than the Wawona Stables, but if you want an authentic riding experience with a family-run operation that raises their own quarter horses and actively runs cattle it’s worth the short drive. (~25 min. away)