Wawona Meadow Loop - Escaping the Busy Yosemite Valley Crowds
Hi friends! This week we’re adventuring inside Yosemite National Park at a spot I love for avoiding crowds. Nestled within the Wawona Basin lies a hidden park gem perfect for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels. Join me in the southern region of Yosemite along the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail.
Historic Wawona Golf Course along the Wawona Meadow Loop
Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park
Location
The Wawona Meadow Loop is situated 25 miles outside Yosemite Valley and just 6 miles north of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Fish Camp, California. The trailhead is easily accessible from the historic Wawona Hotel & the Wawona General Store...each typically has ample parking and can be used as the starting point of this scenic journey. This tranquil area offers a serene escape from the busy Yosemite Valley crowds amidst the natural wonders of the park, promising breathtaking views and a peaceful stroll through picturesque alpine meadows and woodlands.
Wawona Meadow Loop Trailhead in Yosemite National Park
My Photography Gear
I get so many questions about what equipment we use on our adventures, so below I’ve listed out our most used photo gear 😊
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Wawona Meadow Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park
Upper Chilnualna Falls seen across the Wawona Basin from the trailhead
Hiking Trail
This loop trail covers just over 3.5 miles with less than 100 feet in elevation change. As you cross Wawona Road to begin on this hike you might be struck by two surprises. First, you’ll notice a golf course is directly in front of you...yes in 1918, a 9-hole golf course was constructed here to entertain park guests, although as a lover of this park’s natural beauty it’s hard for me to understand why a golf course was needed a century ago to attract visitors. The second surprise is that the beginning of this trail is somewhat paved. That’s because the trail follows the historic meadow loop road, which was built here in 1891 and was originally paved. However, as you hike you’ll see how nature has begun to reclaim this road, as only the beginning paved section remains visible. As you begin on the trail, look back towards the Wawona Hotel and you’ll actually see Upper Chilnualna Falls flowing in the Spring (for more details on this waterfall, see my Chilnualna Falls blog post). Most of the trail features a wide and relatively smooth path, making it ideal for families, casual hikers, and even runners seeking a refreshing jog amidst nature's splendor.
Flowering dogwood along Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Wawona Meadow Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park
Trail Highlights
Much of the first section of the trail is flanked by towering pine trees, and then followed by large black oak, cedar and dogwood trees, making this a perfect hike, even on a warm sunny Summer day. Along with breathtaking views of the Wawona Basin throughout this hike, you might notice very old fencing around the perimeter of the trail. From the mid-1850s until the early 1930s the purveyors of the Wawona Hotel used this meadow to grow fruits & vegetables and to graze livestock.
As you traverse the Wawona Meadow Loop, you encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna. From towering trees lining the path to the vibrant hues of wildflowers adorning the meadow in Spring, each step reveals nature's breathtaking beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, adding an element of excitement to your journey. This is a popular hike for birdwatching, and deer, black bears, bobcats, and coyote can frequently be spotted here. In the Spring and early summer months you can expect to have one or two short creek crossings and the trail can get a bit muddy, but it is often accessible year round. While much of Yosemite National Park can feel packed with the mid-day Summer crowds, this is a hike you can expect to enjoy solitude, even when the rest of the park is bustling. Whether you’re a leisurely stroller or an avid hiker, this trail caters to all adventurers.
Crossing a creek along Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Old pasture fence along Wawona Meadow Loop
Area History
This area is steeped in history. Make sure to take time and read the many information panels found along this trail for details on the area and its rich history. This Wawona Meadow holds vast Native American heritage as well as an important role in early park development. The native Ahwahneechee people were long active here, and as you wander you may stumble upon ancient mortars, remnants of a time when this tranquil meadow served as a gathering place for indigenous peoples. The Miwok tribe are known to have called this whole area Pallahchun, which means “a good place to stop.”
Along with the historic fencing and cattle chutes around the edge of the meadow are signs of all the human uses that have changed the meadow's ecology over time (like the golf course found at the far west end of the trail). In 1851, the Mariposa Battalion passed by here on their way into Yosemite Valley. The historic Wawona Hotel quickly became a stopping place for visitors on their way to and from Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. For a short time there was even a landing strip in the middle of this meadow to allow for air service into Wawona. As recently as the 1970s, this meadow was used as a pasture for horses from the Wawona Stables. In fact, after your hike along the loop I’d encourage you to head up the road for a half mile to the Yosemite History Center, which features some of Yosemite’s oldest structures and the stories behind them. See my full Yosemite History Center blog post for details.
Massive oak tree along Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Historic Wawona Golf Course in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Yosemite, it’s incredibly important to visit the official Yosemite NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, as well as details on park entry reservations.
• The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is dog-friendly, but please keep your pets on a short leash due to the abundant wildlife in the area.
• Parking is available at the Wawona Hotel parking lot across the street, with additional options nearby.
• Restrooms can be found at the Wawona Hotel and Wawona General Store.
• Keep a watchful eye out for horseback riders, cyclists, and fellow hikers sharing the trail.
• This is black bear country. Bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife can be present on this trail at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Make sure to properly store your food...bear canisters can be found at the Wawona Road parking lot.
• My favorite hotel to stay at when adventuring in this part of the park is Tenaya at Yosemite, which is in nearby Fish Camp just outside the southern park entrance. For more information on staying with Tenaya at Yosemite, check out my complete Tenaya property and hotel review.
Top 10 Yosemite Spots to Avoid Crowds
Coyote seen along Wawona Meadow Loop in Yosemite
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Snow plant spotted along Wawona Meadow Loop in Spring
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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