Wawona Things to Do Tips by Karnubawax

Pioneer History Center

Yosemite's many beautiful sights speak for themselves... and it's a good thing too because most of the museums in and around Yosemite are pretty awful.

One notable exception is the Pioneer History Center in Wawona. The artwork here is architecture - historic structures moved to one spot from all over Yosemite. The covered bridge is, I believe, the only thing that hasn't ben moved. The stories behind the buildings are all very nice, but it's great just to walk through and just feel the history!

This a great place to take kids - it's right next to the parking lot and easy walking distance to the store which is well stocked with ice cream! There's a horse stable here as well, though it wasn't open on the day I went. If you like old architecture and like it all in one place then this is the place for you! Honestly though, the Yosemite PHC blows doors on any of the so-called museums Valley proper.

Address: Hwy 41 - Wawona

Directions: In the rear of the giant Wawona store parking lot

Mariposa Grove - Giant Sequoias

BIG TREES!

The Maiposa Grove is one of three stands of giant sequoias located in Yosemite National Park. It's also the biggest and the easiest to get to.

There is a road from Hwy 41 to the lower grove, but this road is sometimes closd in high season if the lot is full. If this happens, then you'll have to take the free shuttle from the parking lot at the Wawona store. The ride is short, comfortable and cool - waiting in the line will be none of those things!

Once there you can hike through the lower grove or take a tour to the upper grove (read my scathing review under transportation). You can hike to the upper grove as well, but it's about 2 miles and all uphill.

It's hard to really appreciate how big these trees are from ground level... you get a better feel for it on the hike downhill. But there are some really magnificent specimens, and they're really awe-inspiring (even for someone like me who grew up in tree country). There's no need to make a whole day out of it, but a lower grove hike can be a good lo-energy morning or afternoon trip - provided you don't spend too much time on shuttle buses.

Address: Off of Hwy 41 - Wawona