Wawona Point

Wawona Point is little known point located approximately 3.5 miles from the parking lot of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. From an elevation of 6,810′ you are presented with a bird’s-eye view of Wawona.

Trail Map

On February 23, 2002 I decided to take advantage of a recent snowstorm and try out my new snowshoes. I decided on a trip to Wawona Point. I have been to Yosemite dozens of times, but always passed up this area in favor of Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.

After parking the car in the parking lot across from the Wawona Entrance Gate, I started the two mile walk up the gated portion of the Mariposa Grove Road.

The "trail" is definitely well-marked. With the road closed for winter, I found humor in these road signs.

The "trail" is definitely well-marked. With the road closed for winter, I found humor in these road signs.

After an easy 2 mile walk up the Mariposa Grove Road I finally reached the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

At the Mariposa Grove parking lot you can pick up a trail guide for 50 cents. It has a small map of the area as well as a brief history of the grove. I brought along Michael C. White's book, <em>"Snowshoe Trails of Yosemite"</em> but I ended up using the trail guide, mainly because of portability. This time of year you can walk the paved Tram route or stick to the foot path. I did a little of both.

After the parking lot I took the main trail through the Lower Grove towards the Fallen Monarch Tree. According to the trail guide, this is the same tree photographed in 1899 with the U.S. Cavalry officers standing beside their horses while on top of the tree.

Approximately one mile from the Fallen Monarch Tree stands the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest trees in the grove and one of the oldest Sequoias at an estimated age of 2,700 years old.

About 50 yards past the Grizzly Giant stands one of two "Tunnel Trees" in the grove. The California Tunnel Tree cut in 1895 for stagecoaches is the only standing tunnel tree. The other more famous, Wawona Tunnel Tree, fell in 1969 after a record winter snowfall caused it to collapse.

Leaving the California Tunnel Tree behind, as well as the snow. Not much of a snowshoe trip so far, but I am enjoying the trip.

One of many decisions to make today. I don't think I'll head to Fish Camp on this outing.

Having seen less than a dozen people all day, including a couple from Minnesota just visiting for the day, it is hard to imagine this trail will be crawling with tourists 4 months from now. I enjoy the solitude…

Wintertime hiking brings more obstacles to overcome. The trail crews will have a busy spring this year.

Once past the Clothespin Tree, camping is allowed from December 1 to April 15. A wilderness permit must be secured for overnight stays. I don't know what particular tree this is. I'm just trying to give a perspective on how tall these trees really are.

SNOW!! Finally at the restrooms near the Upper Grove there is enough snow to justify putting on the snowshoes!

After putting on my snowshoes I traveled over to the Mariposa Grove Museum. The snow was as high as the split-rail fence, allowing me to walk over the fence. The cabin which houses the museum was built in 1930 on the site where Galen Clark had built a small cabin back in 1861.

Making my way past the museum on the Tram route now, I pause to enjoy the quiet surroundings and take in the scenery.

Reaching the Galen Clark Tree (not shown) and the last ½ mile to Wawona Point and lunch. I haven't seen anybody in the last 1½ miles and there are no tracks in the snow going to Wawona Point. Solitude.

Reaching the Galen Clark Tree (not shown) and the last ½ mile to Wawona Point and lunch. I haven't seen anybody in the last 1½ miles and there are no tracks in the snow going to Wawona Point. Solitude.

Having reached my destination I walk over to the point and have lunch. There are no crowds of tourists to obstruct my view and the only noise is the sound of the wind.

From my vantage point I can see the Wawona Valley. The Wawona Golf Course is that brown spot in the center.

One more picture, this time looking slightly east of the last one, and then it's time to head back. While I was disappointed in the lack of snow, the solitude I found more than made up for it. Until next time…