Things to Do in Yosemite | Hiking, Sequoias, Skiing & More

🥾 Hiking Adventures

World-class trails right from your doorstep

Featured Hike

Chilnualna Falls

8.2 miles round-trip 2,300 ft elevation gain Moderate-Strenuous

One of Yosemite's most spectacular and least crowded waterfall hikes. The trail climbs steadily through shaded forest to three magnificent cascades, including the main 240-foot drop. Swimming holes await at the top during summer months.

Trailhead Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona (2 miles from cabin)

Best Time May-June for peak waterfall flow, spring wildflowers

Duration 4-7 hours

🥾 Open in AllTrails NPS Info →

Wawona Meadow Loop

3.5 miles Easy 1-2 hours

A gentle loop through beautiful riparian meadows with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Perfect for morning walks or evening strolls to spot deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species.

🥾 Open in AllTrails NPS Info →

Yosemite Valley Trails

45 min drive All skill levels

Access iconic hikes including Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Mirror Lake Loop, and Valley Floor Loop. Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Falls for the adventurous. Arrive early to beat crowds!

Mist Trail Mirror Lake Valley Floor Half Dome

All Valley Trails →

🏊 Swimming & Water Fun

Cool off in crystal-clear Sierra waters

Local Favorite

Wawona Swinging Bridge

0.5 mile walk Easy Summer only

A hidden gem featuring the best natural rock water slide in Yosemite! The historic suspension bridge actually sways as you cross the South Fork of the Merced River. Large boulder-lined pools, warm granite slabs for sunbathing, and crystal-clear water make this the perfect summer escape.

Getting There From Forest Drive, 0.25 mile flat trail to bridge

Best Time Late June - August (safe water levels)

Pro Tip Bring water shoes - rocks can be slippery!

⚠️ Safety: Never swim during spring snowmelt (April-May). Check water conditions before entering.

Swimming Info →

South Fork Merced River

Multiple access points Free

The wild and scenic Merced River offers numerous swimming holes and peaceful spots for wading, fishing, and relaxing. Look for quiet pools along Wawona Road or explore near the historic Wawona Hotel.

Explore →

🌲 Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Walk among ancient giants over 3,000 years old

Experience Living History

Yosemite's largest sequoia grove is just minutes from the cabin, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias including the famous Grizzly Giant (1,800 years old, 30 ft diameter) and the California Tunnel Tree you can walk through.

Trail Options

Big Tree Loop Short • Easy • Lower grove highlights

Grizzly Giant Loop 2 miles • 300 ft gain • Main attractions

Full Mariposa Grove Trail 7 miles • 1,200 ft gain • Complete experience

Getting There 10 min drive to Welcome Plaza, free shuttle to grove (spring-fall)

Pro Tip Arrive before 7:30am to drive directly to grove parking

Winter Access 2-mile hike from Welcome Plaza via Washburn Trail

Plan Your Visit →

⛷️ Winter Adventures

Snow-covered wonderland awaits

California's Oldest Ski Resort

Badger Pass Ski Area

45 min drive Dec-March Family-friendly

California's oldest ski resort (est. 1935) offers 90 acres of gentle slopes perfect for families and beginners. Features downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country trails, snow tubing, and free ranger-led snowshoe walks.

Elevation 7,200-8,000 ft • 800 ft vertical

Nordic Skiing 90 miles of trails, 25 miles groomed

Free Shuttle Daily from Yosemite Valley

Check Conditions →

Snowshoeing

Multiple trails All skill levels

Explore Yosemite's winter wonderland on snowshoes. Popular routes include Dewey Point (7.4 mi), Clark Range View (11.4 mi), and Glacier Point (21 mi). Free ranger-led walks available at Badger Pass.

Snowshoe Trails →

💆 Spa & Wellness

Relax and rejuvenate after your adventures

Luxury Spa

Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge

15 min drive 10,000 sq ft Open to public

A LEED Silver-certified luxury spa featuring 12 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges. Indulge in Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, or the signature Bridalveil Massage Renewal with mountain-inspired treatments.

Location 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp (near south entrance)

Reservations Recommended - call 559-692-8954

Pricing 60 min massage from $145

Book Treatment →

🍽️ Oakhurst Dining & Shopping

Just 20 minutes down the mountain

Fine Dining

The Elderberry House French-American • Tasting menus • Reservations required

Ducey's on the Lake Steakhouse • Bass Lake views • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Casual Favorites

South Gate Brewing Company Craft beer • Wood-fired pizza • Great mountain views

North Fork BBQ California BBQ • Tri-tip • Highway 41

The Oakhurst Grill Burgers • Pretzels • Beer cheese

Breakfast & Coffee

Bee's Bakery Cafe Chicken & waffles • Eggs benedict • Opens 6:30am

Judy's Donuts Mochi donuts • Fresh pastries

Clouds Rest Coffee Fair Trade organic • Near park entrance

Groceries & Shopping

Raley's & Vons Full grocery stores • Starbucks/Peet's inside

Sierra Mercantile Local gifts • Souvenirs

Deli Delicious Sub sandwiches • Pack a park picnic!

📋 Plan Your Visit

Every season brings something special to Yosemite

🌸

Spring

March - May

Peak waterfall season - Chilnualna at full force
Wildflowers blanket Wawona Meadow
Fewer crowds than summer
Cool hiking weather, some snow at higher elevations

Best for: Waterfalls & wildflowers

☀️

Summer

June - August

Swimming at Swinging Bridge & river pools
All trails accessible, including high country
Long days for adventures (sunrise 5:30am)
Warm deck evenings, stargazing until late

Best for: Swimming & full trail access

🍂

Fall

September - November

Golden light for photography
Oaks and dogwoods turn brilliant colors
Crisp hiking weather, no bugs
Peaceful trails, summer crowds gone

Best for: Photography & peaceful hikes

❄️

Winter

December - February

Snow-dusted sequoias at Mariposa Grove
Badger Pass skiing & snowshoeing
Cozy cabin time by the fireplace
Cozy up by the fire with snow falling outside

Best for: Snow play & cozy cabin vibes

Sample Trip Plans

Mix and match based on your season and interests

2 Days

Weekend Getaway

Perfect introduction to Yosemite

Day 1: Explore the Giants

Morning: Early arrival, settle into the cabin
Mid-morning: Mariposa Grove - Grizzly Giant Loop (2 hrs)
Lunch: Picnic at grove or Wawona Hotel
Afternoon: Wawona Swinging Bridge swimming (summer) or Wawona Meadow Loop
Evening: BBQ on the deck, stargazing

Day 2: Valley Views

Early Morning: Drive to Yosemite Valley (45 min)
Morning: Valley Floor Loop or Mist Trail
Lunch: Valley Visitor Center area
Afternoon: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall
Departure: Stop in Oakhurst for dinner

Classic Yosemite

Experience the best of both worlds

Day 1: Wawona Welcome

Arrival: Settle in, explore the cabin
Afternoon: Wawona Swinging Bridge swimming hole
Evening: Easy dinner at cabin, pool table!

Day 2: Giant Sequoias & Waterfall

Early Morning: Mariposa Grove before crowds
Mid-day: Lunch break at cabin
Afternoon: Chilnualna Falls hike (lower section or full trail)
Evening: Fireside relaxation

Day 3: Valley Adventure

Early Departure: Beat the crowds to Valley
Morning: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Lunch: Pack a picnic from Oakhurst
Afternoon: Glacier Point (summer) or Valley sights
Return: Scenic drive back through Wawona

4+ Days

Complete Experience

Immerse yourself fully in the park

Day 1: Arrive & Unwind

Arrival: Settle into Yosemite Basecamp
Afternoon: Easy walk to Swinging Bridge
Evening: Stock up in Oakhurst, cabin dinner

Day 2: Wawona Wonders

Morning: Chilnualna Falls full hike (8+ miles)
Afternoon: Cool off at swimming hole
Evening: Wawona Hotel grounds, history walk

Day 3: Valley Day

Full Day: Yosemite Valley exploration
Mist Trail, Valley Floor, iconic viewpoints
Sunset at Tunnel View

Day 4: Relax & Explore

Morning: Mariposa Grove at sunrise
Midday: Spa treatment at Tenaya Lodge
Afternoon: Browse Oakhurst shops
Evening: Fine dining at Elderberry House

5 Days

Ultimate Yosemite

The complete park experience at a relaxed pace

Day 1: Arrival & Local Discovery

Arrival: Check in, explore the cabin's 5 bedrooms
Afternoon: Wawona Meadow Loop (3.5 easy miles)
Evening: Sunset on the 1,500 sq ft deck, fire pit

Day 2: Wawona's Treasures

Early Morning: Mariposa Grove at dawn (beat the crowds)
Midday: Lunch at cabin, relax on the deck
Afternoon: Wawona Swinging Bridge swimming
Evening: Stargazing from the deck

Day 3: Chilnualna Falls Adventure

Full Day: Chilnualna Falls complete hike (8.2 miles)
Pack lunch and swimsuit for summit pools
Evening: Relax by the fire, pool table games

Day 4: Yosemite Valley Immersion

Early Start: Drive to Valley (45 min)
Morning: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Lunch: Picnic with Half Dome views
Afternoon: Mirror Lake, Valley Floor exploration
Sunset: Tunnel View on the drive back

Day 5: Wellness & Departure

Morning: Sunrise yoga on the deck
Late Morning: Spa treatment at Tenaya Lodge
Lunch: Brunch at South Gate Brewing, Oakhurst
Departure: Take the scenic route home

Explore Yosemite