Wawona and Mariposa Grove
Historic Wawona is located on Highway 41 just inside the park's southern boundary. Because of its low 4,000' elevation, trails from Wawona are usually accessible during the spring and fall as well as during the summer. The lush open meadows, forests, and lakes which abound in Yosemite's less-frequented southern wilderness can be reached from trailheads in Wawona. An abundance of water in the spring makes this an attractive area for wilderness users.

Once under snow in winter, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is designated as official Wilderness. Nordic skiers and snowshoers can obtain a wilderness permit to ski through and camp in the upper reaches of the Grove.

Permit Information
Backcountry permits are available at the Valley Visitor Center, The Wilderness Center (next to the Ansel Adams Gallery), and at wilderness permit stations (7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Phone: (209)372-0200.

Directions
Wawona and the Mariposa Grove are located at the south end of the park, just off Highway 41 about 36 miles south of Yosemite Valley.

Information Center
There is an information center located at the park's South Entrance on Highway 41, and another one in Wawona itself.

Activities