Wawona Point

Wawona Point sits at the far end of Mariposa Grove, reached by a long dirt service road rather than a proper trail — but the payoff at the top is an open view over the Wawona basin and Chowchilla Mountain, with a working cell tower marking the actual high point. Visitors rate it highly (4.8 from 25 reviews), and most who make the trip say the sequoias along the way are the real draw, not the summit itself.

What the Hike Is Like

The round trip runs close to 7 miles from the grove entrance, almost entirely on a wide, graded dirt road that climbs steadily and gets steep near the top. It isn't scenic in a dramatic way — reviewers are candid that it's essentially a service road — but there are a few shaded spots to rest, and giant sequoias line much of the route.

Getting to the Grove

Mariposa Grove has its own parking area separate from the grove, and a shuttle carries visitors in during busy months — expect a wait for the bus around midday in peak season. Snow can linger on the upper road well into spring; one April visitor found roughly 70% of the route still snow-covered and needed solid, grippy footwear.

Good to Know

• Round trip distance: about 7 miles
• Surface: wide dirt road/service road, steep in sections
• Best for: the sequoias passed along the way more than the summit view
• Watch for: lingering snow on the upper road into spring