Wawona Point Trailhead

The Washburn Trail starts at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, just inside Yosemite's South Entrance near Fish Camp, and climbs through the park's largest stand of giant sequoias to one of the better overlooks in southern Yosemite. It's a real workout, but the payoff — a granite perch above Wawona Meadow with the Sierra laid out beyond — is worth the climb for hikers who want to go past the grove's usual stopping points.

The Route

From the Welcome Plaza, the trail climbs through Mariposa Grove past Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree before breaking out of the trees toward the point. AllTrails lists the round trip via Washburn Trail at roughly 9.5 miles with about 1,784 feet of elevation gain — figure five hours or more at a comfortable pace, and treat it as a moderate-to-strenuous full-day hike rather than a quick stroll.

What's at the Top

Wawona Point sits near 7,000 feet behind a low rock wall, with open views down to Wawona Meadow, the South Fork Merced River, and Wawona Dome. It's a quieter alternative to the park's busier viewpoints — most people who drive to Mariposa Grove never push on this far.

Before You Go

• A shuttle typically connects the Welcome Plaza to the grove's upper trails during the warmer months; outside that window you're walking from the parking lot itself, which adds distance.
• Bring layers — the grove sits at higher elevation and the final stretch to the point is exposed.
• Start early: the Welcome Plaza lot fills on summer weekends.