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Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Get your discount tickets for the Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour, save up to 9% !
Overview
Drive through Yosemite’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. Watch waterfalls explode over cliffs, walk under giant sequoia trees, and gaze up at tall granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome—all while stories guide you along the way. You can start on any highway that leads into the park. Stop at Tunnel View for sweeping valley views, stretch your legs at Bridalveil Fall or wander among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Walk under trees at Cathedral Beach or stand in the spray at Swinging Bridge. You can even explore Yosemite Village, see the historic Ahwahnee lodge, or hike short paths like Sentinel Dome. The tour uses offline GPS navigation so internet won’t slow you down. It offers tips, turn-by-turn directions, and stays on your device forever. This tour has over 30 stops and 160 audio stories. Download it, drive the roads, and discover Yosemite’s magic your way—mile by beautiful mile.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
To drive to Groveland from Los Angeles, take I-5 North to CA-99 North, then switch to CA-120 East at Manteca. Follow CA-120 through Oakdale and Big Oak Flat to reach Groveland. The drive takes about 6–7 hours.
Language Offered
English-AUDIO
Itinerary
1. Tunnel View
Exit the mile-long Wawona Tunnel and park at this stunning scenic viewpoint of the entire Yosemite Valley. El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the view to the left and right respectively, with Half Dome hanging out in the background. This is a popular stop, so don’t be surprised if you need to wait for a parking spot, but people don’t tend to linger long.
Duration: 10 mins
2. Bridalveil Fall
A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round.
The trail is known to get wet, especially during the spring, so prepare to enter the splash zone and watch your step. If the parking lot by the trailhead is full, there’s additional parking along Southside Drive and additional trailheads that connect back to the main trail to the waterfall.
Duration: 30 mins
3. Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round.
The trail is known to get wet, especially during the spring, so prepare to enter the splash zone and watch your step. If the parking lot by the trailhead is full, there’s additional parking along Southside Drive and additional trailheads that connect back to the main trail to the waterfall.
Duration: 10 mins
4. Swinging Bridge Picnic Area Yosemite National Park CA
Though the bridge doesn’t swing, the footbridge over the Merced River at this picnic area features a fabulous view of Yosemite Fall. Like Cathedral Beach, this is another good spot to enjoy the Merced River’s waters for a swim. Plenty of picnic tables also make this a scenic spot for a packed lunch.
Duration: 10 mins
5. Curry Village
It’s a handy place to park the car. Here, you can hop on the free shuttle either to Yosemite Village or over to trailheads for the Mist and Mirror Lake trails.
While you’re here, you can grab a bite to eat at the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. You can even rent a bike at the kiosk by the parking lot and get around on two wheels for the next few hours.
6. Yosemite Village
If you wanted a long break from hiking or driving, you could spend hours in Yosemite Village. The Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery provide a mix of educational and cultural amenities on this largely outdoorsy tour. You can also do some grocery or souvenir shopping at the Village Store or grab a bite to eat at Degnan’s Deli.
Duration: 60 mins
7. Ahwahnee Historic Building
This is one of the grandest lodges in all the national parks, and you can enjoy some of its amenities without being a guest. Browse the gift shop, select a treat at the sweets shop, grab a drink at the bar, or just wander the public spaces like the airy Great Lounge.
Of course, the main attraction is the pricey but elegant Dining Room. Join for the breakfast buffet or get a bite to eat for lunch. Dinner requires reservations and a dress code that doesn’t include sweaty hiking clothes.
Duration: 20 mins
8. Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead
It’s only an easy, paved, half mile hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, the tallest waterfall in North America. Walk the left side of the loop to get a full view of the falls as you approach. Reliant on rainfall and snowmelt, the waterfall largely dries up by mid-to-late summer.
Duration: 30 mins
9. Yosemite Falls Parking
You’ll likely park somewhere else and walk to Lower Yosemite Fall from there, but like Curry Village, this is a handy spot. The trailhead for Lower Yosemite Fall is about 10 minutes away, and on the way you’ll pass Yosemite Valley Lodge where you can grab a bite to eat in the Base Camp Eatery or a coffee at Starbucks.
There’s also a bike rental kiosk by the pool. This parking lot is also next to the trailhead for the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. This strenuous 7.2-mile hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Fall, and on the way, Columbia Rock for a magnificent view of the valley.
Duration: 15 mins
10. El Capitan Meadow
One of the most awe-inspiring spots in Yosemite is El Capitan Meadow, sandwiched between two granite monoliths: El Capitan and Cathedral Rock.
Squint to find rock climbers ascending the 3,000-ft granite wall of El Capitan. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times to sit in the middle of the valley and allow yourself to become dumbstruck by nature’s craftsmanship.
Duration: 20 mins
11. Yosemite Valley View
This small pull-off on the side of Northside Drive offers a similar view of Yosemite Valley as the Tunnel View scenic overlook, but from a lower vantage point along the banks of the Merced River. Again, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the gorgeous panorama.
Duration: 10 mins
12. Southside Drive
Heading into Yosemite Valley from the north takes you to this pull-off as Southside Drive crosses the valley to reach Wawona Road. The pull-off is a good teaser look at El Capitan, as well as an important historical spot. It was here that President Theodore Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir camped and discussed the future of Yosemite.
Duration: 10 mins
13. Wawona Tunnel
Can’t get enough granite? Stop at this pull-off for a look at the mouth of Yosemite Valley, with tall, granite cliffs leading toward famous landmarks like El Capitan.
Duration: 5 mins
14. El Capitan Viewpoint
Stop at this small-pull off for a preview of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome poking its head out far off.
Duration: 5 mins
15. Mariposa Grove
Take a free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center to Yosemite’s largest and most impressive grove of sequoia trees. Hiking trails range from easy, short and paved to long and strenuous, so you decide how long you’d like to be here. We recommend at least going as far as the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest sequoia trees in the world.
Duration: 60 mins
16. Wawona Hotel, National Historic Landmark
Wawona is a Victorian-era resort that predates the park itself and wasn’t added until the early 20th century. Here you’ll find the Yosemite History Center, with relocated pioneer buildings from around the park interpreting Yosemite’s history. You’ll also find the Wawona Hotel, still looking as Victorian as ever. The hotel’s dining room is a solid choice for lunch or dinner.
Duration: 30 mins
17. Taft Point
There are two trails to two terrific vantage points over Yosemite Valley from this trailhead. You can take them both out and back, or do them both in a loop. Taft Point is an easy to moderate, 2.2-mile hike to a stunning look at Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Fall.
Duration: 60 mins
18. Washburn Point
The view at this scenic overlook is a teaser for what’s coming ahead at Glacier Point. Half Dome is the main focal point, with Nevada and Vernal Falls below. Beyond, the Sierra Nevada Mountains stretch for miles.
Duration: 10 mins
19. Glacier Point
A brief walk from the parking lot takes you to one of the most astounding views in the United States, or even perhaps the world. Standing at Glacier Point puts you over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Wonder at Yosemite Fall, Half Dome, and its fellow granite mountains of the Sierra Nevada from this amazing scenic overlook.
Duration: 30 mins
20. Tuolumne Grove
It’s a 2.5-mile hike round-trip to a small grove of 25 sequoia trees. Smaller and quieter than the more impressive Mariposa Grove in the south end of the park, this grove sits at the bottom of a hill and is accessed by hiking down a disused road.
Duration: 60 mins
21. Olmsted Point
Another sweeping look at the Sierra Nevada, the view from Olmsted Point is an unusual angle of Yosemite Valley, with the other side of Half Dome clearly visible. There’s plenty of open granite to walk around and explore different angles. To the left is a good view of Tenaya Lake.
Duration: 10 mins
22. Tenaya Lake Picnic Area
We think this is the best view around crystal-clear Tenaya Lake. Stand on the granite lakeshore and enjoy the alpine view. If you decide to hike the easy Tenaya Lake Trail, which can be done as a loop or as an out and back, expect to spend another hour or two.
Duration: 20 mins
23. Pothole Dome
An hour at most is all it takes to get a stunning look of Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. This granite dome on the edge of the open meadow isn’t terribly tall or steep, so it only takes a few minutes to reach the top for the panoramic view.
Duration: 60 mins
24. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Grab what information you need and learn about Tuolumne Meadows, one of the largest subalpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada, at Yosemite’s second largest visitor center. There’s a trailhead to tiny Soda Springs by the building. If you take this easy, flat, 1.6-mile round trip hike through the meadow, expect to spend another hour here.
Duration: 15 mins
25. Lembert Dome Trail
There are two hikes to choose from at this trailhead. One 1.8-mile hike ascends Lembert Dome, another fabulous look at Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding granite domes of the Sierra Nevada. The other is a lengthy hike through Lyell Canyon, but we recommend just going about 30 minutes in for a scenic “twin bridges” area around Tuolumne River.
Duration: 60 mins
26. Carlon Falls Trail
This 3-mile out-and-back trip is a mostly easy hike, minus an uphill climb to get to the falls themselves at the very end. The falls are small by Yosemite standards but you may enjoy playing in the pool at the base of the waterfall. Bonus: this trail in the woods is very shaded!
Duration: 60 mins
27. O'Shaughnessy Dam
Stand atop the over 400-ft tall O’Shaughnessy Dam and behold the Hetch Hetchy valley, a second Yosemite Valley to some, but with a deep reservoir of clean water. The highlight here is hiking the 5-mile trail to Wapama Falls, and getting to stand at the base of this impressive waterfall that’s over 1,000-ft tall. The spray from the falls is sublime relief from the California sun.
Duration: 60 mins
28. Stanislaus National Forest Sign
Quick photo-opp time! There’s a large Yosemite National Park sign just before you reach the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate. Hop out of the car and grab a pic for grandma.
Duration: 5 mins
29. Big Oak Flat Information Center
Located within the park just after the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate, this small visitor center features some restrooms (probably much-needed at this juncture of a long drive) as well as a small bookstore. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions.
Duration: 10 mins
Inclusion
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Exclusion
Optional meals and refreshments
Entrance fees
Entrance fees
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Optional Starting Points: • CA-41 from Oakhurst • CA-140 from Mariposa • Tioga Pass from Lee Vining
Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Too large to cover in one day — plan a full day per segment; several days for the full tour
Two gas stations in the park (Wawona and Crane Flat) — cheaper to fill up outside the park ••••••
Supplied by Shaka Guide Apps
Reviews
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Based on 7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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