Wawona Swinging Bridge
A charming, less-crowded Yosemite gem featuring a real swinging bridge and refreshing river pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Wawona Swinging Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, less-crowded Yosemite gem featuring a real swinging bridge and refreshing river pools.
"A peaceful spot for a dip with a unique swinging bridge and lovely river views."
🚗 Easy Parking Access
A small parking lot is available near the trailhead, often with space. :car:
🥾 Gentle, Flat Trail
The walk to the bridge is short, flat, and wide, making it accessible for most. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Swinging Bridge
Wawona
Experience a bridge that gently sways, offering unique river views and a fun crossing.
Natural Swimming Holes
Merced River
Cool off in the refreshing Merced River, with shallow pools perfect for a summer dip.
Scenic River Views
Merced River
Enjoy the picturesque Merced River shaping granite rocks and offering tranquil scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Wawona
Bridge Etiquette & River Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking Access
A small parking lot is available near the trailhead, often with space. :car:
🥾 Gentle, Flat Trail
The walk to the bridge is short, flat, and wide, making it accessible for most. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ River Dip Ready
Water is cold but shallow; perfect for a summer swim. Assess currents carefully. :woman_swimming:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture the unique bridge and river scenery. Visit at sunset for magical light. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking Access
A small parking lot is available near the trailhead, often with space. :car:
🥾 Gentle, Flat Trail
The walk to the bridge is short, flat, and wide, making it accessible for most. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ River Dip Ready
Water is cold but shallow; perfect for a summer swim. Assess currents carefully. :woman_swimming:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture the unique bridge and river scenery. Visit at sunset for magical light. :camerawithflash:
🚽 Convenient Vault Toilet
A vault toilet is available near the parking lot for visitor convenience. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wawona Swinging Bridge as a quiet, accessible spot for a refreshing dip in the Merced River. The easy, flat trail and the unique experience of crossing a gently swaying bridge are highlights. While the water is cold, the shallow pools are perfect for families, and the scenic views offer great photo opportunities. Some note that the 'venturi' or natural waterslide feature can be a deluge rather than a slide depending on water levels.
"This review is for the Wawona Swinging Bridge: Nice quiet spot for a dip. Lovely to just watch the water shape a huge piece of granite rock as it flows over it. We were here mid-June in the late afternoon."
ErikRosita Koh
"Just went there today October 6th 2024. It was a hot day so we wanted to swim after visiting Mariposa Grove. There were a few people already but not crowded at all on a hot Sunday afternoon. Short flat hike from the parking lot (with vault toilet) and voila. Water is super cold. But shallow and current was not too bad. You can cross the small swinging bridge. Good photo opps."
Maryse “Mo” Robertson
"Super easy walk to a cute spot. We were the only car in the parking lot."
Lacie Conner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wawona Swinging Bridge is located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park. From the main road, follow signs for Wawona. The trailhead is often found at the back of the Redwoods in Yosemite neighborhood, past a waterfall and up a one-lane road, leading to a small parking area.
Yes, you can drive to a parking area near the trailhead for the Wawona Swinging Bridge. From there, it's a short, flat walk to the bridge itself.
Wawona Swinging Bridge is located about 68 miles from Fresno and is a drive from Yosemite Valley. It offers a less crowded alternative to attractions within the valley.
Look for the trailhead hidden at the back of the Redwoods in Yosemite neighborhood. Drive past the waterfall and up the one-lane road to find the small parking area.
Currently, there are no specific shuttle services directly to the Wawona Swinging Bridge. Driving to the designated parking area is the primary method of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You will need a valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass to access the Wawona Swinging Bridge. Check the NPS website for current entrance fees and reservation requirements.
Parking at the Wawona Swinging Bridge trailhead is typically included with your Yosemite National Park entrance fee. There are no separate parking charges for this specific area.
The Wawona Swinging Bridge is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, swimming is best enjoyed during warmer months.
While Yosemite National Park may require reservations during peak times, the Wawona Swinging Bridge area is generally accessible with a standard park entrance pass. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date reservation information.
No, there is no separate admission fee for crossing the Wawona Swinging Bridge. It is part of the natural landscape within Yosemite National Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Wawona Swinging Bridge is a real swinging bridge that moves as you walk across it, unlike its counterpart in Yosemite Valley. It offers scenic river views and access to swimming spots.
Yes, the trail is wide and flat, and the river has shallow pools, making it very accessible and enjoyable for families with children.
Absolutely! The river below the bridge widens into pools perfect for swimming and wading, especially during the summer. 
The trail to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is described as easy and flat, making it a pleasant walk for most visitors.
The bridge is designed to sway and is generally safe to cross. Take your time, be mindful of others, and enjoy the unique experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique perspective of the swinging bridge itself, the scenic Merced River, and the surrounding granite formations. Sunset offers magical lighting.
Late afternoon and sunset provide beautiful, soft light for photography. Early mornings can also offer a peaceful, less crowded scene.
Try capturing the bridge from both ends, as well as from the riverbanks looking towards the bridge. A 360-degree view from the middle of the bridge is also recommended.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the river and bridge.
Drone usage in Yosemite National Park is subject to strict regulations. Check the NPS website for current drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The river offers shallow pools that are perfect for supervised wading and splashing on a warm day. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
+1 Visiting during the golden hours of late afternoon or sunset can yield particularly stunning shots with warm, diffused light. Don't forget to experiment with different angles, capturing the bridge from its ends and from the riverbanks for varied perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wawona Swinging Bridge Experience
+1 The trail leading to it is a gentle, flat 0.75-mile round trip, making it easily accessible for families and those seeking a less strenuous activity within the park. The surrounding area along the Merced River is picturesque, with opportunities to admire how the water has shaped the granite over time. Beyond the bridge itself, the Wawona area provides a more tranquil atmosphere than the bustling Yosemite Valley. Visitors often find it a peaceful spot to relax, enjoy the sounds of the river, and take in the natural beauty.
On warm days, the river widens into inviting pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip, making it a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike. +1 Remember to always assess water conditions before entering, as currents can vary. Key Takeaways:
* The bridge genuinely swings, offering a unique sensation.
* The trail is short, flat, and family-friendly.
* The river provides excellent swimming opportunities in summer.
* Wawona offers a less crowded Yosemite experience.
Navigating Wawona and Beyond
This area is known for being less congested than the main valley, providing a more intimate encounter with Yosemite's grandeur. While the Wawona Swinging Bridge itself is a short excursion, it can be combined with other nearby attractions. Visitors often pair a visit with exploring the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or enjoying activities around the historic Wawona Hotel.
Getting Around:
* Driving: The primary mode of transport to Wawona. Parking is available near the trailhead.
* Nearby Attractions: Mariposa Grove, Wawona Hotel.
* Further Exploration: Mist Trail, Wapama Falls (requires more travel time).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit