This Swinging Bridge is not to be confused with the non-swinging, Swinging Bridge in Yosemite Valley. Access from Oakhurst, California is via the twisting, turning Wawona Road (Hwy 41), into Yosemite National Park, past Wawona Meadows and the historically impressive Wawona Hotel. One option is the 4.7 mile (7.5 KM) loop hike along the South Fork of the Merced River, from the Wawona General Store but Mel and I choose to navigate the very narrow Forest Drive past a quaint residential area, take the left fork at the road to Camp Wawona, and park at the gated trailhead. The short, wide, easy, flat, 1.8 mile (2.9 KM) round trip trail tracks the beautiful South Fork of the Merced River.
Shortly, we arrive at the Swinging Bridge.
There is a wide variety of options, including wading or bathing in smooth, shallow rock bowls, but Mel and I choose to head out in opposite directions to explore the river banks.
A view downstream of the South Fork Merced River from the center of the Wawona Swinging Bridge
From the far side of the Swinging Bridge I spend a quiet hour rock hopping into the stream to relax in the sound of the forest and small river rapids. It is a photographic paradise.
Mel is stress testing the Swinging Bridge
The Wawona Swinging Bridge is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place. Mel and I are very fortunate to be here when there are no other people and it is difficult to leave this natural and captivating oasis. However, we have other plans for the day and reluctantly return the way we came to the parking area at the Wawona General Store for our next fascinating excursion.
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A wonderful place for quiet ponderings and musings. Places we all need when for when we listen, isn’t it amazing what we hear… Great post Barry.
D
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We were fortunate to visit at a quiet time. I expect is is normally very busy. The sound of nature and silence is best appreciated unencumbered to aid the ability to reflect and relax. It is very powerful, particularly when there is time to appreciate oneself. Thanks for your comment, D.
We travel around the West Coast a lot but still haven’t been to Yosemite- this place looks so peaceful and inviting. Would love to explore the swinging bridge!
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There is a lot of trail in Yosemite. We left a great deal of it untouched and tried our best to focus on easier highlights. Almost every trail Mel and I hiked was the front end of more aggressive efforts that would satisfy the needs of nearly every knowledge and skill level. My preference was the High Sierra but there are treasures everywhere in this fantastic Park and I hope you can make the opportunity to get there one time at least. Travel to and from theYosemite National Park is an issue and on a second effort I would probably bite the bullet and get far-in-advance expensive reservations inside the park. I have been told 80% of the people who visit Yosemite go to the Valley and stay there. It’s like a zoo. The Valley is worthy of time but if you want a wilderness experience, that is not the place. Thanks for your comment, Jade.
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Gorgeous photos of a very pretty place! I can certainly see why it’s a photographer’s paradise.
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Thank you, Sophie. Swinging Bridge at Wawona is a very beautiful place. It is a little way off the beaten path and we were very fortunate to be able to enjoy the experience without crowds. The rocks combined with crystal clear still ponds and rushing water created an endless selection of photographic opportunities. The hike to Swinging Bridge can be done from Pioneer Yosemite History Center as a loop up one side of the South Fork of Merced River and done the other. If we had more time we would have done it this way. It is a beautiful river.
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It’s funny, we travel all over the world, yet there is so much gorgeous country in our own backyards waiting to be explored! We’ve never been to Yosemite, but it’s definitely on our list of things to do. This looks like a lovely day hike!
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Thank you for your comment, Bret. Yosemite is a National Park of immense proportion. It is a place of fluctuating elevation and twisting road. The Wawona Swinging Bridge hike can be done in a larger 5.0 + mile loop beginning at the Yosemite Pioneer History Center and including Lower Chilnualna Falls. It would be a fascinating and scenic stroll along both sides of the South Fork Merced River. Mariposa Grove is nearby in the southwest corner of Yosemite National Park. Checked out your blog. Excellent content.
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