Hiking in Yosemite

Mariposa Grove to Wawona

If you enjoy Redwood trees and a densely forested hike, this may be the one for you. We parked our car in Wawona (Yosemite National Park) and road a tram up to Mariposa Grove. We easily found the trail head and headed up. It felt good to get the heart rate up as we knew the majority of the hike would lead us downhill.

The trail seemed abandoned as we encountered very few other hikers. The vast variety of trees kept our interest as did the chipmunks running around taking cover.

We enjoyed our lunch sitting on a log in the shade while taking in the splendor of the forest around us.

At first it was the distant sounds of cars that ushered us into reality. The reality that we weren't the only souls enjoying Yosemite in the summer time. As we approached the parking lot I sensed a feeling of knowing a secret that those rushing around in cars may not know. The peaceful feeling and tranquility of the paths less traveled while relying on your own physical strength to get you to your destination compares to no other. Whether it's a walk around your neighborhood or a 10 day backpack in the high country I encourage you to get outside, breathe deep and be thankful!