TRAVEL-202609-uswest/days/2026-09-23.md

# Sep 23 (Wed) — Yosemite

**Stay:** [Cabin — Wawona](../bookings/stays/cabin-yosemite-wawona.md)

## Logistics

- Out-and-back along Hwy 41: south to Mariposa Grove (10 min) → north to the Valley (1 hr 10) → south to Chinquapin junction, east up Glacier Point Road, 16-mile dead end (1 hr) → back to Chinquapin, south to Wawona (1 hr)
- Screenshot the Miramonte door code today while there is cell service — it arrives 24 h before the Sep 24 check-in and the cabin has no signal
- Mariposa Grove: check whether the welcome-plaza shuttle runs; without it the walk to the grove is ~2 miles each way, uphill

## Plan

> Menu: [`parks_sights.md`](../parks_sights.md). Order follows the light: Half Dome from Glacier Point is backlit in the morning and best at sunset.

- **Morning** Mariposa Grove — early, before the crowds; Grizzly Giant loop ~2 miles
- **Midday** Valley floor — anything not done Sep 22; lunch in the Village
- *Optional:* Mirror Lake — ~2 miles out and back from the shuttle stop (5-mile full loop); lake is often dry by late September
- **~4:30 PM** Drive up Glacier Point Road (~1 hr from the Valley)
- **~5:30–7:00 PM** Glacier Point — Half Dome and the high country at sunset; Washburn Point on the way
- **Evening** Back to Wawona, ~1 hr, in the dark

## Addresses

| Place | Address | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin — Wawona | 2627 Spelt Road, Wawona, CA 95389 · PIN 5937 · host +1 209-347-6333 | [37.54718, -119.64746](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.54718,-119.64746) |
| Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza | Mariposa Grove Road, off Hwy 41 at the south entrance | [37.50662, -119.63029](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.50662,-119.63029) |
| Sentinel Bridge lot (Cook's Meadow) | Southside Drive, Yosemite Valley | [37.74420, -119.58973](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.74420,-119.58973) |
| Chinquapin junction | Hwy 41 × Glacier Point Road, ~12 mi north of Wawona; turn east for Glacier Point | [37.65933, -119.70714](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.65933,-119.70714) |
| Glacier Point | end of Glacier Point Road | [37.73067, -119.57367](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.73067,-119.57367) |