Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids: Swinging Bridge Trail

Today’s post is part of “Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids,” a series about our favorite places to explore with kids in Yosemite National Park.

The Swinging Bridge Loop in Wawona was one of my dad’s favorite hikes in Yosemite. In fact, the last time I hiked it was with him, the hubby and the big explorer at about 18 months old. So it was bittersweet to venture back out on this trail now that he’s gone – knowing what a special place it held in his heart.

Our late afternoon hike left me no longer wondering just what made this hike one of dad’s favorites. Was it the quiet serenity along the easy, 1.5-mile long trail? Or maybe the countless wildflowers around every turn? Or maybe the bridge itself and the chance to walk out over the rushing water and breathe in the view?

There’s a reason the Swinging Bridge earned its name, but I seemed to be the only wary one in our group as we made our way out onto the rickety contraption. 

I suppose the explorers were excited to be up so high above the water (gulp!). Or maybe they were eager to dip their feet in the water’s edge on the other side of the bridge.

I’ve heard this is normally a great spot to hop in the river for a swim, but not this year. With water levels at 200 percent above the norm, no one with two wits about him is getting in anytime soon. 

We were content to play it safe and hang out riverside.

If you bring a lunch and time your visit for a sunny day, you can easily spend several hours here. The only thing that urged us up off our comfy granite seats was the lure of dinner. Seriously, this is one of those spots that begs you to stick around for a while.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

• Count wildflowers. This is an activity best suited for spring & early summer, but if you’re in the area, go for it. How many different flowers can you find? 

• Dip your toes in the water. Sure it’s cold, but it’s worth it! Take extra caution when the water is extremely high.

Planning Essentials

• The complete Swinging Bridge Loop trail is 4.8 miles roundtrip (which starts & ends at the Wawona Store); the kid-friendly version we enjoyed is about 1.5 miles (to duplicate, start from the unpaved parking lot and head back to the trailhead when you reach the bridge) 
• Trail is a mostly wide, flat, unpaved path
• Crowds are relatively few, especially compared to hikes in Yosemite Valley
• Several idyllic swimming holes can be found across & above the bridge (when water levels are at normal levels, that is); take extreme caution in & around the water’s edge when levels are high
• There are no bathrooms or portable toilets at or along the trail
• No picnic tables or other facilities are available
• A small, dirt parking lot is available

Finding the Swinging Bridge Trail
From the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, head left toward Wawona. You’ll pass the Wawona Hotel about 5 miles from the entrance. Continue over the bridge and turn right on Chilnualna Falls Road.

Continue about 2 miles on Chilnualna Falls Road until you reach a bridge. Cross it and head up the road to your left. Continue until the road ends at a small dirt parking lot. Trail is not marked, but can be found at the top edge of the parking lot.