Wawona Swinging Bridge Vault Toilet

Wawona Swinging Bridge Vault Toilet is the starting point for an easy walk to a small bridge over the South Fork of the Merced River, in Wawona near Yosemite’s south entrance. From the parking area, a wide, mostly flat trail leads to river views, smooth granite beside the water and pools for wading or swimming in summer. The bridge itself moves gently as you cross. The vault toilet and parking make this a practical stop before or after time by the river.

The walk to the bridge

The route starts at the end of Forest Drive, by the parking area and vault toilet. A wide, flat trail leads from there to the bridge. Reported distances vary, but the walk is under a mile round trip in some descriptions and about 1.3 miles in another. The bridge is over the South Fork of the Merced River, near Wawona, not the fixed bridge in Yosemite Valley.

The bridge moves gently underfoot. From it, you can look along the river and toward the surrounding trees. Smooth granite beside the water provides places to pause, picnic or cool your feet.

Time by the river

In summer, pools along the river draw people in for wading and swimming. The water is cold, and some pools are shallow. River conditions can differ, so take care around the current and keep children close.

Early morning can bring a quieter walk; one account describes fog lifting from the water at dawn. Visitors also come later in the day to sit beside the river or take a swim. Pack swimwear if you intend to get in, and leave the area clean.