When heading to a destination, we all have preconceived notions on what to expect. This could be because we researched it. Or perhaps we saw a documentary or TV show about it. Our goal on this trip was to get away from these expectations. To take the road less traveled. To savor the journey and skip the crowds. Be explorers and not tourists. And what did we find exploring Madera County? Freedom and a joy for living.
View from Tioga Road with Tenaya Lake in the distance
Pulling into Oakhurst with our stomachs grumbling, the first thing on our itinerary is to get something to eat for lunch. Talking to a few locals, they suggest heading to Smokehouse 41. A California-style BBQ joint, the interior has a relaxed atmosphere where you order at the counter.
The 41 Baker - photo by Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Located just down the road in Oakhurst, Pedal Forward is a new shop that opened in 2020. Their story is like a phoenix out of the ashes. As soon as you step into their shop, you can feel the passion. Mike and Jorge make you feel at home and are a great resource for all things two wheeled. They gave us the scoop on the easiest way to get to the 007 trailhead as well as some additional trails that we should check out like Octopussy and the Blind Squirrel.
Rice Krispy coated - French Toast @ Ducey's on the Lake - Photo by: Local Freshies
Fueled up, we made the short drive over to the 007 trailhead. Slapping on our mountain biking gear, we shoved off. As we ticked off mile after mile on the gravelly Central Camp Road, a thought came to mind. The angle was so low that it was one of the easiest ascents we’d ever done.
Photo by: Local Freshies
Now that we got our adrenaline fix, it was time to explore an area of Yosemite that most zip by. A hidden gem skipped by many - Wawona. While this area of the park wasn’t formally included within the park boundary until 1932 it was a stopping point for visitors traveling to Yosemite, especially in the late 19th century. Galen Clark, whose work was instrumental to the effort to first protect Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees (as it was known then), resided here. Today, it gives us a glimpse into how it must’ve felt like to enter the park.
Hiking across the Wawona Covered Bridge. Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
Photo by: Local Freshies
The short stroll doesn’t give up its hidden treasure quickly. Rather, it lets you focus on how pleasant it is to be under the evergreen canopy. To the left, the soothing sound of the South Fork Merced washes off life’s stresses from our brains. And then the bridge appears out of nowhere. Only as wide as a person and flexing under your feet, it’s an experience a person of any age would appreciate. The river rolls over rocks below you as it continues to journey to the lower elevations.
Photo by: Local Freshies
As the day’s light began to wane, I realized on this trip that the reward wasn’t seeing the biggest, tallest, or oldest things. Rather, it was the opportunity to savor the precious time we have on this planet. Take in everything with ALL our senses. John Muir was right, “Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
______________________________________________________________________________________
Like what you see? Save any of these pins (or possibly all of them) to your travel planning board(s) to give you an easy way to find your way back here! Also check out our other travel stories/blog posts as well as itineraries for more ideas and pins!
Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.