In Yosemite’s southern Wawona area, Mariposa Grove protects more than 500 mature giant sequoias. Walk among trees that can be thousands of years old, including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. Trails range from the paved, 0.3-mile Big Trees Loop to longer hikes farther into the grove, so you can choose a short stop or spend hours exploring. Reaching the grove can involve a two-mile walk each way from the Welcome Plaza; check current access before setting out.
A grove of giant sequoias
Mariposa Grove is in Yosemite National Park’s southern Wawona area, near the South Entrance. More than 500 mature giant sequoias grow here, making this the largest of Yosemite’s three sequoia groves. Trails pass beneath the trees and connect well-known landmarks, including the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
Sequoias are among the oldest and most massive living things on Earth. Some of the grove’s trees have been estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Their scale is difficult to judge from a photograph, and walking among them offers a different perspective from Yosemite’s granite cliffs and valley scenery.
Trails and notable trees
You can keep your visit short on the paved Big Trees Loop, which is about 0.3 miles long. Longer routes lead farther into the grove. The route to the Grizzly Giant is a popular choice, while walks that continue toward features such as the Faithful Couple, Clothespin Tree, Mariposa Grove Cabin or Wawona Point take more time. Trails range from easy to strenuous, so choose a distance that suits your group and the conditions.
The Grizzly Giant is one of the grove’s best-known trees. The California Tunnel Tree is another landmark: a tunnel was cut through it in the nineteenth century to let horse-drawn carriages pass. The Fallen Monarch, a toppled sequoia, is also among the grove’s notable sights. Follow the marked routes as you explore.
Getting to the grove
The grove lies south of Yosemite Valley, in the Wawona area. The drive between the valley and the grove takes about an hour, and Yosemite’s roads are winding, so allow time for the journey. Access arrangements can change: information in the collected material differs on whether the shuttle is running. Check current park access details before travelling.
When the shuttle is not available, reaching the grove from the Welcome Plaza involves a walk of about two miles each way, with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain. Some trails in the grove are paved, but longer hikes may be more demanding. Bring water and snacks for a longer outing, and take care around ice or fallen trees in winter conditions.
Why the grove is protected
Mariposa Grove has a place in the history of conservation in the United States. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation protecting the grove and Yosemite Valley for public use and recreation. The protection of these scenic areas preceded Yosemite’s designation as a national park in 1890.
The sequoias’ life cycle is also tied to fire. Heat from fires can help release seeds from their cones, and established trees can survive damage that would kill many other trees. Wildfire is part of the forest’s ecology, though conditions and access can be affected by fires. Check current park information before your visit.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Mariposa Grove?
It is in the southern part of Yosemite National Park, in the Wawona area near the South Entrance.
How long should I spend at Mariposa Grove?
Allow about 1 to 3 hours for a visit, depending on your route. The paved Big Trees Loop is about 0.3 miles; longer hikes reach farther into the grove.
Is there a shuttle to Mariposa Grove?
Shuttle availability can change, and the information available is inconsistent. Check current park access details before you go; without a shuttle, the walk from the Welcome Plaza is about two miles each way.
Which trees should I look for?
The Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree are two of the grove’s best-known landmarks. The Fallen Monarch is another notable tree.
