Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Visitor's Guide - Yosemite National Park
Hi friends! This week I’m super excited to partner with Visit Yosemite | Madera County to share a visitor’s guide to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. This historic sequoia grove is home to some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in the world, as well as a tree you can literally walk through! Join me below as we share the fascinating history, best hiking trails, notable points of interest, and all the information you’ll need to plan your visit to this top Yosemite activity.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park
Location
Mariposa Grove of Giants Sequoias is located just inside Yosemite National Park’s south entrance along Wawona Road/Highway 41. The small town of Wawona is about 10 minutes north inside the park, with the gateway communities of Fish Camp and Oakhurst to the south. The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza & Depot (and main parking area) is found right next to the main highway...however, the actual Mariposa Grove, which boasts over 500 mature giant sequoias, is only accessible via a shuttle in the Summer months, or via a 2-mile (one way) hike year-round. An additional small parking lot is available at the “Grove Arrival Area” and main trailhead (at the end of the 2-mile road for shuttles), designated only for vehicles with handicap placards.
Grizzly Giant Tree in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
History
Long before the Gold Rush brought a huge influx of settlers to the Yosemite region in the mid-1800s, forcibly removing the indigenous people, several tribes had ties to these lands, including the Southern Sierra Miwuk, the Ahwahneechee, and Western Mono. The local Mono people believed the giant sequoias were sacred and protected by the owls that resided in the grove.
As explorers began to make their way into the Sierra Nevada, the grove's colossal sequoias caught the attention of the wider world. Galen Clark, the first “Guardian” of Yosemite and a passionate advocate for preserving the sequoias, was the first person to count and measure the grove’s trees. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, designating Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley as protected lands, the first of its kind in the U.S. This marked a turning point in the nation’s conservation efforts, eventually leading to the establishment of national parks.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza & Depot in Yosemite
Visiting Today
At the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza & Depot, visitors will find wonderful informative displays, a gift shop run by the Yosemite Conservancy, and over 300 parking spaces. Shuttle service from the plaza area to the Grove “Arrival Area” and main trailhead is available from Spring through Fall. Visitors can also opt to access to Mariposa Grove via a 2-mile hike (one way) with 500 feet of elevation gain on the Washburn Trail. Hiking along the Mariposa Grove Road is only allowed when shuttles are not running in the off-season.
California Tunnel Tree in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove
Bachelor & Three Graces in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Notable Sequoia Trees & Points of Interest
Fallen Monarch: One of the first highlights to see in the Mariposa Grove it is the fallen monarch. It’s believed this tree fell centuries ago, and still remains incredibly well preserved where it rests.
Bachelor & Three Graces: Named for their proximity to each other, the roots of the Bachelor & Three Graces may be so intertwined that if one were to fall, it could likely take the others with it. Sequoia roots are typically only about 6 feet deep, but they can spread over half an acre.
Grizzly Giant: The Grizzly Giant is the second largest tree in the grove. Standing at over 210 feet, it’s the 25th tallest tree in the world and it’s estimated to be around 3000 years old. This tree is also credited as the tree that President Roosevelt famously camped under with John Muir during his Yosemite visit in 1903.
California Tunnel Tree: The last remaining living sequoia tree with a man-made tunnel, the California Tunnel Tree was originally carved out for stagecoaches to pass-through in 1895 back when tunneling through sequoias was a common practice to help boost tourism. Of course, carving out living trees has wisely long since been abandoned to protect these ancient giants, but it is pretty neat to be able to stroll through a living sequoia tree.
Faithful Couple: The Faithful Couple are two towering trees that are clearly separate if you look up, but they’ve actually fused together at the base.
Clothespin Tree: This towering sequoia gets its name from the massive natural “gap” at its base, providing a resemblance to a “clothespin”. It's a testament to the tree's resilience...although there are concerns about its long-term stability.
Columbia Tree: Standing proud as the tallest sequoia in the Mariposa Grove, the Columbia Tree soars to 286 feet.
Washington Tree: As the largest tree in the Mariposa Grove, the Washington Tree was named after our first President, and it commands attention with its immense size and towering presence.
Mariposa Grove Cabin: Nestled in the upper grove, this historic cabin was built in 1930 as a replica of the one Galen Clark lived in during the mid-1800s after being the first European to discover the grove.
Galen Clark Tree: Named after the beloved first “Guardian” of Yosemite, the Galen Clark Tree is a tribute to the man who dedicated his life to protecting the sequoias, and it’s said it was the very first tree he saw when entering the grove.
Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree: Once famous for its massive man-made tunnel carved through its base, this tree fell during a snowstorm in 1969. It was the first tree with a man-made tunnel (1881), and the toppling of this giant spurred on increased awareness and preservation.
Wawona Point: At 6,800 feet, Wawona Point marks the end-point of the Mariposa Grove Trail, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s the perfect reward after a long hike.
Grizzly Giant where Teddy Roosevelt & John Muir camped
Big Trees Loop Trail in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Hiking Trails
Big Trees Loop Trail: 0.3 mile loop, Easy
If you're looking for a gentle stroll that captures the grandeur of the grove, the Big Trees Loop is perfect. This easy, 0.3-mile loop winds through a peaceful forest, and as you follow the path, you'll encounter the iconic Fallen Monarch and several interpretive panels that unlock the secrets of the ancient sequoias’ ecology. It's a relaxed 30 to 45-minute wander, entirely wheelchair accessible, and ideal for those who want to get lost in nature without venturing too far. Begin at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the towering giants around you.
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail: 2-mile loop, Easy to Moderate
For those ready to dive deeper into the grove, the Grizzly Giant Loop beckons. This 2-mile adventure takes you past some of the grove's most iconic trees, including the Bachelor & Three Graces and, of course, the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant. Start your journey from the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, follow the Mariposa Grove Trail at Big Trees Loop, and prepare for an easy-to-moderate hike with 300 feet of elevation gain. The California Tunnel Tree is another showstopper along the way, providing visitors an opportunity to walk through the last remaining living & standing sequoia tree with a man-made tunnel carved into it.
Guardians Loop Trail: 6.5 miles RT, Strenuous
For the more adventurous souls, the Guardians Loop Trail is a stunning 6.5-mile round-trip hike that promises hours of immersion in the quiet beauty of the upper grove. You’ll wind past timeless features like the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree and the captivating Telescope Tree, with the historic Mariposa Grove Cabin greeting you along the way. The 1.5-mile loop at the top is where you’ll find some of the grove’s most famous landmarks.
Mariposa Grove Trail: 7 miles RT, Strenuous
This 7-mile round-trip trail leads to Wawona Point, offering sweeping views that make the effort more than rewarding. Starting at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, the trail itself is wide, smooth, and follows a path that generations before us have taken to witness the majesty of these giant sequoias. Along the way, you’ll pass the familiar Bachelor & Three Graces, the charming Faithful Couple, and the unforgettable Clothespin Tree. Climb 1,200 feet in elevation, and before you know it, you’ll be standing at Wawona Point, gazing out over the stunning landscape. Alternative routes can also take you to the upper grove, though they tend to be steeper and more rugged.
Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Yosemite Adventure Vacation Contest
Yosemite Adventure Vacation Contest & Prize
You can find a “Galen” the Great-Horned Owl trading card at the Welcome Plaza Depot adjacent to the Mariposa Grove main parking lot. The more of these Fossils to Falls collectable cards you find, the greater your chances are of winning a Yosemite Adventure Vacation Package.
The Fossils to Falls Road Trip was created by Visit Yosemite | Madera County, and 10 unique trading cards can be found at the stops along the itinerary. Each card shows off a different member of their “Welcoming Committee” characters, which are super cute and fun to learn about for kids big and small 😊. The more cards you collect, the better your odds are of winning monthly drawings and a Yosemite Adventure Vacation package grand prize. Check out YosemiteThisYear.com/welcoming-committee for all the contest rules and prize details, and follow along my journey along the Fossils to Falls Road Trip here.
Yosemite’s Fallen Monarch in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Know Before You Go
• Always visit the Travel Alerts page at YosemiteThisYear.com and the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit, as well as information on Yosemite National Park reservation requirements.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Please remember to pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. The tree roots of giant sequoias can be damaged overtime by foot traffic, so please refrain from crossing barriers and approaching tree trunks. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Overnight camping in Mariposa Grove is permitted from December 1 to April 15, provided that the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to vehicles and there is sufficient snow for skiing. A wilderness permit is necessary for camping, which is restricted to areas above the Clothespin Tree.
• Water is accessible only at the Welcome Plaza, while vault toilets can be found at the Welcome Plaza, main trailhead, near the Grizzly Giant, and near the Mariposa Grove Cabin.
Big Trees Loop Trail in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
In Summary & Post Sponsor
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County, an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and the surrounding regions. Stop at the Oakhurst Visitor Center for expert advice, access to maps, and insider tips. Here you’ll discover the many hidden gems of Madera County, and make sure to download your free visitor guide at YosemiteThisYear.com for answers to all your questions about visiting California's Southern Gateway to Yosemite. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Grizzly Giant in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Wondering where to see giant trees in California? One of the best spots to hike among some of the largest, oldest & tallest trees in the world is at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park near Wawona & Oakhurst. Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to learn about the rich history, top hiking trails, and info to plan your next Yosemite adventure vacation & road trip.