Mariposa Grove Day Hike
Yosemite National Park
The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. Visitors can wander among over 500 mature trees along a variety of trails. Located near the southern entrance to the park, the Mariposa Grove was closed for 2 years for a major restoration project and reopened in June 2018.
Mariposa Grove Trail
Mariposa Grove Trailhead
Easy
2 miles
300 feet
Yosemite
The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza is off Highway 41, just inside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. Visitors to the Mariposa Grove park at the Welcome Plaza, which has space for about 300 vehicles. It often fills by late morning. Visitors then board a free shuttle bus connecting the Welcome Plaza to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area (shown above in the masthead photo). Shuttle hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM most of the year. From mid-May through mid-October the shuttle continues until 8:00 PM. There is no shuttle service from December 1 through March 15.
Welcome Plaza for the Mariposa Grove
Restrooms are available at both the Welcome Plaza and the Arrival Area. Drinking water is available year-round at the Welcome Plaza and in the summer at the Arrival Area. The Depot at the Welcome Plaza sells books, maps, and gifts. It also provides general information.
Mariposa Grove's Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
The Grizzly Giant Loop leads 2 miles up and around the lower grove, passing such outstanding trees as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree. The trail begins as part of the Big Trees Loop before branching off on its own. Expect a moderate uphill hike with occasional steps.
Fallen Monarch
Most visitors take the Grizzly Giant Loop in a counterclockwise direction since most of the grand Giant Sequoias come within the first ¾-mile. After leaving the Big Trees Loop, the Grizzly Giant Trail climbs at a moderate grade, passing the Bachelor, Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree. Those wishing to shorten their hike turn around at the California Tunnel Tree and retrace their steps to the Arrival Area. Those continuing around the loop find that the trail climbs along the hillside for a while before descending in long, sweeping switch-backs to the Arrival Area.
Bachelor and Three Graces
Things to Know
- Pets are not allowed on the Mariposa Grove trails nor on the shuttles.
- Bicycles are not allowed on Mariposa Grove trails.
- Cars displaying a disability placard may park either at the Welcome Plaza or continue on to the Arrival Area or park near the Grizzly Giant.
- Horses are only permitted on the Perimeter Trail.
Tunnel Tree
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Meadow Loop - in Wawona take a delightful, gentle walk around the meadow
- Swinging Bridge Loop - an easy loop along Merced River in Wawona
Other Nearby Trails
The strenuous Guardians Loop Trail is a 6½-mile loop through the Mariposa Grove that passes unique features such as the Telescope Tree and the Mariposa Grove Cabin.
The 7-mile round-trip Mariposa Grove Trail climbs 1,200 feet to Wawona Point with panoramic views.
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