Mariposa Grove: Yosemite's Premier Giant Sequoia Grove
The towering giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, with their immense size and millennia-old maturity, evoke a profound sense of awe. As the park's largest grove, it spans 250 acres and shelters over 500 mature trees. Scenic walking trails meander through this beloved area; for a quieter visit, arrive in the early evening during summer or anytime off-season.
Following a major restoration project that began in July 2015, the grove reopened in mid-June 2018. Enhancements include new accessible boardwalks, removal of the parking lot, gift shop, tram tours, and roads—resulting in reduced congestion and a more immersive natural experience. A multimillion-dollar grant from the Yosemite Conservancy supported a new trail linking the South Entrance to the grove.
Upon entering the lower grove, spot the iconic Fallen Monarch on your right, famously photographed in 1899 with the US 6th Cavalry and their horses along its length. Its exposed roots highlight the sequoias' shallow yet extensive root systems.
A half-mile uphill leads to the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant, a colossal tree whose branches rival the girth of surrounding pines. Nearby, the walk-through California Tunnel Tree offers the perfect photo spot, remarkably thriving despite its heart being carved out in 1895.
In the upper grove, the once-famous Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree toppled in 1969 after a 10-foot tunnel was cut into its fire scar in 1881. Other highlights include the Telescope Tree and Clothespin Tree. A one-mile round-trip trail from the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree reaches the expansive Wawona Point overlook (6,810 ft), panoramic views of the grove.
Exploration time varies from 30 minutes to several hours based on your pace. From the new shuttle stop to the Wawona Tunnel Tree, expect about 1,000 feet of gentle elevation gain.
Parking is reserved for those with accessibility placards; others must use the free shuttle from the South Entrance Welcome Plaza (2 miles away). Driving from Yosemite Valley takes about one hour. Mariposa Grove Road closes to vehicles from roughly November to April due to snow, but hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing (2 miles, 500 ft gain) offers serene winter access.
