Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
4.5
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12 within 6 miles
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- creativestartravelLondon, United Kingdom1,996 contributionsBrilliant day tripHad a brilliant day trip and a guided wonderful hike discovering more about these sequoia trees! Yosemite National Park most certainly live up to expectations, the surroundings and hike in nature truly helps you switch off from day to day life. Recommend visiting and hiking to everyoneVisited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 15, 2023
- LynneMooHooWashington DC, District of Columbia136 contributionsFirst Sequoia Experience...Spectacular!Absolutely loved getting o see sequoias for my first time ever...they were magnificent! This grove was at the far southwest part of the park and was a destination in itself, but very unlike the Valley area of Yosemite where we spent the rest of our time. The first couple of miles in this area are quite crowded but once you get beyond where most people go, it was very quiet and peaceful. We thoroughly enjoyed nearly a whole day there...with a picnic at the top overlooking a spectacular valley. Highly recommend visiting this spot!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 26, 2023
- PacificNWFamily103,209 contributionsWatched cone harvestersI enjoyed another hike among the Giant Sequoias with friends. This is one of my favorite areas of Yosemite National Park. In addition to many named and unnamed Giant Sequoias, we saw several bright red snow plants. This time we were lucky to be visiting when the Ancient Forest Society was collecting cones for the National Park Service. These amazing climbers were at the tops of several trees, harvesting cones for seed collection. I wish I had brought binoculars to watch these folks.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 18, 2024
- Krishnan RHayward, California230 contributionsBeautiful place, lots of unique treesThis is not just a forest of any trees. It has a lot of sequoia trees with a different history of each. It does involve a little bit of hiking but the trees are nice to see. The bark on them does not feel like any other tree - very soft and touching overall. Came here as part of a tour we booked and did not go all the way up but still enjoyed the place overall.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 7, 2024
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Richard C
Phoenix, AZ22 contributions
Jun 2022
What a wonderful day in Mariposa Grove. Being our first time in Yosemite we knew the Sequoias in Mariposa Grove would be the first site we wanted to see. The area was busy and parking was very packed. There is a shuttle service to the trailhead which is very necessary (without the shuttle you would have to take a very steep 2 mile hike just to get to the trailhead). There are various hikes you can take and obviously the shorter routes are much busier. Have an idea prior to your trip on what you want to see to better determine the route you want to take. Our family went further than a majority of the crowds and made our way to the Telescope Tree (very cool to actually go inside a Sequoia!). Our "custom" hike was just under 6 miles. Take breaks and plenty of water especially on a warm day!
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ron c
Finksburg, MD944 contributions
Sep 2022
We loved our visit to the mariposa grove. Outside of Muir Woods in CA, this was our first visit to a large grove and it was really breathtaking. Most folks on tours or visiting only go on the shorter trail. Take the long trail and see the trees around the upper grove. We would have hiked more, but missed a few shortcuts we could have taken on perimeter trails They could use some better maps to show how the short cuts will save you time, especially for folks that dont want longer hikes. Fantastic views for us with fantastic weather!
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VelvetSteamroller
Elyria120 contributions
Jul 2020
i am so very glad we got to experience this. my wife and I took our oldest here for her graduation present and it was such a great experience. we came july 2020 during the coronavirus upheaval and couldn't get a day entry pass so we took the YARTS bus into the park and it dropped us of right at the grove parking lot, which is literally right next to the park entrance. we got there as early as the YARTS bus could get us there, so we arrived at the mariposa grove parking area/bus stop at 830am. since they aren't running the park shuttles we walked the trail from the parking area to the grove. there was barely anyone else around, only maybe 10-20 cars in the parking lot. we are very active people so the hike to the grove on the trail wasn't difficult and took us about 45 minutes to cover the 2 miles. once we got to the grove (I want you to listen carefully to me here), it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. there was basically no one there. i counted 11 other people the entire time we were walking around the grove. it felt like we had it to ourselves and i felt so honored to have gotten that experience. i have never had that feeling in nature before. the trees are absolute giants and it was so cool to see them. we sat for 15 minutes on the benches at/under the grizzly giant and just absorbed how large and awesome it is and didn't see another person the whole time we sat there. we walked the rest of the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail and it was just as excellent as anyone could ever ask for. we didn't rush ourselves and we spent a comfortable amount of time in the grove and enjoyed ourselves there. we made it back to the grove parking area to catch the YARTS bus back out of the parking area about 1230 or so. since we didn't know how long it would take us to get to the grove, we were hiking with a good bit of hustle, but were able to take our time in the grove and on the hike back to the parking area. awesome experience, highly recommend. if you decided to take the trail from the parking area to the grove, your shoes and lower legs are going to be absolutely covered in dust. my wife and daughter used the time before the bus came one we got back to the parking area to wash their legs. being the caveman that i am i chose to just stew in my grime.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doublemdoublet
Clifton, VA1,392 contributions
Jun 2021
Rangers were wrong. TIP: Read these 2021 posts people. No family should need to walk 6 miles to see these trees. I saw toddlers, little dogs and the elderly all on their near death hike to the trees during the heatwave. Many never made it. What a National Park Service (NPS) mistake this is! The Rangers are set up on wrong side of the visitor center. The public unknowingly walks to the trailhead without NPS input. You'd think someone is charge would step up. The Shuttles are not running. The New Visitor Center is now 2 miles away from the old Center so everyone with outdated guide books is ill prepared. Plan to see sequoias elsewhere.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
5 contributions
Jun 2019
Since they have renovated and upgraded the area it's quite a place to visit! I visited in June and the grove is located 1hr south of Yosemite valley on hwy 41. After parking in a fairly large lot, you can either go to the store or jump on one of the buses that will drive ( at no cost, since it's still in Yosemite) you to Mariposa Grove. Once there you can wander at your own speed and take the various wide circuitous paths around the area. The trees are magnificent and are truly big! Some of their branches as bid as a normal tree! If you want to see big Sequoias without the crowds this is the park in my opinion. Buses were full but available.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State103,209 contributions
Sep 2022
We shuttled up early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. The Mariposa Grove shuttle driver clearly explained where to get off the shuttle and where to get back on. I noticed that the line to get back on the shuttle to head down has been updated with ropes to keep folks organized; when we visited in June, getting on the shuttle was just a pushy free-for-all. The return ride was about a 30 minute wait to board a shuttle. Midweek, late Sept.
We used various trails to connect the trees we wanted to see as we headed up to Wawona Point and through the Upper Grove. Seeing the burned trees from the Washburn Fire made me appreciate fire fighters even more. The Galen Clark tree has burn marks but is still standing.
We used various trails to connect the trees we wanted to see as we headed up to Wawona Point and through the Upper Grove. Seeing the burned trees from the Washburn Fire made me appreciate fire fighters even more. The Galen Clark tree has burn marks but is still standing.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paige C
2 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
If you have ever seen a giant sequoia anywhere else-Muir Woods, N Coast, Kings Canyon, you can skip Mariposa Grove. I love to hike and I love trees, but this was so disappointing. 2 mile hike uphill through manzanita that was very exposed and hot then you get to the "grove" and there are very few trees! I was expecting a beautiful, lush, cooling hike and grove. Nope. Unfortunately fire damage and managed thinning has reduced this grove to a few trees. I would not recommend. There is no shuttle right now. Maybe if the shuttle is running it would be worth a quick look.
Written May 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy_lee21
Grand Rapids, Michigan158 contributions
Dec 2022
If you haven’t seen sequoias before it is about 30 miles from the west entry of El Portal side. There is a shuttle that runs during the summer. During the winter it is about an extra 4 mile round trip to get to the shuttle drop off up a hill or through the trail in the woods. There are some really large sequoias there like Grizzly Bear and the walk through tree.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State103,209 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I enjoyed another hike among the Giant Sequoias with friends. This is one of my favorite areas of Yosemite National Park. In addition to many named and unnamed Giant Sequoias, we saw several bright red snow plants.
This time we were lucky to be visiting when the Ancient Forest Society was collecting cones for the National Park Service. These amazing climbers were at the tops of several trees, harvesting cones for seed collection. I wish I had brought binoculars to watch these folks.
This time we were lucky to be visiting when the Ancient Forest Society was collecting cones for the National Park Service. These amazing climbers were at the tops of several trees, harvesting cones for seed collection. I wish I had brought binoculars to watch these folks.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah O
Mexico, MO252 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This was an amazing way to spend a couple hours. This is right near the south entrance of the park. This section of the park had only been opened a couple days when we visited so the shuttles were not running. We left the parking lot about 9 and walked up the road. It took 50 minutes. Once we got up there it was REALLY snowy. The snow was pretty packed but we did slip and slide a little bit. For sake of time, we only hiked out to the tunnel tree (0.7) and then came back the same way. There are much longer hikes you can do if you want. It was a beautiful area of the park. Make sure you pack snacks and water and go to the bathroom before you go up. I would suggest doing this as early as possible to avoid large crowds. Great way to spend 3+ hours.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The NPS website for Yosemite currently shows that Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Mariposa Grove are closed. It also shows that they are clearing the snow on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, but nothing is mentioned about Mariposa Grove. My family will be at Yosemite May 11 -17. Does anybody know if they are working on getting Mariposa Grove open. We are hoping to take the shuttle bus up to the grove.
Written April 30, 2024
Next time you have a question, I recommend using the travel forum. We see those questions. Anything posted on the Q&A feature is usually unseen.
Written July 31, 2024
How does this area compare to Sequoia National Park? If I visit the Mariposa Grove, is it worth the trip to Sequoia NP or can I skip it?
Written January 11, 2023
I've never been to Sequoia NP but have never felt the need... the beauty of Mariposa Grove, along with everything else in Yosemite has always been enough for me.
Written January 12, 2023
Is the handicap parking area open for the Mariposa Grove?
Written March 17, 2022
Yes. Currently folks with a disabled placard can drive from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area. But they cannot drive on to the Grizzly Giant parking.
I highly recommend using the active Yosemite forum rather than this quiet seldom-viewed Q&A feature.
Written May 12, 2022
do I need Yosemite access day pass to visit the giant sequoias during COVID restricted travel?
Written June 14, 2021
Yes. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is inside the South Entrance of Yosemite.
If you have other questions, ask on the active Yosemite forum. This Q&A feature has few readers.
Written June 21, 2021
How long should you allow for visit to Mariposa Grove? Thanks
Written February 16, 2020
Hi
I think the best place to ask questions about tourism in Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite TripAdvisor forum. You can have an actual conversation. This Q&A feature does not work well for that.
A vague general answer .... half a day or 3-6 hours.
I am a hiker but had been to Mariposa Grove dozens of times. On one visit, I quickly hiked all the way to Wawona Point, down through the Upper Grove, and back to the Arrival Area. So even though the NPS site suggests that loop would take 4-6 hours, I was done in less than 3 hours.
Some folks will only use the wheelchair accessible Big Tree Loop. Some will walk further and take dozens of photos. Some may spend most of the day.
Folks who visit now have to walk from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area (that's the usual shuttle route, but there is no shuttle in February) to access the trailheads, so they'll be walking even longer than summer visitors.
Note that there is no food available. Bring what you need. And post on the Yosemite forum if you'd like to share more information about when you are visiting, how much hiking you like to do, and things like that.
Written February 16, 2020
Hi all,
I'm making a road trip in the US next may. Starting in LA, going to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon, Page, Bryce and Zion, From that point we go to Bakersfield and up to Mariposa to visit Yosemite. When we leave Yosemite we are going to San Fransisco and after a few days back to LA.
On a few points we stay for multiple nights, LA 4, Grand Canyon 2, Zion 2, Las Vegas 2, Mariposa 2, San Fransisco 3.
Because we have limited time everywhere i like to be prepared, because i would like to make a picture of the milky way in one of those amazing spots we will be visiting in May. I'm from the Netherlands and this is one of the worlds most light polluted countries in the world there are almost no ways to shoot the milky way close from where i live.
I'm collecting data so far, and this is what i found. The moon is very big at the moment when we are near the Grand Canyon 5-11/12 and Bryce 5-14 so the Milky Way is no option here. When we are at Mariposa near Yosemite the moon is much better 5-20/21 so i would like to make the picture over there.
Which spots do you all prefer to shoot the Milky Way in Yosemite? Which has the best view on the stars and als have a nice foreground to make the best picture possible?
Written February 14, 2020
Hi, my husband is a keen photographer. He took some incredible Milky Way photos in Darwin, on the edge of Death Valley. I have never in my life seen so many stars (and we live near a dark sky area Brecon Beacons). He also however took some amazing Milky Way photos from Tunnel View in Yosemite. It’s very accessible and looks out to El Capitan which makes for a great shot - he also took photos of the rock climbers camping on the cliff face at night. Great photo opportunities. Hope this helps.
Written February 23, 2020
Hola ! visitaremos secuoya national park en mayo del año proximo, iremos en auto desde las vegas y luego seguiremos a yosemite... la idea es pasar el dia en los secuoyas y la noche cerca de ahi... que zona nos recomendas??
Gracias por tu ayuda.
Sam.
Written November 12, 2019
Hi Sam
Google Translate: Hello ! We will visit Sequoia National Park in May of next year, we will go by car from Las Vegas and then we will continue to Yosemite ... the idea is to spend the day in the redwoods and the night near there ... what area do you recommend? Thanks for your help. Sam
This is a seldom viewed English language Q&A.
My suggestion is to skip Mariposa Grove as you'll see more groves of trees in Sequoia NP. Then stay in Yosemite Valley.
Please ask questions about your Yosemite tourism on the Yosemite forum page. Use English.
Written November 22, 2019
Is there any lodging within hiking distance to the grove?
Written October 16, 2019
Thanks no but there are lodgings about half an hour drive away. May be some even closeremember. Check out the site for listings
Written October 18, 2019
I’m planing to go with 2 under 3 kids.
Is there a place to eat in Mariposa Grove?
Do you have Internet at the park?
To access Mariposa Grove you have to go through a lot of edges routes? I mean is easy drive or the route is S shaping?
Thanks in advance!
Written August 24, 2019
Ok So here the deal. You are coming from the South from Oakhurst Stop at McDonald's and if the kids like hot lunch keep wrapped or insulated. There are no sitdown restaurants. From Oakhurst to the Park entrance (right by the roundabout parking lot) where you can take the bus up to the trees here. FYI I know that you can get a 4g on ATT from the parking lot because my son stayed in the camper while we hiked the 1.7 miles up to the trees (all boardwalk)
From Oakhurst, the road has a lot of gentle curves. IF you go deeper in the park to the Valley or to the falls or to Sentinel Dome there are tons of switchbacks but consider the are more highways, not tiny roads.
Written September 6, 2019
Do we have any hike which is not more than 2-3 miles?
Written August 5, 2019
There are hikes of all lengths, and they all start with a nice boardwalk. So you can go out as far as you like and then come back. Even someone in a wheelchair could go on the boardwalk and see many of the sequoias.
Written August 5, 2019
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