Mariposa Grove Arrival Area Trailhead

Mariposa Grove Arrival Area

Quick Facts

Amenities

6 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Recycling, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Explore and experience the wonder of being surrounded by some of the rarest and most remarkable living things on the planet in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Marvel at the towering giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, as you prepare to embark on your grand adventure into the grove.

All trails begin here at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. They range from a relatively flat stroll to half- or full-day hikes that require strenuous uphill hiking. Each has its own rewards.

Big Trees Loop Trail (easy)

0.3 mile (0.5 km) loop from trailhead, 30 to 45 minutes (wheelchair accessible)

Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. Winding through a forest with many giant sequoias, this trail features the Fallen Monarch and interpretive panels on the life and ecology of giant sequoias. This loop is relatively flat and is wheelchair accessible.

Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (moderate)

2 miles (3.2 km) loop from trailhead, 1.5 to 2 hours

Begin at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. Start along the Mariposa Grove Trail at the Big Trees Loop and hike past notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree. Vehicles with a disability placard can drive as far as the Grizzly Giant accessible parking and enjoy this area of the grove via a section of trail that is wheelchair accessible.

Guardians Loop Trail (strenuous)

6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip from trailhead, 4 to 6 hours
1,200 feet (366 m) elevation gain

Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. This trail follows a route that people have used to access the grove for generations. See famous sequoias such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree along this somewhat strenuous route to the upper reaches of the grove. After hiking to the tranquil upper portion of the grove, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop takes hikers past many famous features including the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, the Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Cabin.

Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point (strenuous)

7 miles (11.3 km) round trip, 4 to 6 hours
1,200 feet (366 m) elevation gain

Begin at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. This trail follows a route that people have used to access the grove for generations. See famous sequoias such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree along this somewhat strenuous route to the upper reaches of the grove. Continue to historic Wawona Point, an overlook with panoramic views. A number of alternative trails are used to access the upper portion of the grove. These trails are generally steeper and more primitive than the Mariposa Grove Trail.

Seasonality

• Take the shuttle and hike into the grove from early March through late November. Vehicles displaying disability placards can drive into the grove at 25mph and park at the Arrival Area.
• From approximately December to March, the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to vehicles. The road, along with all trails within the Grove, remain open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers.

See website for more information.

Getting Here

Located near Yosemite National Park's South Entrance. Park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and take the free shuttle (spring - fall) or hike into the grove, 2 miles one way. Only vehicles displaying a disability placard are permitted to drive into the Grove at any time.

Rules & Regulations

Stay on established trails

• Pets are not allowed on hiking trails
• Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time. Feeding or approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal! Be sure to keep your food within arm's reach at all times, or store properly.
• Overnight camping is allowed in the Mariposa Grove from December 1 through April 15, if the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to cars. A wilderness permit is required to camp. Camping is only allowed above the Clothespin Tree.
• In the winter, water is only available at the Welcome Plaza and pit toilets are available in the Mariposa Grove at the arrival area, near the Grizzly Giant, and near the Mariposa Grove Cabin.

Accessibility

There are designated accessible parking spaces at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area is accessible, as well as the Big Trees Loop Trail, 0.3 mile (0.5 km). Vehicles displaying a disability placard can drive as far as the Grizzly Giant accessible parking area and enjoy a close up view of the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree, via a section of trail that is wheelchair accessible, 0.13 mile (0.21 km).