Mariposa Grove Arrival Area and Trailhead

Mariposa Grove Arrival Area

Quick Facts

Amenities

6 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tactile Exhibit, Trailhead, Water - Bottle-Filling Station

The Mariposa Grove home to hundreds of mature giant sequoias and is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park. All trails through the grove begin here at the 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. All trail distances are listed beginning and ending at the arrival area.

Route Information

Big Trees Loop Trail

Distance: 0.3 mile (0.5 km) loop
Elevation gain: flat pavement and boardwalk
Time estimate: 30 to 45 minutes

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

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) loop
Elevation gain: 300 ft (90 m)
Time estimate: 1.5 to 2 hours

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

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (366 m)
Time estimate: 4-6 hours

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 hilly route to the upper reaches of the grove. After hiking to the tranquil upper portion of the grove, the return hike 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

Distance: 7.75 miles (12.4 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (360 m) elevation gain
Time estimate: 4-6 hours

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 rugged than the Mariposa Grove Trail.

Tips & Seasonal Information

Restrooms are available at:

• Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and Parking
• Mariposa Grove picnic area (off the Washburn Trail about one mile from the parking area) (vault toilet)
• Mariposa Grove Trailhead and Arrival Area (flush toilets in summer/vault toilets in winter)
• Near the Grizzly Giant (vault toilet)
• Mariposa Grove cabin (flush toilet in summer/vault toilet in winter)

Drinking water is available at the arrival area in summer only. There is no drinking water in the grove.

There is no private vehicle access and no parking at the arrival area except for vehicles displaying disability placards. The Mariposa Grove shuttle typically operates from approximately early March through late November. From approximately late November to at least April 1, the Mariposa Grove Road is closed to all vehicles. The road, along with all trails within the Grove, remain open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers. See website for more information.

Pets are not allowed anywhere in the Mariposa Grove. Protect these ancient trees by staying behind boundary fencing and staying on established trails. Bicycles are allowed on the Mariposa Grove Road between the welcome plaza (near South Entrance) and the Grizzly Giant when the road is open for the season. Bicycles are not allowed elsewhere in the Mariposa Grove.

Accessibility

There are designated accessible parking spaces at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area; vehicles displaying disability placards can drive at 25mph and park in designated spaces.

The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area is wheelchair accessible, as well as the Big Trees Loop Trail, 0.3 mile (0.5 km). There is a bronze tactile exhibit at the arrival area. Use caution in hot weather as the tactile exhibit may be too hot to touch.

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).