If you have dreamed of seeing big trees you are going to love the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park.
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Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
This area recently went through a $40 million dollar restoration project. This part of the park was closed from Spring of 2015 until June 15, 2018. Today the full grove is open and available for exploring.
Giant Sequoias are not the oldest living things on earth but they have been found to be over 3,000 years old. The oldest living trees are the Bristlecone Pines which have been found to be over 4,600 years old.
The tallest Sequoia tree in Mariposa Grove is about 290 feet (88 meters). They are not the tallest trees this is awarded to the coastal redwoods.
In total volume, the giant sequoias are the largest trees known to humans! There are more than 500 mature giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
Mariposa Grove is located at the southernmost point of Yosemite National Park.
Where to see Giant Sequoias in Yosemite
There are three places within the park that you can see a Giant Sequoias grove ( Sequoiadendron giganteum) within Yosemite. Mariposa Grove is the easiest grove to reach.
The Tuolumne Grove is located off of Tioga Road. To reach the grove you will need to take a one-mile hike down a 500-foot elevation loss trail. The grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias.
The Merced Grove is located on the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance and approximately 6 miles west of Crane Flat. To reach the Sequoias you will need to take a 1.5-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation loss. The Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias.
The hikes back out of the Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove are considered strenuous with at least a 500-foot elevation gain as you walk back to the parking lot.
How to get to the Mariposa Grove
By Car- The grove is located off of Highway 41 right next to the southern entrance to Yosemite.
The grove is 16 miles from Oakhurst, California.
From Yosemite Valley, the grove is 31 miles and takes approximately an hour to drive.
Hiking - You can hike from the Wawona Hotel to the grove via a 6.5-mile trail
Mariposa Grove Yosemite Shuttle
There is a free Yosemite Shuttle that starts at the Mariposa Grove welcome plaza.
The shuttle runs continuously during the day. Normally the shuttle comes by every 10 to 15 minutes.
Hours of Shuttle Operation
- March 15 through May 14: 8 am to 5 pm (The last bus leaves at 5 pm)
- May 15 through October 14: 8 am to 8 pm (The last bus leaves at 8 pm)
- October 15 through November 30: 8 am to 5 pm (The last bus leaves at 5 pm)
- December 1 through March 15: No shuttle service available.
Limited shuttle service is also available from the Wawona Hotel also known as the Big Tree Hotel during summer, between 9 am and 5 pm, with pick-ups/drop-offs about every two hours. This service is only available to guests of the hotel!
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
The welcome plaza has a small bookstore, a water bottle filling station, and a large restroom. There are also great interpretive panels that detail the life and growth of Giant Sequoia trees.
Mariposa Grove Trails
Big Trees Loop Trail -Easy
Distance: .3 mile/.5 km
Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Starts: Begins at the arrival area.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
What you can expect to see: This trail features the Fallen Monarch, interpretive panels
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail - Moderate
Distance: 2-mile loop
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Starts: Begins at the arrival area
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: Visitors with a valid disabled placard can drive as far as the Grizzly Giant parking area and enjoy this area of the grove via a section of trail that is wheelchair accessible.
What you can expect to see: Notable trees including the Bachelor, Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree.
Guardians Loop Trail - Strenuous
Distance: 6.5 miles/10.5 km
Time: 4 to 6 hours
Starts: Arrival area
What you can expect to see: Famous trees including the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Cabin
Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point- Strenuous
Distance: 7 miles/ 11.3 km
Time: 4 to 6 hours
Starts: Arrival area
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet, 366 meters
What you can expect to see: Famous trees including the Bachelor, Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, the Clothespin Tree and parts of the upper grove.
Mariposa Grove in the Winter
The Mariposa Grove Road closes to cars from the end of November until at least March 15th or later depending on the weather.
All trails in the grove remain open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
From December 1 through April 15th if the road is closed to cars then overnight camping is allowed!!! You will need to get a Wilderness Permit to camp. Camping is only allowed above the Clothespin Tree.
Check out our Yosemite Winter Guide for more activities in the park during the winter!
Things to know when planning a visit to Mariposa Grove
Make sure and wear a hat and good hiking shoes, and use sunscreen. The trails can be exposed to the sun as they go uphill.
The temperature can change as you move around the grove. Dressing in layers is a great way to handle temperature changes.
How to get to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located 36 miles south of Yosemite Valley near the Wawona Hotel.
You can get here by driving the Wawona Road, Highway 41, two miles north of Yosemite's south entrance station.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on any trails in Mariposa Grove.
Pets are allowed in the parking areas on leash only.
Pets are not allowed on shuttles.
Food/Snacks: There is no food service available at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza or within Mariposa Grove.
Water: Make sure and bring all the water you need for hiking in Mariposa Grove with you! There are NO disposable water bottles sold at the welcome plaza or at the arrivals depot at the Lower Grove.
There are drinking fountains at the welcome plaza and arrivals depot.
Bicycles are not allowed on Mariposa Grove Road or in the Mariposa Grove
Can you drive to Mariposa Grove?
You can not drive into Mariposa Grove. You will need to park at the welcome center and take the free Yosemite shuttle to the trailhead.
Cars are allowed up to the arrival area during winter from December 1 to March 15th.
How far is Mariposa Grove from Yosemite?
Mariposa Grove is located in the southern section of Yosemite National Park. The grove is within the park but not in Yosemite Valley.
What is the elevation of Mariposa Grove?
5,600 feet
Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources
Lodges In Yosemite National Park
Ahwahnee Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Ahwahnee Hotel -> Click Here
The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge -> Click Here
The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Wawona Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Wawona Hotel -> Click Here
(Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
Curry Village Tent Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Curry Village Cabins -> Click Here
The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.
Lodges near Yosemite National Park
There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:
Chateau du Sureau
🏨Ready to Book the Chateau du Sureau -> Click Here
Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here
Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here
At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here
4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa
Yosemite National Park Tours
California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:
- Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
- Death Valley's Unique Geology
- Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
- Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters
Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability
Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:
- all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
- round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
- snacks/lunch
Private Family Hike in Yosemite
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.
4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required
A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:
- May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
- June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
- August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)
During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:
- Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
- (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
- Wilderness or Half Dome permit
- In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
- In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
- In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
- Regional transit ot tour group
Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:
- Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
- Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
- There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
- Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
- Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
- You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.
Additional Yosemite Resources
Things to do in Yosemite - All of the things you don't want to miss during your trip.
Yosemite Camping Guide - Everything you need to know to plan an epic camping trip in Yosemite.
Yosemite Lodging Guide - Everything you need to know to plan a stay in the park.
Oakhurst Restaurant Guide - Where to eat in Oakhurst on your way to the park.
Sugar Pine Railroad - Great family excursion near the southern part of the park.
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We are ambassadors for Yosemite Madera County. All opinions expressed are our own,
Rhonda Salisbury says
I love your guides!!!