If you have dreamed of seeing big trees you are going to love the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park.
Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge (In the park), The Pines Resort
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
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
Best Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability
Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.
Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (803+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🚐
Check Rates and Availability
This is the tour for first-time visitors who want to see everything without the stress of figuring it out on their own. Operated by Discover Yosemite, a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner for two years running, this small-group tour covers the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and all the major viewpoints in one very full day. Lunch is included along with snacks and water.
Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point.
The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Lodges In Yosemite National Park
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls.
Lodges near Yosemite National Park
There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!
Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!
The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!
Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0f
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
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)
$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$20.00 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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations
Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.
Additional Yosemite Resources
- Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - The grove is outside of the valley on Highway 41 next to the southern entrance to the park.
- Things to do in Yosemite
- 1-Day in Yosemite guide
- Yosemite Winter Guide
- Yosemite Lodging Guide
- Yosemite National Park Camping Guide
Things To Do Near Yosemite National Park
- Oakhurst, California, the Southern Entrance to Yosemite
- Bass Lake Travel Guide
- The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Wassama Round House State Historic Park
- Oakhurst Lodging Guide
- Oakhurst Restaurant Guide
- Madera Wine Trail
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Rhonda Salisbury says
I love your guides!!!