Exploring the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: A Trekking Guide
Yosemite National Park's hidden gem, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, is a must-visit destination in the park's lesser-known southern region. Home to over 500 mature giant sequoia trees, some 2,000 years old, this hike takes you on a breathtaking journey through ancient forest giants.
Established in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln himself, the grove has a rich history and was officially made a part of Yosemite National Park in 1906. The 7-mile Mariposa Grove Trail covers all the major attractions in the grove, with a bit of uphill but overall, it's an easy hike that offers stunning scenery.
Getting There is Half the Battle
Navigating to the trailhead can be tricky, so pay close attention to these directions. For the best experience, aim to start your hike at sunrise, as you'll be able to park at the trailhead's small lot before the crowds arrive. If you arrive after 7:30 am, the park will close the entrance gate to Mariposa Grove Road, and you'll have to park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center.
In winter, Mariposa Grove Road may be closed, so visitors must walk the 2 miles up the road to the grove from the Welcome Plaza.
Winter Conditions: https://currentconditions.weather.gov/cgi-bin/findcwix.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza Address: Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, 95389, CA.
Gear Up for the Hike
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
A light hiking setup is ideal for this hike, with a backpack, 1L of water, and comfortable hiking shoes. Trail runners or hiking shoes are recommended due to the trail's potentially muddy surface. You can also do this hike in fitness clothing if you don't have hiking gear. Take some snacks along for the journey, and consider a picnic at Wawona Point.
My Top Gear Picks:
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - My trusty daypack. Light, durable, and keeps my back dry with trampoline mesh.
- Norda 001 - Comfortable like a pillow, tough like a monster truck, perfect for your feet.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus - Provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, and more for your hike.
- Garmin Fenix 8 - Updated to be rock solid for me. Great for maps, tracking, and routing.
Find all my gear picks and reasons on my Top Gear Picks page.
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Mariposa Grove Trail Maps
Following the Mariposa Grove Trail route will enhance your experience. Save this guide on your phone or print it out for easy reference. If you have a GPS device, load my GPX track and bring it along. This will help you cross-check your position on the GPS if you encounter any confusion on the trail.
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
View Hike on CalTopo.Download the GPX File.
Elevation Profile
3d Map
Quick Hike Brief
Visit the grove early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike through the giant sequoias. In 1857, Galen Clark, one of the first gringos to arrive, played a significant role in the grove's protection, serving as its guardian and tour guide until his death. The Mariposa Grove was first protected under the Yosemite Grant Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln, and was the first park commissioner's project, Frederick Law Olmsted, who is known for designing New York's Central Park.
Giant sequoias are the largest living trees, although they are not the tallest or oldest. The tallest trees are the coastal redwoods, and the oldest are the ancient bristlecone pines, located a few hours away. The tallest tree in Yosemite is 290 feet, and the oldest is 1,800 years old.
Remember to respect the grove by staying on the trail, not taking cones, and never removing bark from the trees. Your actions play a crucial role in protecting this special place.
Mariposa Grove Trail Directions
After visiting the point, retrace your steps back down the road to the last intersection.
- The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, a peaceful hike through ancient forest giants, is located at Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, 95389, CA.
- Navigate to the trailhead by starting your hike at sunrise, aiming for the smaller lot at the trailhead before the crowds, or park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center if the trailhead's lot is full or the road is closed.
- In winter, expect to walk 2 miles up the road to the grove from the Welcome Plaza if the road is closed.
- Pack suitable gear for the hike, including a light backpack, hiking shoes, and comfortable footwear.
- To enhance your hiking experience, download up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, and more from AllTrails Plus, or load the GPX track of the Mariposa Grove Trail onto a GPS device.
