One of the most beautiful areas of Yosemite National Park is Mariposa Grove with his giant sequoias and the fauna that lives there will remain etched for the rest of your life. Many tourists only enter Yosemite to drive to Yosemite Valley, or to go to the Glacier Point. Personally, I recommend you sleep two nights in the park, I recommend the Evergreen dedicate the first day to Yosemite Valley and the second to Mariposa Grove. Read here for how to plan your trip to Yosemite.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Arriving at the car park (free), you can take the buses provided by the park to get to the starting point. Buses are free and run every 10 minutes, the last one is at 8pm in summer and 5pm in winter. December 1 through March 15: No shuttle service available.
Drinking water is available only at the welcome plaza (year-round) and arrival area (summer only), so plan accordingly. There are no food services available at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza or within the Mariposa Grove. The Depot, located at the welcome plaza, has a selection of books, maps, general information, and gifts.
MARIPOSA GROVE PARK
The visit to Mariposa Grove can be done in half a day, once you arrive by bus at the start of the route you will be left with 3 options. The options are based on the route’s miles, suitable for everyone, they are easy to make and very pleasant. It depends however on the time you want to dedicate to the park, I recommend at least the average route that passes through the Grizzly Giant the most viewed attraction of the park.
The visit is accompanied by information boards that will give you all the details about the flora and fauna that you will find. ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED touching or feeding the animals, and you will see many of them, including deer, squirrels, wild boar. Animals cross paths and that is their home do not disturb them, and if you want to take pictures, be discreet.
LOOP TRAILS
Big Trees Loop Trail (easy)
- 0.3 mile (0.5 km) loop from trailhead, 30 to 45 minutes (wheelchair accessible)
- 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
- Start along the Mariposa Grove Trail at the Big Trees Loop. Hike past notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree. Allow two hours to enjoy the full loop that winds along the edge of the grove. Visitors with a valid disabled placard can drive as far as the Grizzly Giant parking area.
Guardians Loop Trail (strenuous)
- 6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip from trailhead, 4 to 6 hours
- 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 (strenuous)
- 7 miles (11.3 km) round trip from trailhead to Wawona Point, 4 to 6 hours
- This wide and relatively smooth 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. Total elevation gain is 1,200 feet (366 m). A number of alternative trails may be used to access the upper portion of the grove. These trails are generally steeper and more primitive than the Mariposa Grove Trail.
WHERE TO SLEEP
We strongly recommend that you make reservations for camping or lodging if you plan to spend the night. I chose to stay at the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite. The Evergreen Lodge is located in the center of Yosemite park, the nearest airport is Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco International Airport.
The Evergreen Lodge offers two types of accommodation, tent or cabin. Everything depends on your budget, I preferred the tent for the price, 60 € per night/person with breakfast included (very good breakfast). Remember to bring your swimsuit, as we have a pool and a hot tub open year-round, weather permitting! In case you forgot, they also sell costumes for men, women, and children in the gift shop. Read more here!
