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Mariposa Grove
Hiking Trail
Hard
6.14 mi
1,111 ft
The largest and most famous grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park.
The Mariposa Grove is easily the most famous and largest of the majestic giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This grove is "home to hundreds of the handsome beasts, but the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant sequoia is worth the trip all by itself," according to []( Consequently, this grove receives quite a bit of traffic, so you'll likely have to contend with crowds, and you might experience parking issues. The route as mapped begins from a shuttle bus stop, so consider using the bus system to reach this hike.
Several different trails run through the sprawling Mariposa Grove, ranging from a quick 0.3-mile hike on the Big Trees Loop Trail (where this route begins) to over 7 miles. The route mapped here is a lengthy option that hits most of the grove's highlights, including the famous Tunnel Tree. While it covers over 6 miles of distance and 1,100 feet of elevation gain, you can easily shorten this hike by lopping off one or more of the loops or spurs.
While you can form quite a lengthy hike beneath the towering giants, the trails themselves are generally very smooth, quite wide, and well-trod. However, that complete lack of technical difficulty works in your favor, because instead of staring at your feet you'll undoubtedly want to stare straight up into the air, trying to take in the towering trunks of these giants as they soar high above you. Don't worry, you'll fail at fully absorbing the grandeur, but at least you can try!
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
The Mariposa Grove is easily the most famous and largest of the majestic giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This grove is "home to hundreds of the handsome beasts, but the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant sequoia is worth the trip all by itself," according to []( Consequently, this grove receives quite a bit of traffic, so you'll likely have to contend with crowds, and you might experience parking issues. The route as mapped begins from a shuttle bus stop, so consider using the bus system to reach this hike.
Several different trails run through the sprawling Mariposa Grove, ranging from a quick 0.3-mile hike on the Big Trees Loop Trail (where this route begins) to over 7 miles. The route mapped here is a lengthy option that hits most of the grove's highlights, including the famous Tunnel Tree. While it covers over 6 miles of distance and 1,100 feet of elevation gain, you can easily shorten this hike by lopping off one or more of the loops or spurs.
While you can form quite a lengthy hike beneath the towering giants, the trails themselves are generally very smooth, quite wide, and well-trod. However, that complete lack of technical difficulty works in your favor, because instead of staring at your feet you'll undoubtedly want to stare straight up into the air, trying to take in the towering trunks of these giants as they soar high above you. Don't worry, you'll fail at fully absorbing the grandeur, but at least you can try!
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa Grove hike w/ kids | 0.88 mi | 325 ft | 7.0% |