Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
Walk among giants! Yosemite's largest grove of ancient sequoias, preserved since 1864, offers awe-inspiring trails and natural grandeur.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among giants! Yosemite's largest grove of ancient sequoias, preserved since 1864, offers awe-inspiring trails and natural grandeur.
"The massive and ancient sequoias are truly awe-inspiring."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve inclines. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
Especially in summer, stay hydrated and protected from the sun on longer hikes. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
Mariposa Grove
Hike among giants! This 2-mile loop showcases iconic trees like the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
California Tunnel Tree
Mariposa Grove
Walk through history! This famous tree, once a natural tunnel, is a must-see landmark.
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
South Entrance
Your gateway to the sequoias, offering parking, restrooms, and shuttle access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking & Shuttles
Shuttle Service & Trail Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve inclines. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
Especially in summer, stay hydrated and protected from the sun on longer hikes. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Check Shuttle Status
Shuttles are seasonal. Confirm operation dates and times before your visit. :bus:
Allow Ample Time
Factor in shuttle waits and hiking time; the Grizzly Giant Loop alone takes about 1.5 hours. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and involve inclines. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
Especially in summer, stay hydrated and protected from the sun on longer hikes. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Check Shuttle Status
Shuttles are seasonal. Confirm operation dates and times before your visit. :bus:
Allow Ample Time
Factor in shuttle waits and hiking time; the Grizzly Giant Loop alone takes about 1.5 hours. :clock1:
Look Up!
Don't forget to tilt your head back and marvel at the immense height of the sequoias. :eyes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring beauty and immense scale of the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. The free shuttle service from the Welcome Plaza is appreciated, though wait times can be long during peak hours. Some find the trails challenging, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-see in Yosemite.
"It’s been an amazing experience. Located right after Yosemite entrance south, there is a large parking area and if you arrive early and not at the weekend in the high season, you can park your car without any problems. From there, free shuttles currently run every 10-15 minutes to the Giant Sequoias. There are also toilets on site. Rangers and super friendly staff share information and give you tips on the routes. You can choose between four routes - from short and easy to 6.5 to 7 miles and more challenging. We did the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles) and it took us about an hour and a half with several photo breaks. It is a great and varied route with an incline at the start, but you will be rewarded by the fabulous and impressive trees and the very interesting information boards. In summer, it is best to plan enough to drink and sun protection. At the end of the trail, you will be taken back by shuttle. :)"
Romina Jasmin
"Small, has some basics and large bathrooms. Shuttles picks up about every 15 min during the active season. Lines are very long by 11 am, and parking lot is quite full by then too."
Rob Haworth
"3/25/25 Trail Conditions. We hiked the closed road today and it was completely clear. Wanted to post some pics of the trail conditions as of today. Most of the trails are clear but some sections have snow and you have to go over or around a downed tree or two. This place is amazing!"
Andrew Markham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Fresno, drive north on CA-41 towards Yosemite National Park. The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza is located just inside the park's South Entrance. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, there is a large parking area at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. However, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
No, private vehicles are generally not allowed beyond the Welcome Plaza. You'll need to take the free shuttle service to reach the main grove area.
The free shuttle typically runs from March through November, with pick-ups every 10-15 minutes. Exact hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Yosemite National Park website for current operating dates and times.
If the shuttle service is unavailable (e.g., during certain off-season periods or unexpected closures), you may need to hike the 2 miles from the Welcome Plaza to the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While Mariposa Grove itself doesn't require a separate reservation, you may need a vehicle reservation to enter Yosemite National Park during peak periods. Check the NPS website for current entry requirements.
The Mariposa Grove is included with your Yosemite National Park entrance fee. There is no additional fee to enter the grove itself.
The grove is generally accessible year-round, but the shuttle service and full trail access are seasonal. During winter, you might hike in from the Welcome Plaza.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza.
Yes, Mariposa Grove can be visited in winter, but access is different. Roads may be closed, and you might need to hike in from the Welcome Plaza. Trails can have snow.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles) is highly recommended for seeing major trees. Other options include the Big Trees Loop (0.3 miles, accessible) and the Guardians Loop Trail (6.5 miles, more challenging).
For the Grizzly Giant Loop, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours, including photo stops and reading information boards. Longer hikes will naturally take more time.
Trails vary. The Big Trees Loop is easy and accessible. The Grizzly Giant Loop has some inclines but is manageable for most. Longer trails are more strenuous.
No, pets are not allowed on the trails within Mariposa Grove to protect the sensitive environment and wildlife.
You might spot mule deer, squirrels, and various birds. Keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the grandeur of the sequoias.
Experiment with different angles, use a wide-angle lens to capture their scale, and try to include people or elements for perspective.
No, drone usage is prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including Mariposa Grove, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the massive trees. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors.
Capture the scale by standing inside the tunnel and looking out, or frame it from a distance to show its unique shape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For slightly older children, the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail offers a bit more adventure. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a scavenger hunt to spot different tree features or wildlife like squirrels and deer.
Budget Travelers
+1 Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to save money, as dining options within the park can be expensive. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays to potentially avoid peak season crowds and associated costs for lodging if you're staying nearby.
Photography Enthusiasts
Be patient and look for interesting compositions, perhaps incorporating elements like fallen logs, ferns, or even a glimpse of wildlife to add depth to your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Mariposa Grove
These magnificent trees are not just old; they are survivors. They have witnessed centuries of change and are adapted to survive fires, with thick, fire-resistant bark. The grove's preservation ensures that future generations can experience the awe of standing beside these natural wonders.
Visiting Mariposa Grove is a journey back in time, connecting you with nature's enduring power and the visionaries who fought to protect it. It's a place where history and natural grandeur intertwine, offering a profound experience for all who walk among its giants.
Navigating Mariposa Grove Trails
For a more accessible experience, the Big Trees Loop Trail is a short, paved 0.3-mile loop that is wheelchair and stroller friendly, perfect for a quick glimpse of the sequoias.
Trail conditions can vary, especially after winter. While main trails are often cleared, you might encounter snow or downed trees.
Winter Visits to Mariposa Grove
This hike can be around 2 miles each way, so be prepared for a longer trek. Trails may be covered in snow, requiring appropriate winter hiking gear such as waterproof boots, gaiters, and possibly snowshoes or microspikes depending on the conditions.
It's crucial to check weather forecasts and road conditions before your visit, as winter weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit