| Yosemite National Park, California |
 Trail Name:Mariposa Grove Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Sequoias are found along the west slopes of the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 4,500 to 7,000 ft. With its 500 trees, Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park. The trail climbs through the Lower and Upper Groves to a panoramic view at Wawona Point, with various trail options of different lengths along the way. Crowds can be large at the ‘popular’ trees, but do not despair – as the trail moves further from the tram route, the forest is surprisingly tranquil.
From the Mariposa parking area, take the path to the right, cross the tram route and climb 330 ft through the Lower Grove to Grizzly Giant. At 2,700 years old and with a base of 30 ft, this is one of the Sequoia star turns. It is a popular place for visitors as the tram stops close by. Ignoring the trail to your left, continue climbing past the California Tunnel Tree on the right and cross the tram route once more as the trail veers to the right. At the junction, take the left trail to reach a fork a short distance later – about 1 mile from the trailhead. From here, you can take either path. The left more closely follows the tram route, and passes close to some of the grove’s most impressive trees, such as Faithful Couple and Clothespin. At 1 mile in length, it is a little longer than the track on the right. Both meet at a four-way trail junction on the tram route, close to the Columbia Tree and some restrooms. Take the trail to the right, which heads south initially before veering east to loop anti-clockwise around the Upper Grove. You will pass Telescope Tree and the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree in a little under 1 mile, at which point you will have completed 1,000 ft of the climb. Continue ahead, ignoring the trail on the left down to the museum. Where the trail moves close to the tram route, an easy 0.5 mile spur on the right leads to the high point, figuratively and literally, of Wawona Point. From here, there is a magnificent view over the forested Wawona basin, taking in Wawona Dome, meadow and mountain peaks in the distance. As this place is easily accessible from the tram route, it is well worth hiking early or late in the day to enjoy the views in relative peace. The view at sunset is particularly recommended. Returning to the main trail, there are a number of options for the descent back to the Lower Grove. We recommend the quieter outer loop through the forest that heads away to your right. This will return you to the Mariposa parking area in a little under 3 miles, and keeps well away from the tram. This route also gives you the option of hiking the 6 miles back to Wawona – take the right fork after you have gone about 1.75 miles along the outer loop. An alternative to the outer loop is to go back to the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, where you take the trail to the right. This heads west past the museum and connects with other well-marked paths that lead past Columbia and Clothespin trees and Faithful Couple, crossing the tram route several times. This shorter option will take less then 2 miles to return to the Mariposa parking area. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: The south end of Yosemite National Park, within the Sierra Nevada of central California. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: The most direct route to Mariposa Grove is via the south entrance of the Park, on Hwy 41 north from Fresno. If approaching from the west, take Hwy 140 from Merced or 132 and 120 from Modesto. Trailhead: At the south entrance station, turn right on the 1.5-mile spur road to Mariposa Grove. Alternatively, continue ahead for 4 miles to Wawona. The parking area at Mariposa Grove can get very crowded, so in summer it is a good idea to park at Wawona and take the free shuttle bus. Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 1,210 ft / 369 m Duration: 4 hours Trail Condition: Well defined, signed junctions. Features: Sequoia forest, panoramic viewpoint. Climate: High summer temperatures are more bearable under the shade of the big trees. Snow can cover trails in winter – snowshoes may be needed. Accommodation: Limited lodging in Wawona – reservations usually essential, especially in summer. Camping available in Wawona and just outside the south entrance on first-come, first-served basis. Lodging and camping also available in Yosemite Valley, 35 miles to the north – again, reservations usually essential. Trail Notes: An open-air tram runs through Mariposa Grove from May to October, converging with the trail at popular points of interest. It is possible to avoid the climb by taking the tram to the Upper Grove and hiking back down. |
Popularity: 14% [?]
