Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite National Park: Address, Phone Number, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Reviews: 4.5/5
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
4.5
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Sierra Restaurant
635
4.2 km€€ - €€€ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Jackalope's Bar and Grill
931
4.2 km€€ - €€€ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
White Chief Mountain Restaurant
20
3.8 km€€ - €€€ • American
Embers Restaurant
179
4.2 km€€€€ • Gluten Free Options
Parkside Deli
36
4.2 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • American
Embers
1
4.2 kmAmerican
Timberloft Pizzeria
269
4.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza
Attractions
12 within 10 kms
Big Tree Trail
4
0 mHiking Trails
Guardians Loop Trail
1
0 mHiking Trails • Forests
Wawona Point
2
0 mHiking Trails
Wawona Tunnel Tree
3
0 mHistoric Sites • Scenic Walking Areas
Grizzly Giant Tree
12
0 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
California Tunnel Tree
3
0 mNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
693
Scenic Railroads
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
118
Hiking Trails
Chilnualna Falls
58
Waterfalls
Wawona Hotel, National Historic Landmark
91
Historic Walking Areas
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4.5
1,895 reviews
Excellent
1,379
Very good
392
Average
90
Poor
22
Terrible
12
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
We were happy to ride the shuttle to the Arrival Area. This much better than last year. And the water is turned on at the Arrival Area, so you can refill water bottles if needed.
The wheelchair accessible Big Trees Loop is not a loop. While much of the area has been fixed after the January 2020 windstorm, there is still a huge tree blocking the trail.
After viewing the Grizzly Giant & California Tunnel Tree, we continued up the Mariposa Grove Trail, enjoying the named and unnamed trees along the way. We went all the way to Wawona Point where we picnicked and watched local wildlife including a young Golden Eagle. Then we walked down to the Upper Grove for the Guardians Loop Trail. This is my favorite part of Mariposa Grove. I think it’s worth the effort, if folks feel they can hike that distance.
We headed down some unnamed trails past the Clothespin Tree and on to the Perimeter Trail & the end of the Grizzly Giant Loop.
Shuttles appeared to be running every 5 to 15 minutes. We had the 15 minute wait.
The wheelchair accessible Big Trees Loop is not a loop. While much of the area has been fixed after the January 2020 windstorm, there is still a huge tree blocking the trail.
After viewing the Grizzly Giant & California Tunnel Tree, we continued up the Mariposa Grove Trail, enjoying the named and unnamed trees along the way. We went all the way to Wawona Point where we picnicked and watched local wildlife including a young Golden Eagle. Then we walked down to the Upper Grove for the Guardians Loop Trail. This is my favorite part of Mariposa Grove. I think it’s worth the effort, if folks feel they can hike that distance.
We headed down some unnamed trails past the Clothespin Tree and on to the Perimeter Trail & the end of the Grizzly Giant Loop.
Shuttles appeared to be running every 5 to 15 minutes. We had the 15 minute wait.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John H
Parkville, MD53 contributions
Take your time and enjoy this place, which you surely will. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it might be- perhaps it helped that I was there two weekends before Memorial Day-, which helped me savor it even more. I took the trail all the way to Wawona Point (14 miles round trip, I believe), and I'm glad I did, as there were very few people once I got past the main attractions, which also are well worth the visit! I'm glad they made the improvements, even if it added four miles to the hike since there was no shuttle service from the main parking lot. The hike is moderate in difficulty, a bit more so if you go all the way to the Point, but still very doable, and the trails are easy to follow. The Sequoias themselves are fantastic, and Wawona Point was quite a bonus!
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard C
Phoenix, AZ15 contributions
What a wonderful day in Mariposa Grove. Being our first time in Yosemite we knew the Sequoias in Mariposa Grove would be the first site we wanted to see. The area was busy and parking was very packed. There is a shuttle service to the trailhead which is very necessary (without the shuttle you would have to take a very steep 2 mile hike just to get to the trailhead). There are various hikes you can take and obviously the shorter routes are much busier. Have an idea prior to your trip on what you want to see to better determine the route you want to take. Our family went further than a majority of the crowds and made our way to the Telescope Tree (very cool to actually go inside a Sequoia!). Our "custom" hike was just under 6 miles. Take breaks and plenty of water especially on a warm day!
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DaveyB1962
Swindon, UK211 contributions
The trails are Mariposa Grove are not to be missed. The Giant Sequoias are simply stunning. If you are observant you should looks of wildlife too!
The only thing that lets it down is that it falls within the (Yosemite) National Park and they have introduced a reservation system meaning you cannot enter the park between 06.00 and 16.00 unless you have a reservation, but when we looked it was fully booked days ahead so we had to get there at 05.30!
The only thing that lets it down is that it falls within the (Yosemite) National Park and they have introduced a reservation system meaning you cannot enter the park between 06.00 and 16.00 unless you have a reservation, but when we looked it was fully booked days ahead so we had to get there at 05.30!
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim C
33 contributions
A beautiful area with so much beauty. If you venture beyond the Grisly Giant you have the paths to yourself. So many majestic giants along the paths.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BT3rd
Datchet, UK5,811 contributions
Couples
Today you have to park and be shuttled into the park. This meant very crowded buses. Once in there is a amble to see the Grisly Giant. We were lucky to also see a hummingbird feeding. From there is is a steep walk deeper into the forest. We went as far as the Faithful Couple.
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oldrecruiter
Stafford, VA46 contributions
To get to see the trees, you must do a 5 mile hike if the shuttle busses are not running- it really is worth it, but I am not a hiker!
Take water and snacks- its nice to stop and rest once you have reached the grove!
Take water and snacks- its nice to stop and rest once you have reached the grove!
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrian N
Polegate, UK339 contributions
Couples
This is Yosemite, not Disneyland. So it’s nature at its best. This is hundreds of years of history in the making, it was never designed for humans to have an easy time seeing it. Having said that it has certainly been assisted in modern times to let us visit it. To give a balanced review we took the trail up from the main car park. $35 to enter Yosemite, but that lasts for 7 days. The walk up does have some fallen trees on it, of which most you walk around. If not, sit on it and slide over. It’s a steep walk and takes over an hour. Yes, it’s 2 miles. At that point you reach the car park, or if you had the appropriate badge, that’s where you park. Toilets were open and operational. Fallen Monarch road with easy access at this point is closed as there was damage to it. However easy access road to the left all the way to Bachelor and Three sisters is open, though to be honest if you are pushing a wheelchair it isn’t going to be easy. From here we walked the trail to Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Total time at this point for a man of 60 years from entrance to Tunnel Tree took exactly one and a half hours. That was what I wanted to see so I can’t comment on anything else beyond. Return walk was down the road and was smoother but felt longer. No speeding traffic came past, just plenty of happy hikers with pleasant “Good mornings.” Total time to Tunnel Tree and back was 3 hours. Total distance 6.2 miles. Plenty of toilets available at various intervals, road or trail. If you are inspired by natures wonders well worth the effort. If you are looking for Disneyland and staff at every corner you are visiting the wrong location. Put simply, sorry to say but not everyone will be able to visit and enjoy it. For those that can, do. Another attraction nearby is the swinging bridge which is a lot easier to drive and walk to, which we did later, so consider that if you don’t want this strenuous hike.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL16,275 contributions
The grove and trees itself are a 5 star, but the attraction only gets 3 due to mismanagement. First, despite no snow on the road you still have to hike two miles one way to reach the grove. Second, when you get there the trail to the trees was underconstruction and closed. Third, they do not communicate this very well to enable you to plan. If we had known this we probably would have allocated our time differently to another attraction.
What I did see of the grove was impressive and made me wish I had more time. The trail is not bad walking through a beautiful section of forest that still had snow at the highest points. It is just you want to see Sequoias and you don't see them until the end. There are other groves in Yosemite that you could visit if it were known that this was closed. I hope this helps you plan better.
What I did see of the grove was impressive and made me wish I had more time. The trail is not bad walking through a beautiful section of forest that still had snow at the highest points. It is just you want to see Sequoias and you don't see them until the end. There are other groves in Yosemite that you could visit if it were known that this was closed. I hope this helps you plan better.
Written 27 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amit
Israel27 contributions
Friends
The place is deserted. The access road is blocked. There is no alternative transportation. Instead of a planned two- to three-hour visit, we spent no less than 7 hours on a grueling and difficult walking route. The toilets are closed, there are no water fountains. There is no representative of the authority. Highly recommend a visit there and continue to Yosemite Park.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mrspeaks
Louisville, KY8 contributions
Is the handicap parking area open for the Mariposa Grove?
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
Yes. Currently folks with a disabled placard can drive from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area. But they cannot drive on to the Grizzly Giant parking.
I highly recommend using the active Yosemite forum rather than this quiet seldom-viewed Q&A feature.
Shelby S
San Francisco, CA19 contributions
do I need Yosemite access day pass to visit the giant sequoias during COVID restricted travel?
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
Yes. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is inside the South Entrance of Yosemite.
If you have other questions, ask on the active Yosemite forum. This Q&A feature has few readers.
Matt G
Burton upon Trent, UK380 contributions
How long should you allow for visit to Mariposa Grove? Thanks
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
Hi
I think the best place to ask questions about tourism in Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite TripAdvisor forum. You can have an actual conversation. This Q&A feature does not work well for that.
A vague general answer .... half a day or 3-6 hours.
I am a hiker but had been to Mariposa Grove dozens of times. On one visit, I quickly hiked all the way to Wawona Point, down through the Upper Grove, and back to the Arrival Area. So even though the NPS site suggests that loop would take 4-6 hours, I was done in less than 3 hours.
Some folks will only use the wheelchair accessible Big Tree Loop. Some will walk further and take dozens of photos. Some may spend most of the day.
Folks who visit now have to walk from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area (that's the usual shuttle route, but there is no shuttle in February) to access the trailheads, so they'll be walking even longer than summer visitors.
Note that there is no food available. Bring what you need. And post on the Yosemite forum if you'd like to share more information about when you are visiting, how much hiking you like to do, and things like that.
Fernando Breevaart
Hellevoetsluis, The Netherlands2 contributions
Hi all,
I'm making a road trip in the US next may. Starting in LA, going to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon, Page, Bryce and Zion, From that point we go to Bakersfield and up to Mariposa to visit Yosemite. When we leave Yosemite we are going to San Fransisco and after a few days back to LA.
On a few points we stay for multiple nights, LA 4, Grand Canyon 2, Zion 2, Las Vegas 2, Mariposa 2, San Fransisco 3.
Because we have limited time everywhere i like to be prepared, because i would like to make a picture of the milky way in one of those amazing spots we will be visiting in May. I'm from the Netherlands and this is one of the worlds most light polluted countries in the world there are almost no ways to shoot the milky way close from where i live.
I'm collecting data so far, and this is what i found. The moon is very big at the moment when we are near the Grand Canyon 5-11/12 and Bryce 5-14 so the Milky Way is no option here. When we are at Mariposa near Yosemite the moon is much better 5-20/21 so i would like to make the picture over there.
Which spots do you all prefer to shoot the Milky Way in Yosemite? Which has the best view on the stars and als have a nice foreground to make the best picture possible?
LEHeaven
Wales, UK69 contributions
Hi, my husband is a keen photographer. He took some incredible Milky Way photos in Darwin, on the edge of Death Valley. I have never in my life seen so many stars (and we live near a dark sky area Brecon Beacons). He also however took some amazing Milky Way photos from Tunnel View in Yosemite. It’s very accessible and looks out to El Capitan which makes for a great shot - he also took photos of the rock climbers camping on the cliff face at night. Great photo opportunities. Hope this helps.
Sam O
Buenos Aires, Argentina48 contributions
Hola ! visitaremos secuoya national park en mayo del año proximo, iremos en auto desde las vegas y luego seguiremos a yosemite... la idea es pasar el dia en los secuoyas y la noche cerca de ahi... que zona nos recomendas??
Gracias por tu ayuda.
Sam.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
Hi Sam
Google Translate: Hello ! We will visit Sequoia National Park in May of next year, we will go by car from Las Vegas and then we will continue to Yosemite ... the idea is to spend the day in the redwoods and the night near there ... what area do you recommend? Thanks for your help. Sam
This is a seldom viewed English language Q&A.
My suggestion is to skip Mariposa Grove as you'll see more groves of trees in Sequoia NP. Then stay in Yosemite Valley.
Please ask questions about your Yosemite tourism on the Yosemite forum page. Use English.
MaLynnH
Independence, KS2 contributions
Is there any lodging within hiking distance to the grove?
Boingjimgy1st
Kingston upon Thames, UK31 contributions
Thanks no but there are lodgings about half an hour drive away. May be some even closeremember. Check out the site for listings
moimeme
Austin, TX52 contributions
I’m planing to go with 2 under 3 kids.
Is there a place to eat in Mariposa Grove?
Do you have Internet at the park?
To access Mariposa Grove you have to go through a lot of edges routes? I mean is easy drive or the route is S shaping?
Thanks in advance!
tressarudik
Michigan50 contributions
Ok So here the deal. You are coming from the South from Oakhurst Stop at McDonald's and if the kids like hot lunch keep wrapped or insulated. There are no sitdown restaurants. From Oakhurst to the Park entrance (right by the roundabout parking lot) where you can take the bus up to the trees here. FYI I know that you can get a 4g on ATT from the parking lot because my son stayed in the camper while we hiked the 1.7 miles up to the trees (all boardwalk)
From Oakhurst, the road has a lot of gentle curves. IF you go deeper in the park to the Valley or to the falls or to Sentinel Dome there are tons of switchbacks but consider the are more highways, not tiny roads.
ViruDh
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Do we have any hike which is not more than 2-3 miles?
Mike G
San Francisco, CA1,162 contributions
There are hikes of all lengths, and they all start with a nice boardwalk. So you can go out as far as you like and then come back. Even someone in a wheelchair could go on the boardwalk and see many of the sequoias.
Is there any discounts for veterans
Odyssey796690
Watsonville, CA49 contributions
Vets are free in national parks 👍
kontseptualno
Moscow, Russia1 contribution
Можно ли попасть из Yosemite Valley в Mariposa grove на общественном транспорте
PacificNWFamily
Washington State95,823 contributions
When the YARTS bus service is running in summer, you could catch the 11:15 am bus to Mariposa Grove which arrives at 12:35. But the only return bus leaves at 1:50 pm. That's probably not enough time to actually do anything as you'd need to shuttle up to the Grove and back to the parking lot.
You might try to make friends with someone at your lodging and offer to pay for gasoline.
The Yosemite forum (in English) is a good place to have a conversation about tourism in Yosemite.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- We recommend booking Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
- 2 Days Private Tour and Hike in Yosemite National Park (From €1,339.22)
- Small Group Yosemite Valley Day Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pick Up (From €294.39)
- Private 2-day Monterey & Yosemite Tour from San Francisco (From €804.66)
- Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour (From €9.80)
- The Ultimate Yosemite Grand Experience - 4-Day Travel Package + Hotel Included (From €4,466.85)
- Hotels near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
- (3.64 km) Big Creek Inn B&B
- (13.66 km) Evergreen Haus
- (15.88 km) Nature's Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (4.17 km) Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
- (5.50 km) Wawona Hotel
- Restaurants near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
- (4.17 km) Sierra Restaurant
- (5.52 km) Wawona Hotel Dining Room
- (4.17 km) Jackalope's Bar and Grill
- (6.32 km) Hall & Buffalo Bar
- (4.21 km) Embers Restaurant
- Attractions near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:
- (0.00 km) Wawona Tunnel Tree
- (0.00 km) California Tunnel Tree
- (0.00 km) Guardians Loop Trail
- (0.00 km) Wawona Point
- (0.00 km) Big Tree Trail