Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park (2026 guide)

The Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park is so underrated! This hike is located within Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias near Yosemite’s South Entrance.

The trail leads you through the grove past lots of incredible giant sequoia trees, such as the Grizzly Giant, California Tunnel Tree, and Clothespin Tree just to name a few. 🌳

It ends at Wawona Point, sitting at 6,810 feet in elevation, offering incredible panoramic views of Wawona Meadow, the South Fork of the Merced River, and various High Sierra peaks.

Combine the Mariposa Grove Trail with the Guardians Loop Trail and you have an epic hike full of stunning giant sequoias and beautiful views. 😍

Read my full guide to learn everything you need to know about hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park!

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Mariposa Grove Trail Stats and Map

The Mariposa Grove Trail by itself is about 7 miles (11.3 km) roundtrip. If you combine it with the Guardians Loop Trail, which I recommend, then it’ll be about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) roundtrip.

There are two ways to reach the Mariposa Grove Trailhead. The most popular option is to take the shuttle (if it’s running). The other option is to hike from the main parking lot to the trailhead via the Washburn Trail – this option will add 2 miles (one way) to the total hike.

Mariposa Grove Trail

Mariposa Grove Trail Map

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee and Reservations

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, for U.S. residents, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US residents will cost $250.

Reservations are not required this year. (updated July 8, 2026).

Mariposa Grove Trailhead and Parking

The Mariposa Grove Trail starts at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. You will see a big sign that says “Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias” – that is where you begin your hike!

📍 Google Maps Location: Mariposa Grove Trailhead

🅿️ Trailhead Parking: Mariposa Grove has two main parking lots. The parking area near the grove, known as the Arrival Area, is designated for individuals with a disability placard. Everyone else will have to park at the Welcome Plaza and either hike in via the Washburn Trail (2 miles / 3.2 km one way) or take the shuttle to reach the grove.

🗺️ Distance to Trailhead: Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza is about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from Yosemite’s South Entrance and 33 miles (53 km) from the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center.

🚗 Parking Tips: The parking area at the Welcome Plaza is huge with about 300 parking spots! You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a parking spot there. But if you’re visiting on a summer weekend or holiday, get there early just to make sure you secure a parking spot.

🚻 Facilities: Restrooms (flush toilets), drinking water, bookstore, and visitor information are located at the Welcome Plaza. And at the Arrival Area, you will find restrooms (flush toilets) and drinking water.

🚌 Shuttle Option: There is a free shuttle that takes you from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area (Mariposa Grove) and back. It runs seasonally from April through November (dates vary each depending on winter conditions). The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 8 AM to about sunset time (check this year’s schedule here).

Best Time to Hike the Mariposa Grove Trail

🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time to visit Mariposa Grove as the melting snow brings lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers to the forest floor. Various wildflowers begin to bloom in late spring/early summer and look so beautiful by mid-summer.

The grove is quieter compared to the busy summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience. However, snow may linger at higher elevation near Wawona Point, especially early in the season.

The Mariposa Grove Road usually opens sometime in April. Check current conditions and road closures HERE.

Mariposa Grove is open year-round unless otherwise stated, so even if the road is closed you can still access the grove by foot (or snowshoes/skis). Do your research and make sure you are prepared with winter gear if snow/icy conditions are present!

☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to explore Mariposa Grove. All the trails are open and accessible, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking sights of giant sequoia trees. Since this grove is located a higher elevation as compared to the valley, the wildflowers are in full bloom by mid-summer.

The warm weather is especially pleasant in the cooler, shaded forest areas. On the downside, this is also peak tourist season, so expect crowded trails. The lower grove will be a lot more crowded as compared to the upper grove. So as you continue hiking along the Mariposa Grove Trail, the crowds will thin out.

🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall offers a quieter and cooler time to visit Mariposa Grove, with fewer crowds and crisp, pleasant weather.

The autumn colors create a stunning contrast with the towering green sequoias, making it a picturesque time for photography and hiking. Trails remain accessible in early fall but be prepared with winter gear just in case there’s an early season snowstorm!

☃️ Winter (December – February): Visiting Mariposa Grove in winter is an incredible experience! The grove is transformed into a serene winter wonderland. It’s the perfect time to snowshoe or cross country ski through the grove.

Overnight camping is allowed from December 1 to April 15 when the road is closed, but only above the Clothespin Tree and with a wilderness permit. I haven’t done this yet but it’s on my bucket list!

Hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail: Step-by-Step Directions

Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza

This hike begins from the parking lot of the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. You have two choices to reach the start of the Mariposa Grove Trail.

The most popular option is to take the shuttle bus. It’s quicker and convenient. However, if get there early, before the shuttle begins running then you will have to hike along the Washburn Trail.

Washburn Trail

If you are not taking the shuttle to reach the start of the Mariposa Grove Trail, then you will have to hike along the Washburn Trail.

It’s 2 miles one way with about 500 feet of elevation gain. It’s a gradual climb through the forest.

It’s a really peaceful and beautiful trail, especially in early to mid-summer when the wildflowers are blooming or in winter when the landscape is covered in snow.

In about 45 minutes to an hour you will reach the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. Here you will find drinking water, flush toilets, and a map of the entire grove.

Mariposa Grove Trail

Let’s begin hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail. You will see a big sign that says “Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias” – this where the trail starts.

This section of the hike is the beginning of both the Big Trees Loop Trail and Mariposa Grove Trail. The Big Trees Loop Trail is a short, easy, and family-friendly trail.

In just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) you will reach the first “special” giant sequoia tree known as the Fallen Monarch. It’s a giant sequoia that had fallen over. You can see its incredible root system – it’s amazing how those roots can hold up these giant trees for thousands of years!

Along this route, you will see many special giant sequoias. I call them “special” because they have specific names. Read my “Complete Guide to Giant Sequoia Trees in Yosemite” to learn more about these incredible ancient giants!

At the Fallen Monarch Tree, you will see a trail junction. Continue straight along the Mariposa Grove Trail. You will gain a little bit of elevation here.

At the 0.4-mile (0.6-km) mark, you will come to the Bachelor and Three Graces. It got its name because there are three giant sequoias growing closely together and another one standing a bit in the distance.

Carefully cross the road and continue for about 0.3 miles where you will reach the most famous tree in Mariposa Grove – Grizzly Giant.

The Grizzly Giant is the oldest tree in Mariposa Grove, estimated to be around 3,000 years old! It’s also one of the biggest sequoia trees in the grove with a height of about 210 feet and a circumference of more than 90 feet.

Not only is the trunk of the Grizzly Giant massive, but the limbs are huge! Expect to see a crowd marveling at this beautiful tree. And please stay behind the fence! It’s there to protect the tree and its shallow root system.

🤩 If you want to see more incredible giant sequoias, check out the Congress Trail and Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park! Speaking of this national park, I have lots of Sequoia travel guides to help you plan a trip.

From the Grizzly Giant, take the trail on the left side of the tree. In 0.1 miles (0.2 km) you will reach another very popular tree – California Tunnel Tree.

The California Tunnel Tree was the second tree to be tunneled in Mariposa Grove in 1895. This beautiful sequoia tree has weakened due to being tunneled, but the bark is growing inward in an attempt to heal itself and close the “wound”.

It’s incredible how resilient giant sequoias trees. Not only do they endure the forces of nature, but they also endure damaging human practices.

When you visit this tree, don’t just think about how cool it is to stand inside the California Tunnel Tree, but appreciate what this tree has gone through and how it is still living and standing today – and hopefully for many, many more years to come.

Walk through the California Tunnel Tree and continue following the trail. At the 0.9-mile (1.4-km) mark, take a left at the junction. Prepare for a steady climb – it’s not too difficult, but enough to get your heart pumping!

Follow the Mariposa Grove Trail for about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) until you reach the Faithful Couple. This tree is literally two giant sequoias fused together at the base. Their roots share water and nutrients which has allowed both the trees to grow and survive as one.

As you continue past the Faithful Couple you will see another trail on the left. It’s a side trail that leads to the perimeter trail. Make sure you go right to stay on the Mariposa Grove Trail.

In 0.3 miles (0.5 km) you will reach the next unique giant sequoia tree – Clothespin Tree. This is personally one of my favorite trees in the grove! Due to several wildfires, a giant hole was created through the tree – naturally created, not man-made.

It’s still alive and standing strong. Another example as to how resilient giant sequoias are!

From the Clothespin Tree, the trail continues to the left. At the 2.1-mile (3.4-km) mark you will reach the Mariposa Tree. I couldn’t find any information about how this tree got its name. I assume it’s simply named after the grove itself. Either way, it’s a beauty!

You might notice a few side trails near the Mariposa Tree – continue straight along the Mariposa Grove Trail. There are vault toilets near the Mariposa Tree if you need to make a quick pit stop.

Mariposa Grove Trail – Guardians Loop Trail Junction

At the 2.4-mile (3.9-km) mark you will reach the Mariposa Grove Trail – Guardians Loop Trail Junction. You can go either way, but for the purpose of this blog post, let’s continue straight to stay on the Mariposa Grove Trail.

Continue for another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) until you reach the second Mariposa Grove Trail – Guardians Loop Trail Junction. This time take a left to stay on the Mariposa Grove Trail.

Wawona Point

Hike along the Mariposa Grove Trail for 0.5 miles (0.8 km) until you reach Wawona Point. This is the highest point along the trail at 6,810 feet in elevation.

There are two viewing platforms offering incredible panoramic views. This is a great spot to rest up, hydrate, and eat some snacks.

The fun isn’t over yet! There are still a few more amazing giant sequoias to see.

Retrace your steps back down the trail from Wawona Point until you reach the Mariposa Grove Trail – Guardians Loop Trail Junction. If you want to see a giant sequoia called the Galen Clark Tree then take a left on the Perimeter Trail – it’s a quick detour.

Guardians Loop Trail

Back at the junction, continue on the Guardians Loop Trail. In just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) you will reach the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree. This was the first tree in Mariposa Grove to be tunneled in 1881.

The tunnel was created so horse-drawn carriages and small automobiles could drive through the tree – the purpose was to increase tourism. During this time it was known as the Wawona Tunnel Tree.

Unfortunately, this man-made tunnel weakened the tree which resulted in it fallen in 1969 after a snowstorm. It was then renamed the Fallen Tunnel Tree (also known as the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree)

Continue past the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree for about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) until you reach the Telescope Tree. Due to decades of wildfires, this giant sequoia’s trunk is hollowed out from top to bottom.

Continue following the Guardians Loop Trail for another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) until you reach the Mariposa Grove Cabin. This cabin was built in 1930 to recreate Galen Clark’s original cabin.

It was restored again in 1983. It’s also called the Mariposa Grove Museum, but it’s currently boarded up so you cannot go inside.

But it’s wild to think that Galen Clark, a man who helped protect Yosemite National Park, had a cabin surrounded by giant sequoia trees. Imagine waking up to see giant sequoias in your backyard every day.

Finish the Hike

Anyway, let’s keep going! Complete the Guardians Loop Trail – you will reach a junction. Take a left to get back onto the Mariposa Grove Trail. From here retrace your steps all the way back to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area.

If the shuttle is running, you can hop on the shuttle to avoid walking another 2 miles back to your car at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. But you do you!

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

🥾 Explore more of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove with these hikes!

Tips for Hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park

1. Protect the Giant Sequoias: Some giant sequoias have fences surrounding them to protect them. Do not cross the fence! You will be able to get up-close views of other sequoias along the trail.

2. Download Offline Maps: The Mariposa Grove Trail is well maintained with trail signs marking the right way. There are a few other trails and side trails that may make following the correct path confusing so download offline maps on your phone (and always carry a physical map and compass).

3. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

4. Check Shuttle Status: The Mariposa Grove shuttle runs seasonally typically from April to November. If it’s not running, then you’ll have to hike an extra 2 miles one way to reach the grove from the main parking lot.

5. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: Bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite National Park!

6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

What to Bring to Yosemite National Park

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!

Conclusion

When people visit Yosemite National Park, many don’t realize that giant sequoias live here too. They’re not just found in Sequoia National Park!

Hiking the Mariposa Grove Trail is one of the best things to do in Yosemite. It’s especially beautiful when wildflowers are blooming or after a winter storm blankets the grove in snow.

If this guide inspires you to hike the Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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