Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees
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Description
The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias in Yosemite. It is also the most accessible of the three groves in the national park. This is a wonderful place to run on wide, shady paths while gaping at the towering behemoths all around you. Many of the iconic trees have been named, and it is almost like a treasure hunt to try to visit them all. The trails through the lower grove that are closest to the parking area receive the most traffic so if you're looking for more peace and quiet, head uphill to the even more scenic upper grove.
Informative signs explain the fascinating lifecycle of these trees and the history of this area. Extensive clear cut logging operations almost doomed these trees. We have early conservationists to thank for their existence today. Giant sequoias are the largest species of trees in the world by volume. An average giant sequoia can grow to be a thousand years old and more than twenty feet across. These unique trees grow only in California on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and only between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. There are not many of these trees left in the world, so don't leave Yosemite without paying them a visit.
NOTE: The Mariposa Grove closed on July 6, 2015, for restoration, and isn't expected to open again until the spring of 2017. See details of the Mariposa Grove Restoration here: nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/…
Short Run: The road to the Mariposa Grove is not plowed in winter and is often closed to cars (but not to runners or skiers) from approximately November through March/April depending on the snowpack.
Gem Type: Other
Nearby Gems
Nearby Trails
7.0
mi
11.2
km
Chilnualna Falls Trail
Midpines, CA
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Midpines, CA |
Unknown
Update
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22
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3.3
mi
5.3
km
Grand Tour of Sequoias in Mariposa Grove
Oakhurst, CA
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Oakhurst, CA |
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18
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2.9
mi
4.6
km
Lewis Creek Trail
Oakhurst, CA
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Oakhurst, CA |
Unknown
Update
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17
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8.0
mi
12.8
km
Dewey Point
Yosemite Valley, CA
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Yosemite Valley, CA |
Unknown
Update
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9
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0.6
mi
1.0
km
Grizzly Giant Trail
Oakhurst, CA
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Oakhurst, CA |
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy, Snowy - people had started Tunnel Tree Trail then gone off trail over snow to join the Big Grizzly instead before the first marker. just keep right, look for yellow markers on trees. beautiful trail, solitary!
42 days ago
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11
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4.3
mi
6.9
km
Graveyard of Giants Trail
Oakhurst, CA
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Oakhurst, CA |
Unknown
Update
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1
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3.8
mi
6.1
km
Pinoche Peak Trail
Midpines, CA
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Midpines, CA |
Minor Issues
Update
Mostly Dry: Access Road has collapsed about 75% the way in, approximately a mile from the trailhead.
5 days ago
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1
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7.8
mi
12.6
km
Savage-Lundy Loop
Midpines, CA
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Midpines, CA |
Bad / Closed
Update
Vehicle access to the trail via Hite's Cove Road is closed due to snow, fallen trees and a mudslide.
70 days ago
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1
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21.8
mi
35.1
km
The South Fork Merced River Trail
Midpines, CA
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Midpines, CA |
Unknown
Update
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1
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3.0
mi
4.8
km
Savage-Lundy Trail
Midpines, CA
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Midpines, CA |
All Clear
Update
You can't drive to the trailhead, but the extra distance is short. Expect lots of trees down at the bottom of the trail.
17 days ago
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1
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