Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park, located near the park’s South Entrance at an elevation of about 5,600 feet (1,707 metres). It contains over 500 mature giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum), some estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. These trees are among the largest living organisms on Earth by volume, with notable specimens exceeding 200 feet (61 metres) in height and over 25 feet (7.6 metres) in diameter at the base.
The grove is divided into the Lower Grove and the Upper Grove, connected by hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The Lower Grove includes several of the most well-known trees, such as the Grizzly Giant, which is estimated to be around 1,800 years old, and the California Tunnel Tree, carved in 1895 to allow horse-drawn carriages to pass through. The Upper Grove contains additional large specimens, including the Telescope Tree and the Fallen Monarch.
Access to Mariposa Grove is typically available from late spring through autumn. During peak season, private vehicle access is restricted, and visitors take a shuttle bus from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza near the South Entrance. From the shuttle stop, accessible trails and boardwalks allow close viewing of several large trees, while longer hiking routes lead deeper into the grove. In winter, when the shuttle does not operate, the grove can be reached on foot or skis from the Welcome Plaza, a distance of about two miles (3.2 kilometres) each way.
Giant sequoias thrive in the specific climate and soil conditions of the western Sierra Nevada, requiring moist soil, ample sunlight, and periodic low-intensity fire to regenerate. The National Park Service uses prescribed burns to maintain the grove’s health and support new growth.
Mariposa Grove holds historical and conservation significance. It was first protected by the Yosemite Grant, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, marking the first time the U.S. government set aside land for preservation and public use. Today, it remains a central destination within Yosemite National Park, valued for its accessibility, ecological importance, and opportunity to view some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.
Google map 4.7/5