Yosemite - Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Ancient giant sequoias near Fish Camp, reached by a seasonal park shuttle

(1,030)

Fish Camp, CA

About

Mariposa Grove is home to some of the oldest and largest trees on the planet — giant sequoias whose trunks have been standing for centuries. Walking through the grove is a slow, quiet experience: massive trunks rising well past eye level, dappled light through the canopy, and a scale to these trees that photos never quite capture. Visitor reviews consistently rate this Yosemite site among the highest in the park, with a 4.8-star average across more than 1,000 reviews.

Getting There

Most visitors park at the grove's main lot, near the entrance close to Fish Camp and Oakhurst, and ride the shuttle in from there. There's a gift shop at the shuttle stop if you want a souvenir before or after your walk. If the shuttle isn't running or you'd rather skip the wait, the walk in from the lot covers roughly two miles.

What to Expect

Multiple routes and loop lengths, so a short stroll and a longer hike are both options depending on ability and time
Interpretive signage along the trails adds context on specific trees and the grove's history
Beyond the main loop, the grove thins out quickly — reviewers describe it as peaceful and uncrowded even on busy days

Before You Go

Shuttle service is seasonal — visitor reports describe it running roughly spring through fall and pausing over winter — so confirm current shuttle status before your visit. Arrive early if you're driving in on a weekend or holiday; reviewers who showed up shortly after opening found parking easy, while later arrivals did not. Stick to the maintained, paved routes rather than cutting through unmarked paths off the main trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hike far to reach Mariposa Grove?

No single distance is required — the grove offers routes of varying length, from a short walk near the shuttle stop to longer loops deeper into the grove, so you can choose based on your time and ability.

Is the shuttle to Mariposa Grove available year-round?

No. Based on visitor reports, the shuttle runs seasonally, generally spring through fall, and pauses over winter. Confirm current shuttle status before you go, since exact dates can shift year to year.

Is there parking at Mariposa Grove?

Yes, there's a parking lot at the grove entrance near Fish Camp and Oakhurst. It's popular, so arriving early — especially on weekends and holidays — makes a real difference in finding a spot.

Is Mariposa Grove crowded?

The main loop near the shuttle stop sees the most visitors, but reviewers consistently note that the grove thins out and feels peaceful once you move beyond it.

Reviews (1,030)

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4.8

1,030 reviews

Google Reviews

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Julieta Lopez

in the last week

Robert Castro

in the last week

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of those places that photos simply can’t do justice. As a family of four visiting from New Jersey with two boys, we were absolutely blown away. You truly have never seen trees like these. Standing beneath these giant sequoias gives you a whole new appreciation for nature. Their size, age, and beauty are almost impossible to comprehend until you’re there in person. The trails are well maintained, the scenery is incredible, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop, take pictures, and just soak it all in. Walking among trees that have stood for thousands of years is a humbling experience that our entire family will never forget. If you’re visiting Yosemite, don’t skip Mariposa Grove. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring places we’ve ever been and is absolutely worth the trip.

Emily Rosas

in the last week

I couldn't fit the sequoias in the frames; they are that large! There is a parking lot near the location, but a bus need to be taken if you want to travel to the entrance. After taking the bus trip, a big sign will direct you to the path where the giants live inside the grove. Coast Redwood trees are slim, and tall (first image), whereas Sequoia trees are the large, wide, and molten (first video). The path takes you through the sighting of a fallen monarch with its roots exposed. Not long after, you're facing eye to eye with the Grizzly Giant. The tree is as large as the Statue of Liberty! Unfortunately, I did not record a video due to people crowd the king himself. Near Grizzly Giant, The California Tunnel tree should now be visible and worth walking through. Then there is a trail that takes you to the beginning but is takes much longer than walking back. I was not able to take photos of the other sequoias like faithful couple and clothespin because my walk was cut short. A bit of advice, people get inpatient for others taking a picture, and tell you to move aside so their family can go next... tell them you haven't taking a photo yet. If that doesn't work, take a photo of the tree with them; I'm partially joking, I meant it like put the focus on the tree, not the people.

floppy disk

in the last week

A May

in the last week

Well worth the trip to visit. Efficient bus shuttle service to and from the beautiful trees. Lovely gift shop