Perimeter Trail

The Perimeter Trail is the long way around Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite's largest sequoia grove and the main trail network near the park's South Entrance outside Fish Camp. Rather than sticking to the shorter paved routes past the roadside big trees, this 6.1-mile loop traces the grove's outer boundary, climbing roughly 1,194 feet over about three to three and a half hours. The grade is steady and moderate rather than technical, but the grove sits above 5,500 feet, so the altitude adds more effort than the numbers alone suggest.

What's Along the Loop

The route threads past several of the grove's named giants, including the Telescope Tree, the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, and the Galen Clark Tree, then continues into quieter upper-grove forest that hikers on the shorter Grizzly Giant loop never reach. Expect mixed sun and shade, a dirt-and-duff surface, and noticeably thinner crowds once you're past the first mile. Dogs are not permitted, in line with Yosemite's standard trail policy.

Getting to the Trailhead

Access begins at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite's South Entrance a short drive from Fish Camp. A free NPS shuttle runs seasonally from the Welcome Plaza to the Arrival Area where the loop starts; when the shuttle isn't operating, a paved connector trail from the same parking area gets you there on foot instead. A standard Yosemite entrance pass covers admission — no separate permit is required for the hike itself.

Trail Basics

• Distance: 6.1-mile loop
• Elevation gain: approximately 1,194 feet
• Typical time: 3 to 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: moderate