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Tuolumne Grove Trailhead
A short downhill hike to giant sequoias on the old Big Oak Flat Road.
About
The Tuolumne Grove Trailhead sits off Tioga Road near Crane Flat, roughly 30-45 minutes from Yosemite Valley, and marks the start of a 2.5-mile round-trip hike to the second-largest of Yosemite's three giant sequoia groves. The route follows the historic Old Big Oak Flat Road, one of the park's earliest wagon roads, dropping about 500 feet in elevation through sugar pines on the way down — which means the walk in is easy, but the return trip is a steady climb.
What You'll Find at the Grove
Tuolumne Grove holds around two dozen mature giant sequoias spread across roughly 20 acres, including the Dead Giant, a tunnel tree cut through in 1878 so stagecoaches could pass beneath it. Much of the path down is paved, making this one of the more approachable sequoia walks in the park, though there's no shade on the climb back up.
Facilities and Practical Notes
- Pit toilets are available at the trailhead parking area; there is no restroom or drinking water down in the grove.
- The trailhead parking lot has been renovated with improved traffic flow, an accessible picnic area, and new way-finding signs.
- The grove is a popular year-round destination, drawing roughly 80,000 visitors annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Tuolumne Grove?
It's about 2.5 miles round trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation change. The hike down to the grove is easy since it's downhill the whole way, but that means the return to the trailhead is a steady uphill climb.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
Yes, pit toilets are available in the trailhead parking area. There are no restrooms or drinking water available once you're down in the grove itself, so plan accordingly before you start.
Where exactly is the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead?
It's off Tioga Road near Crane Flat, not in Yosemite Valley itself — figure roughly 30 to 45 minutes' drive from the Valley floor to reach the trailhead parking lot.
Is this hike suitable for families?
Yes, much of the route follows the old paved Big Oak Flat Road, making it one of the more accessible giant sequoia hikes in the park, though the return climb is still real exercise for younger kids.
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