In this cathedral of ancient trees, almost 500 hardy sequoias rocket to the sky.
Early in the morning or after the crowds have gone, you can explore Mariposa Grove in solitude and contemplate the thousands of years the trees have witnessed. Other highlights include walking through the heart of the still-living California Tunnel Tree and witnessing the girth of the Grizzly Giant.
The History
In 1864, President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, establishing Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove as a state park. This landmark legislation marked the first time in US history that the federal government set aside natural areas to be protected for the benefit of future generations. The Mariposa Grove was formally added to Yosemite National Park in 1906.
Visiting Mariposa Grove
A visit begins with either a 2-mile shuttle ride from the welcome plaza or a 2-mile hike along the Washburn Trail. On the right as you enter the lower grove, the Fallen Monarch tree and its exposed roots illustrate the sequoias' shallow but diffuse life-support system, while many wind-toppled, weakened and scarred trees nearby offer evidence of a changing climate.
Keeping walking, and a half-mile up you'll encounter the 800-year-old Grizzly Giant, a monster of a tree. The walk-through California Tunnel Tree, the favored spot for photos, is close by. In the upper grove is the more famous Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree. It’s about a mile round trip from the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree to the wide-open overlook at Wawona Point (6810ft), which takes in the entire area.
