Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The hike
The walk starts at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite's South Entrance. The Washburn Trail climbs steadily for two miles through forest to the grove's arrival area, where the shuttle bus stops in season. From there the Mariposa Grove Trail passes the Fallen Monarch and the Bachelor and Three Graces on its way to the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree, cut through in 1895. It then follows the old road up into the upper grove, past the Faithful Couple and the Clothespin Tree, to the overlook at Wawona Point. Return the same way.
It is 10.4 miles (16.8 km) round trip with 1,710 feet (522 m) of climbing; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Hard, for its length: the trails are wide and climb steadily all the way.
A free shuttle bus runs from the Welcome Plaza to the arrival area from spring to late fall, weather permitting, and saves four miles of walking and 500 feet of climbing. When it is not running, the Washburn Trail or the road is the only way in. Drinking water is on at the Welcome Plaza all year and at the arrival area in summer only. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the grove.
The Welcome Plaza's 300 parking spaces may fill by late morning. The trails can be snowy or icy in winter. No permit is needed.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Yosemite's largest sequoia grove, with more than 500 mature giant sequoias
- Past the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree, cut through in 1895
- A shuttle runs to the grove in season; otherwise walk up the Washburn Trail
Summits on the way
- Wawona Point 6,811 ft (2,076 m)
Getting there
Start: Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza · Free parking. 37.50660, -119.62915
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Yosemite: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
