Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Restoration Project Underway

We are re-posting the information from the National Park Service website to help travelers and guests make an informed decision when planning to see the Giant Sequoias in and around Yosemite National Park.

Text & photo credit: National Park Service

Tram area before project (left). Artist rendering of new trail at same location (right).

The Mariposa Grove restoration project will restore dynamic ecological processes and increase the resiliency of this treasured grove to withstand emerging stressors. Major work began no earlier than July 6, 2015, with completion tentatively 24 months later.

Once completed, visitors will notice the removal of the gift shop, tram road, and tram tours; a smaller, relocated parking lot in the grove (with a larger lot at South Entrance and free shuttle service into the grove); a wheelchair-accessible trail to the Grizzly Giant; and new restrooms with flush toilets.

Download this map [300 kb PDF]

Project Impacts

Dates listed above are tentative and subject to change.

Most of the Mariposa Grove will be closed as described below. Additional access will be provided as work and weather permit. This page will be updated if access changes.

Mariposa Grove Road and Lower Mariposa Grove

The lower grove and Mariposa Grove Road will be closed for 24 months beginning no earlier than July 6, 2015. The lower grove includes the Fallen Monarch, Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree.

Upper Mariposa Grove

The upper grove will be closed for 24 months beginning no earlier than July 6, 2015. Foot and equestrian access will be allowed along the Outer Loop Trail, accessible from Wawona and Fish Camp. The upper grove includes the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Museum.

Big Trees Tram Tour and Wawona-Mariposa Grove Shuttle

The Big Trees Tram Tour permanently ceased in 2014. The Wawona-Mariposa Grove shuttle will not operate in 2015 or 2016.

Project Schedule

2014

Construction of a new accessible trail to the Grizzly Giant and repair of structures at Wawona Point. No closures in 2014.

2015

Removal of roads in the Mariposa Grove, construction of the replacement service road bypassing the lower grove, and construction of a new shuttle stop in the lower grove.

2016

Construction of the South Entrance parking area and new restroom in the lower grove.

Other Places to See Giant Sequoias

Tuolumne Grove, Yosemite National Park

Located on the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss (the return gains 500 feet and is strenuous). The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is limited.

Merced Grove, Yosemite National Park

Located on the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss (the return gains 500 feet and is strenuous). The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is extremely limited.

North and South Calaveras Groves, Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras became a state park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the Discovery Tree, also known as the Big Stump, the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. It has been a major tourist attraction ever since, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California. Wheelchair-accessible trails are available.

From Yosemite's Big Oak Flat Entrance, take Highway 120 west to Highway 49 north, through Sonora, to Angels Camp, then take Highway 4 east. About two hours. More information

Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park

Originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect giant sequoias from logging. Contains the General Grant Tree, the third largest tree in the world.

From Yosemite's South Entrance, head south on Highway 41 to Fresno, then take Highway 180 east to Grant Grove. Just over two hours. More about Sequoia & Kings Canyon · More about Grant Grove

Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park

Home to many of the world's biggest trees, including General Sherman, the largest. Forty miles of trails, including the paved Big Trees Trail with wheelchair accessibility.

From Yosemite's South Entrance, head south on Highway 41 to Fresno, then take Highway 180 east to Grant Grove Village, then continue on Generals Highway to Giant Forest. About three hours. More about Sequoia & Kings Canyon · More about Giant Forest