Mariposa Grove

NileGuide Expert tip:

Snowshoe or XC ski through these giants in the winter for an otherworldly experience.

Description:

• This grove was part of the world's first 'national park,' protected by the US government 8 years before Yellowstone.  It's open all year, but you can only drive in during the summer and fall.  In winter it's a couple mile walk, ski or snowshoe along the access road -very worthwhile.  These trees are huge, up to 300' tall, and 25-30' across at the base.  The Grizzly Giant is a main attraction, a mile's walk from the parking area.  The famous Tunnel Tree fell down in 1969, but there's a second tree with a tunnel cut through it next to the Grizzly Giant. 
  Walking trails lace the grove of several hundred trees, and a small museum in the upper grove makes an informative and scenic stop.  Those who don't want to hike on these slopes can take a 1.5 hour tram tour for $26, with headset narration in 6 languages.
  Parking is limited so for much of the summer, plan to park at the Wawona Store and take a free shuttle every half hour.  Trailers and RV's should not go up the narrow road into the grove. 
  
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