Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias

Description:

• Yosemite has 3 groves of giant sequoia trees and the Merced Grove is the smallest, most primitive and least visited. Head for this one if you want to experience a quiet, ancient forest.  Merced Grove has a small, signed parking lot off of Hwy. 120, about 4 miles from the park entrance and from Crane Flat.  There is a privvy and some interpretive signage here. 
  It's almost 2 miles down into the grove; first on a 1920's logging railroad bed, then downhill on the 1874 wagon road from Coulterville.  It's a little rough (wear more than sandals) but there's no traffic and no crowd.  You first encounter the 'five guardians' marking your arrival at the grove.  The old road goes between two giants, and you'll come to the historic ranger cabin which is near the center of the grove.  The road levels off a bit but deteriorates from here; another mile brings you to the park boundary with Stanislaus National Forest - a pleasant, quiet walk. 
  Take your time to enjoy this dark forest and huge trees.  It's easy to imagine John Muir on retreat here, or a time when only the Indians knew these trees. 
  
• © NileGuide2012