Overview

The Grizzly Giant, one of the best known sequoias in the Mariposa Grove, is 96 feet in circumference and 27.6 feet in diameter at its base, and is located a short .8 mile hike from the parking lot. A one-hour tram tour runs from May to October and gives the history of the grove. Wawona Point, at an elevation of 4810 feet, has a terrific view of the Wawona Valley.

Trailhead

Wawona Meadow Loop; Wawona Hotel: Swinging Bridge Loop; Wawona Store: Wawona to Mariposa Grove; Wawona Hotel: Mariposa Grove; Mariposa Grove parking area: Alder Creek; trailhead .4 miles up Chilnualna Falls Road: Chilnualna Falls; trailhead 2 miles up Chilnualna Falls Road

Hikes in the Wawona and Mariposa Grove include: 

• Wawona Meadow Loop, easy, 3.5 mile loop, 2 hours 
• Swinging Bridge Loop, easy, 4.8 mile loop, 2 hours 
• Wawona to Mariposa Grove, moderate, 6 miles, free shuttle bus return 
• Mariposa Grove, three moderate hikes, 1.6-6.9 miles, 1-5 hours 
• Alder Creek, strenuous, 12 miles, 6-8 hours 
• Chilnualna Falls, strenuous, 8.2 miles round-trip, 5 hours

Self-guiding tour maps are available.

Plan & Prepare

Bring water. Skiing or snowshoeing in the winter requires knowledge and preparation. Guidelines are available from the National Park Service.