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Hikers in Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias

Mariposa Grove Itinerary

Giant Wonders, Family Style: Yosemite’s One Day, Must-See Big Tree Itinerary

Remember that one tree from your childhood backyard that seemed huge? Imagine that — but taller than a 25-story building and almost 3,000 years old. That’s what it feels like to stand at the base of a giant sequoia in Mariposa Grove. And if you’re traveling with kids, it’s exactly the kind of “whoa” moment that makes for a vacation they’ll talk about all year.

To impress the whole family, especially the young adventurers in your group, you have to go big. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias delivers, with towering trees, easy-access trails, and photo ops that make perfect holiday card material. Whether it’s your first time in Yosemite or your fiftieth, this grove always inspires awe.

The entrance to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park

Morning: Fuel Up First and the Grove Awaits

  • Before your giant adventure, grab breakfast at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill, located right at Tenaya. With crowd-pleasers like buttermilk pancakes, carnitas tortas, and the El Capitan omelet, it’s the kind of breakfast that earns clean plates and big smiles.
  • Prefer to hit the trail early? Parkside Deli offers convenient boxed lunches to take with you into the park — ideal for trail breaks, picnic spots, or roadside overlooks. Pro tip: guard your sandwich. Rock squirrels are Yosemite’s fastest snack bandits.
  • Located just two miles from the resort and accessed through Yosemite’s South Entrance, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a quick drive with big-time rewards.
    • Want to skip the park logistics? Book a Yosemite 360° Tour and let the local guides handle your National Park entry and navigation. They’ll make sure your family sees the best of the grove — and a few hidden gems along the way.
The Grizzly Giant tree in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove

Afternoon: Exploring the Mariposa Grove

Stop #1: Grizzly Giant

  • Estimated to be 2,900 years old, Grizzly Giant is a living legend — and a perfect place to blow your kids’ minds. Just imagine a tree that was growing before the Roman Empire even began. It’s one of the most photographed trees in the park for good reason.
  • Getting there: From the trailhead, hike northeast/uphill 0.15 mi on Big Trees Loop Trail, past Fallen Monarch to the junction with Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. To reach Grizzly Giant, turn right at the trail junction and hike northeast/uphill 0.6 miles on Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, past Bachelor and Three Graces.

Stop #2: Columbia Tree

  • This one’s all about height. At 285 feet tall, Columbia Tree reaches skyward like few others. It’s the tallest known tree in the grove — taller than the Statue of Liberty (minus the torch).
  • Getting there: Departing Grizzly Giant, proceed to the junction with Mariposa Grove Trail. Veer right at the trail junction with an unnamed spur trail. Turn right at the trail junction and hike southeast 0.1 mi on the spur trail to the junction with Perimeter Trail. Turn left at the trail junction and hike north 0.9 mi on Perimeter Trail to the junction with Guardians Loop Trail. To reach Columbia, continue straight at the trail junction and hike northeast 0.3 mi on Guardians Loop Trail.

Stop #3: Washington Tree

  • This one’s a true heavyweight. With a diameter of 30 feet, Washington Tree is hard to miss and even harder to hug. Most visitors settle for a family group hug or a fun “arms wide” photo in front of its massive trunk.
  • Getting there: From Columbia, leave the trail and walk north 150 ft off-trail to Washington.

Trail Tips for Families

  • Big Trees Loop Trail (0.3 mi): Flat and stroller friendly.
  • Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 mi): Great for curious kids and a manageable challenge.
  • Mariposa Grove Trail (7 mi out-and-back): Best for older kids or families who want to go all in.
A family swimming in the indoor pool at Tenaya at Yosemite

Evening: Wind Down the Tenaya Way

  • Once you’ve wrapped your hike and made it back to Tenaya, it’s time to unwind, family style. Every evening at 6:30pm, our Dive-In Movies light up the screen in our indoor pool area. Float, swim, or soak while you watch your favorite family flicks from the water. Watching Frozen in a hot tub? Bucket list moment.
  • Still got energy to burn? Sign up for a Guided Flashlight Hike through the Sierra National Forest. This after-dark adventure is a hit with curious kids and brave parents alike. Expect stars, night sounds, and maybe even a glimpse of some nocturnal wildlife. These 75-minute hikes run on select evenings year-round.