Walk in the shadow of giants on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, one of the most iconic hikes in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias near Yosemite’s South Entrance.
If you’re looking for a short walk with big rewards, the Grizzly Giant Trail is the perfect way to experience Yosemite National Park’s most famous sequoias up close. Nestled near the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, this scenic 2-mile loop winds through the Lower Grove, passing many of the largest trees in the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite—including the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, the California Tunnel Tree, and the Faithful Couple. These are some of the famous features of the grove, and you can experience them all in a single round trip hike.
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail Basics
1-2 Hours
2 Miles Roundtrip
Loop Trail
380 Feet
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the loop at a comfortable pace, allowing time to stop at major landmarks, take photos, and read the interpretive panels along the way.
Distance: 2 Miles Roundtrip
A smooth trail with moderate climbs, the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail forms a partial loop through the Lower Grove of Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Type: Loop Trail
This loop begins and ends at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, with well-marked junctions for detours or trail extensions like the Guardians Loop Trail or Washburn Trail.
Elevation Change: 380 Feet
Expect about 380 feet of elevation gain, mostly on the way to the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. It’s uphill in places, but gradual enough for most visitors.
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Late spring through summer time and into fall is best. In winter, enough snow can make the trail suitable for cross-country skiing—but shuttles may stop running. Always check with the National Park Service for current conditions.
Time of Day: Morning, Evening
Morning offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and softer light for photography.
Amount of Shade: Mostly Shaded
Beneath the tallest trees and towering pines, you’ll enjoy plenty of shade with occasional sunny clearings.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for families, casual hikers, and anyone wanting a short but immersive giant sequoia experience.
What Makes Grizzly Giant Loop Trail a Great Hike?
In just two miles, you’ll see Yosemite’s largest living things, oldest trees, and some of the famous sequoias like the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Along the way, you’ll pass the Telescope Tree, the Faithful Couple, and the Bachelor and Three Graces, all part of the grove’s famous features.
Scenery on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
Start of the Trail
The loop begins at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, near the historic Mariposa Grove Cabin. Here you’ll find displays on the grove’s history, ecology, and the story of the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, a once-famous drive-through tree lost to a storm in 1969.
The first section winds past the Bachelor and Three Graces, an elegant grouping of sequoias, before gradually climbing toward the grove’s most celebrated residents.
California Tunnel Tree
Our first look at some of the giant Sequoia Trees around the Southern California area
On the Trail
- Grizzly Giant – The grove’s biggest tree and one of the largest sequoia trees in the park. Standing nearly 210 feet tall, it has a base circumference of over 90 feet.
- California Tunnel Tree – Cut in 1895 to attract tourism, it remains the only living tunnel tree in the park.
- Faithful Couple – Two sequoias joined at the base, symbolizing unity and resilience.
- Telescope Tree – A hollow giant where you can look up through the trunk to the sky.
Along the way, you’ll pass sections of trail that connect to other routes like the Perimeter Trail and Mariposa Grove Trail toward Wawona Point, which offers panoramic views.
End of the Trail
The loop closes with more shaded forest and a slow descent back to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, guiding you through a peaceful section of trail lined with younger sequoias, towering pines, and thick ferns carpeting the forest floor. This part of the hike is quieter and less trafficked, allowing for a more reflective walk as you take in the filtered sunlight through the canopy and the earthy scent of the woods. You’ll pass several past notable trees and catch final glimpses of the Lower Grove’s remarkable sequoia stands, offering a fitting end to your journey among Yosemite’s oldest residents. Whether you’re heading toward the shuttle service to return to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza or choosing the more scenic Washburn Trail for your return, the final leg of the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail leaves you with a lasting sense of awe and appreciation for the ecology of giant sequoias and the enduring beauty of this historic grove.
Notable Places on the Hike
- Grizzly Giant – The star of the trail, this ancient sequoia is estimated to be over 1,800 years old.
- California Tunnel Tree – A living sequoia with a man-made tunnel you can walk through—iconic and photo-worthy.
- Bachelor and Three Graces – A group of four sequoias standing close together, showcasing the grove’s natural beauty.
Cute rock walkway over a creek along the trail
The root base of a fallen tree near the path
Grizzly Giant Loop Trailhead Information
Park Name: Yosemite National Park
The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail is located in Yosemite National Park, within the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Finding the Trailhead
From the shuttle drop-off or end of the Washburn Trail at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, follow posted signs to the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, clearly marked with interpretive signs and maps.
Markers Along the Trail
You’ll see informational signs at every major feature, including history, tree names, and distances. The loop is well-marked with signs at trail junctions and key spots.
Nearest Restrooms
Flush toilets are available at the Welcome Plaza, and additional restrooms are located near the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area, where the loop begins.
Parking Area
To start, park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza off Mariposa Grove Road, near Yosemite NP’s south entrance. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point during peak season, but a free shuttle service runs to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. In winter and late fall (end of November), weather permitting, you may be able to drive up if there’s enough snow clearance. Accessible Parking Area: Visitors with a disability placard can often park closer, either at the Arrival Area or the Grizzly Giant parking area, where there are parking spaces and pit toilets.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
From the loop, hikers can branch off onto the Guardians Loop Trail for a longer hike through the tranquil upper portion of the grove, or take the Mariposa Grove Trail up to Wawona Point for panoramic views over the Wawona Valley. The Perimeter Trail offers a quieter, more secluded walk through the area of the grove less traveled. If you have extra time and energy, the number of alternative trails allows for a customizable hiking experience. The Big Trees Loop Trail, located right near the Arrival Area, is a short walk with interpretive panels, ideal for visitors wanting an easy stroll among mature giant sequoia trees without a big elevation gain.
- Guardians Loop Trail – A longer trek through the Upper Grove and tranquil upper portion of the grove
- Mariposa Grove Trail – Climbs to Wawona Point for sweeping views
- Big Trees Loop Trail – A short, flat loop near the Arrival Area, great for interpretive panels and accessible walking
- Perimeter Trail – A quieter path around the outer area of the grove
Tips for Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
- Arrive early to get parking and beat the crowds.
- Check shuttle availability in advance—it's seasonal.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trail includes dirt paths and moderate inclines.
- Take your time—this loop is short but packed with beauty and history.
- Respect the trees by staying on trails and not climbing roots or trunks.
- Watch for wildlife—deer and birds are often seen along the trail.
- Photography is best early or late in the day for soft, filtered light.
Accessibility Information for Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
Dirt, Rocks
Paved
Trail Type: Dirt, Rocks
The full loop includes some uneven ground and moderate inclines, so it’s not fully wheelchair accessible. However, the boardwalk near the Arrival Area is accessible and allows views of sequoias near the start.
Parking: Paved
Accessible parking is available at the Welcome Plaza, and visitors with a disability placard may be allowed to drive up to the Arrival Area when the shuttle is not running.