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Trail that connects the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza with the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.3

KM

Point to Point

5,619' 1,713 m

High

5,130' 1,564 m

Low

611' 186 m

Up

127' 39 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Wildflowers

The trail is open and accessible throughout the year. In the winter, check the park website to see if there are any chain restrictions or road closures in effect.

Description

The Washburn Trail is a singletrack dirt trail that departs the end of the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and makes its way up to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It provides access to the grove when the shuttle busses are not running. The trail departs the far end of the parking lot where oversized vehicles and RVs park.

The trail crosses a bridge over a small creek and then begins its climb through the forest toward the Mariposa Grove. The trail climbs up some switchbacks before straightening out. Around 3/4 of a mile to a mile, views off to the right side of the trail start to open up and you can see the surrounding forests.

The trail is well-shaded for the most part as it passes through the woods. Shortly there after, there is a side trail that goes off to the left that leads to a picnic area and restrooms. As you get closer to the grove, the sounds of a stream can be heard as water that provides nourishment for the grove finds its way downstream. Giant Sequoia Trees start to come into view if you look hard enough.

The parking area and walkway for the grove start to come into view, and one of the giant trees sits just off the trail on the right side. The trail emerges in the parking area for the grove, and from here you can follow the Big Trees Loop Trail up into the grove, where numerous trails provide you many opportunities to explore as much or as little of the grove as you would like. To get back to your car, you either have to catch a shuttle if they are running, or hike back down the Washburn Trail to your vehicle.

Flora & Fauna

Giant Sequoia Trees can be seen at the end of the trail. A mix of pine and fir trees line the trail, and in the spring time a variety of wildflowers can be seen along the trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#10197

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#940

in California

#10,197

Overall
17 Views Last Month
869 Since Jul 19, 2020
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

0%
67%
33%
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Photos

A Giant Sequoia tree sits off to the right hand side of the trail as it enters the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Jul 19, 2020 near Oakhurst, CA
A bridge crosses a small creek as it makes its way up to the Mariposa Grove parking area.
Jul 19, 2020 near Oakhurst, CA
While there are not many sweeping views along this trail, sometimes it opens up and you can look out across the forests that make up Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area.
Jul 19, 2020 near Oakhurst, CA

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