Name: Grizzly Giant Trail
Rating: 4.5

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Dogs No Dogs

Family Friendly All kids should get to experience the awe-inspiring magnificence of these unique trees! Don't let the little ones under the fences though- the roots of sequoias are shallow and easily damaged.

The Mariposa Grove closed on July 6, 2015, for restoration, and isn't expected to open again until the spring of 2017. See details of the Mariposa Grove Restoration here: nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/…

Description

This is arguably the premier trail in Mariposa Grove, simply because it deposits visitors at several of the named sequoia trees the quickest. Brave the crowds, it is worth it to see these impressive giant organisms. From the far end of the main parking lot, follow signs pointing to Grizzly Giant. Climb uphill on a wide, smooth path skirting open meadows with scattered fallen trees. Soon after crossing the Mariposa Grove Road the Bachelor and Three Graces trees appear. Apparently, the roots of these four trees are so intertwined that if one fell, it would take the others down too.

Continue east on the Grizzly Giant Trail and enter more shady forest. Read the informative trail side plaques describing the history of these rare trees the unique sequoia lifecycle. Up ahead, the 1,800- year-old Grizzly Giant tree in all its glory is cordoned off by protective fencing. It is reported to be the 25th largest tree in the world. The trail turns to the north and ends at the California Tunnel Tree. This is the only living sequoia with a man-made tunnel bored through it. Stagecoaches used to drive through it, but nowadays tourists walk through it instead.