Giant-sequoia grove

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Inside Yosemite near the South Entrance

Yosemite's South Entrance giant-sequoia destination, with more than 500 mature trees and a seasonal shuttle from the Welcome Plaza.

The place

About Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Mariposa Grove contains more than 500 mature giant sequoias in the southern part of Yosemite National Park. The main visitor system begins at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza near the South Entrance, not at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. A free seasonal shuttle carries visitors from the plaza to the grove when it is operating; parking at the plaza is limited to roughly 300 spaces and the National Park Service warns that it can fill by late morning.

The current 2026 NPS schedule lists shuttle service from May 3 through September 23 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the last bus leaving the grove at 8 p.m.; September 24 through October 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, with the last bus at 5:30 p.m.; and November 1 through 30 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, with the last bus at 5 p.m. From December 1 through at least April 15, the road and shuttle are normally unavailable and visitors who enter must plan for a two-mile walk each way with about 500 feet of elevation gain, subject to conditions.

A 2026 Yosemite entry reservation is not required under the park's current planning guidance, but the entrance fee, current road conditions, fire or smoke response, tire-chain rules, parking, and shuttle capacity remain separate responsibilities. Private vehicles normally cannot drive to the grove unless a disability placard is used while the road is open. The train and grove can make a strong South Entrance day only with generous buffers; two hard departure times, an entrance queue, and a full plaza lot are a poor combination.

What stands out

Choose a realistic grove objective

A shorter lower-grove visit and a long upper-grove exploration are different outings. Match the walking plan to the train time, daylight, weather, and last shuttle.

Make parking part of the itinerary

Arriving at a full Welcome Plaza can erase the buffer before a fixed train departure. Earlier is safer, and a current conditions check belongs before the drive.

Separate park and railroad tickets

The train ticket does not cover Yosemite entry or guarantee grove transportation. Keep the two confirmations, costs, and cancellation risks distinct.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad trip

Mariposa Grove is the closest nationally significant park experience on the same Highway 41 approach. It ranks after the onsite rail museum because it requires separate park entry, parking, transport, and walking rather than functioning as an extension of the train grounds.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • 2026 entry ruleThe NPS says a Yosemite entrance reservation is not required in 2026; the park entrance fee and all current conditions still apply
  • ParkingAbout 300 spaces at the Welcome Plaza; the NPS warns the lot can fill by late morning, so earlier arrival is safer
  • Main-season shuttleMay 3–Sep 23, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; last bus leaves the grove at 8 p.m. under the current 2026 schedule
  • Fall shuttleSep 24–Oct 31, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., then Nov 1–30, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; both periods are weather permitting
  • Winter accessNormally no shuttle Dec 1 through at least Apr 15; reaching the grove can require two miles each way on foot with about 500 feet of gain
  • Private vehiclesNormally restricted; a disability placard allows access only when Mariposa Grove Road itself is open

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Yosemite reservation in 2026?

The current NPS planning page says no entrance reservation is required in 2026. You still need to pay the entrance fee and follow current road, fire, weather, and parking rules.

Can I drive directly to Mariposa Grove?

Normally no. Visitors park at the Welcome Plaza and use the seasonal shuttle. A disability placard permits private-vehicle access only while Mariposa Grove Road is open.

Does the shuttle run all year?

No. The current 2026 schedule runs from May 3 through November 30, with fall service weather permitting. Winter access can require a two-mile walk each way.

Can I visit the grove between train departures?

Only with a generous buffer. Park entry, parking, shuttle queues, walking, and the return trip can make a tight gap unsafe. Treat the grove as a substantial separate outing.

Is the grove accessible?

The NPS allows vehicles displaying a disability placard on the road when it is open. Review the official accessibility guidance and contact the park about current route and shuttle details before travel.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.