Merced Grove
Discover the serene beauty of Merced Grove, Yosemite's less-crowded sanctuary of ancient giant sequoias. A humbling hike through nature's giants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Snow melts, fewer crowds
Merced Grove
Best Time
Snow melts, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Merced Grove, Yosemite's less-crowded sanctuary of ancient giant sequoias. A humbling hike through nature's giants.
"Quiet, sacred, and humbling. Fewer crowds than other sequoia groves, but no less majestic."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating snow, ice, or slippery conditions on the trail. Sneakers can lead to slips.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike, especially the return, can be strenuous, particularly on a hot day. Stay hydrated!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 23 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Giant Sequoias
Merced Grove
Stand in awe of these majestic, ancient giants. A truly humbling experience among nature's oldest and largest living things.
Tranquil Forest Trail
Merced Grove Trail
A peaceful, moderately challenging hike through a lush forest leading to the sequoias. Enjoy the quiet solitude.
Less Crowded Sequoia Experience
Merced Grove
Escape the throngs at other groves and find a more sacred, personal connection with these magnificent trees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Giant Sequoias
Prepare for the Hike Out
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating snow, ice, or slippery conditions on the trail. Sneakers can lead to slips.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike, especially the return, can be strenuous, particularly on a hot day. Stay hydrated!
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Heat
Beat the midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures for the uphill climb back to the trailhead.
🥾 Snowshoes for Winter Hikes
If visiting in winter, snowshoes are highly recommended for deep, soft snow.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating snow, ice, or slippery conditions on the trail. Sneakers can lead to slips.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike, especially the return, can be strenuous, particularly on a hot day. Stay hydrated!
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Heat
Beat the midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures for the uphill climb back to the trailhead.
🥾 Snowshoes for Winter Hikes
If visiting in winter, snowshoes are highly recommended for deep, soft snow.
🗺️ Check Road Conditions
Always verify road access, especially during winter or after fire events, before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Merced Grove as a quiet, sacred, and humbling place to experience giant sequoias with fewer crowds than other groves. The moderately challenging hike is considered worth the effort for the majestic and ancient trees. Some note the significant uphill climb on the return and the need for proper footwear, especially in snowy conditions.
"Quiet, sacred, and humbling. Fewer crowds than other sequoia groves, but no less majestic. These ancient giants stand like sentinels of time, walk among them and you’ll remember who you are. Trail is peaceful, moderately challenging, and worth every step."
mansa shaka
"There are only 5 redwood trees. The hike is not too hard, but you need to climb 600 feet back to the trail head. Tuolumne Grove should be easier because it is shorter and also the elevation change is less (400 feet). You get more trees there too."
Alan Zhou
"February 2023 report: deep, soft-slush snow. It was really rough to walk in mid-afternoon: Snowshoes are really required right now. The first 0.8 mile is really flat: the last 0.8 miles is the 500+ foot drop in elevation, which means this is a challenging hike out. It is NOT 500 feet over the 1.6 miles, but rather over less than a mile."
Randy Brandt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Merced Grove is located off Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 West) in Yosemite National Park. From the parking area, it's a moderate 3-4 mile round trip hike to the grove.
While YARTS buses serve Yosemite, direct routes to Merced Grove are not common. It's generally best accessed by private vehicle.
Big Oak Flat Road is typically open year-round, but always check current road conditions with Yosemite National Park for any closures due to snow or other events.
There is a designated parking area for Merced Grove. It can fill up, especially during peak season, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, Merced Grove is an excellent alternative, offering a less crowded and more intimate experience with giant sequoias, especially when Mariposa Grove has shuttle closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While Merced Grove itself doesn't require a separate reservation, you will need to pay the standard Yosemite National Park entrance fee. Check the NPS website for any park-wide reservation requirements.
Merced Grove is accessible whenever the park roads are open. The trail is open year-round, but conditions vary greatly with the seasons.
There is no separate fee for Merced Grove. The standard Yosemite National Park entrance fee applies, which is valid for 7 days.
Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for any current alerts, closures, or restrictions, especially regarding fire danger or trail conditions.
Absolutely! Merced Grove is a fantastic option when Mariposa Grove is inaccessible or too crowded.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 3-4 miles round trip, taking about 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on your pace and trail conditions.
It's considered moderately challenging due to the significant elevation gain on the return hike (over 500 feet in less than a mile).
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy boots. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Bring rain gear or snowshoes in winter.
Restrooms are typically available at the trailhead parking area. There are no facilities within the grove itself.
No, pets are not allowed on trails within Yosemite National Park, including Merced Grove, to protect wildlife and natural resources.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographing the giant sequoias.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your shot to give a sense of scale. Wide-angle lenses can help capture the immense height.
The trail itself offers numerous opportunities. Look for clearings and unique angles to frame the trees against the sky or forest.
Use a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. Consider a slightly smaller aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including Merced Grove, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Social
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