Tuolumne Grove Yosemite
Tranquil forest trail in Yosemite featuring ancient giant sequoias and a unique tunnel tree.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tioga Road open
Tuolumne Grove Yosemite
Best Time
Tioga Road open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil forest trail in Yosemite featuring ancient giant sequoias and a unique tunnel tree.
"A quiet trail with impressive giant sequoias, a must-do in Yosemite!"
Save Energy for the Climb Back
The trail is downhill to the trees and uphill back. Conserve your energy on the descent! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Sun Smart
Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dead Giant Tunnel Tree
Tuolumne Grove
Walk through a fallen giant sequoia, carved in 1878, offering a unique photo op and a sense of scale .
+1
Majestic Giant Sequoias
Tuolumne Grove
Stand in awe of these ancient, towering trees, some hundreds or even thousands of years old .
Autumn Colors
Tuolumne Grove
Experience the grove's beauty enhanced by vibrant fall foliage, a stunning contrast to the evergreen giants .
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Uphill Return
Timing is Key for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Save Energy for the Climb Back
The trail is downhill to the trees and uphill back. Conserve your energy on the descent! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Sun Smart
Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
Winter Hiking Gear
Snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended for winter visits due to snow and ice. :snowflake:
Less Crowded Alternative
Tuolumne Grove is a quieter option compared to Mariposa Grove. :deciduous_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Save Energy for the Climb Back
The trail is downhill to the trees and uphill back. Conserve your energy on the descent! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Sun Smart
Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
Winter Hiking Gear
Snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended for winter visits due to snow and ice. :snowflake:
Less Crowded Alternative
Tuolumne Grove is a quieter option compared to Mariposa Grove. :deciduous_tree:
Capture the Giants
The tunnel tree is a popular spot for photos, but don't forget to capture the scale of the living sequoias too! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tuolumne Grove for its beautiful and impressive giant sequoias, with the Dead Giant tunnel tree being a unique highlight. While the hike is generally enjoyable, many note that the return trip is a significant uphill climb, requiring good energy conservation. It's considered a less crowded alternative to other sequoia groves in Yosemite.
"Nice little trail, though coming back was a good uphill walk. The trees were quite beautiful! Felt like I was at Endor once again…"
Manthan Shah
"With this quiet trail of about 2.5 miles you can enjoy the view of Giant Sequoias, majestic trees the can be found in only 75 isolated groves in California. The specimens in this area are not as big as the ones in Sequoia National Park, but still they are quite impressive."
Francesco Xodo
"Totally enjoy the hike to see the giant sequoias. The walk is quite easy - can be hard for you when coming back because it will be uphill. Keep hydrated at all time and be sun smart."
A K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tuolumne Grove is located off Tioga Road (Highway 120) near the Big Oak Flat Entrance. The trailhead is about a mile south of the entrance. If Tioga Road is closed (typically November to May), access may be limited or require different routes.
Yes, Tuolumne Grove is accessible in winter, but Tioga Road may be closed, requiring a longer drive. The trail can be snowy and icy, making it more challenging but also less crowded. Snowshoes or traction devices are recommended.
The drive to Tuolumne Grove from Yosemite Valley is about 75 minutes. From the Big Oak Flat Entrance, it's a shorter drive. Be prepared for winding mountain roads.
Yes, there is a parking area at the Tuolumne Grove trailhead. It can fill up during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
While both are in Tuolumne County and Yosemite, Tuolumne Grove is a distinct sequoia grove, separate from the Tuolumne Meadows area, which is further east along Tioga Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass to visit Tuolumne Grove. Reservations for park entry may be required during peak seasons, so check the official NPS website before your visit.
Tuolumne Grove is open year-round, but access to the trailhead and the grove itself is dependent on road conditions, especially in winter. Tioga Road is typically open from late May/June to October/November.
The entrance fee is for Yosemite National Park itself, not specifically for Tuolumne Grove. This fee grants access to all areas of the park.
No, a valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass is required to access Tuolumne Grove and all other areas within the park.
Standard park regulations apply, including leash laws for pets (pets are not allowed on the trail itself) and rules against disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Tuolumne Grove Nature Trail is a 2.5-mile loop. It's a moderate hike, with the return trip being uphill. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
The trail is considered moderate. It's downhill to the grove, which is easier, but the return hike is uphill, which can be challenging for some.
The 'Dead Giant' is a fallen giant sequoia that has been hollowed out to create a tunnel. It's a popular spot for photos and a unique feature of the grove.
Tuolumne Grove contains nearly two dozen mature giant sequoias, along with other conifers like sugar pines and white firs.
Tuolumne Grove is generally less crowded than the Mariposa Grove, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it can still get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dead Giant tunnel tree is a must-capture. Also, look for unique angles to photograph the immense scale of the living sequoias against the sky.
Absolutely! Autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the surrounding deciduous trees, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen sequoias.
Yes, walking through the tunnel tree and taking photos from inside is a popular activity.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photographing the giant sequoias. Avoid midday sun for more dramatic shots.
No, drone usage is prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including Tuolumne Grove, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to look for wildlife and point out the different types of trees. Bringing plenty of snacks and water is essential, and making it a 'reverse hike' adventure—downhill first, then uphill—can add to the fun. Visiting on a weekday can help avoid larger crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
+1🚶 Hikers Seeking Solitude
+1Consider a winter visit for the ultimate solitude. The snow-covered landscape creates a magical, quiet atmosphere, allowing you to truly connect with the ancient trees. Just be prepared for the challenging trail conditions and ensure you have the right gear.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Autumn is a prime time for photographers, as the vibrant fall colors provide a stunning backdrop. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon to capture the soft, golden hues of sunrise and sunset filtering through the trees. Remember that drones are prohibited, so plan your shots with ground-level perspectives.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Giant Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove
+1The trail winds through a forest of these giants, allowing visitors to truly appreciate their scale. You'll also encounter other impressive conifers like sugar pines and white firs, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The unique geology and microclimate of the Sierra Nevada mountains provide the perfect conditions for these colossal trees to thrive.
Experiencing Tuolumne Grove is a chance to connect with nature on a profound level, feeling dwarfed by trees that have witnessed centuries of history. It's a reminder of the power and resilience of the natural world.
Navigating the Tuolumne Grove Trail
The trail is well-maintained and generally easy to follow, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the path, you'll encounter interpretive signs that provide information about the flora and fauna of the area. The highlight for many is the Dead Giant, a fallen sequoia that has been tunneled through, offering a unique photo opportunity and a tangible sense of the trees' massive girth.
+1During winter months, the trail can be covered in snow, transforming the grove into a serene, winter wonderland. While beautiful, this also makes the hike more challenging, and snowshoes or traction devices are highly recommended. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, and it's crucial to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer seasons.
Best Times to Visit Tuolumne Grove
For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) or on weekdays. Autumn, in particular, offers the added beauty of fall colors, creating a picturesque contrast with the evergreen sequoias.
+1Winter visits offer a unique and magical perspective, with the grove often blanketed in snow. While access might be more challenging due to road closures and snowy trails, the solitude and serene beauty can be unparalleled. However, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially icy conditions, and ensure you have appropriate gear like snowshoes or traction devices.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit