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:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 81 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
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 .
+1Majestic 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.
Social
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