About
Length (round trip)2.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain400 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadCrane Flat, Tioga Road junction
SurfaceOld paved road, steep on the return
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌲 Old growth

The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Begin at the Tuolumne Grove parking lot and follow the former Big Oak Flat Road (now closed to all vehicles) steeply downhill through sugar pines and white firs. The trail drops 500 feet (150 meters) in one mile. The way down can seem much easier than the uphill return to the parking lot. The trip is moderate on the uphill portion. Once hikers reach the Tuolumne Grove, there is an easy, half-mile, self-guided nature trail. Parking at the trailhead is limited. Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip Elevation gain: 500-foot (152 m) elevation gain on return trip Time estimate: 1-2 hours round trip Tips Bicycles are not allowed on this trail. Pets are allowed on the paved trail through the grove, but not on the side trails in the grove. Pit toilets are available at the trailhead parking area. There are no restrooms or water available in the grove. Seasonal Information The grove is open year round. Expect snowy and icy conditions in winter. In winter, ski or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can be a magnificent experience! The Tuolumne Grove trail descends 500 feet from the trailhead to the giant sequoias. This is a popular trail both with snowshoers and hikers and is a strenuous uphill return ski. Accessibility This trail is not wheelchair accessible.

Tips
All the climbing is on the way back. The Dead Giant tunnel was cut in 1878 to let stagecoaches through. Quieter than Mariposa Grove.
Location

Crane Flat, Tioga Road junction

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
Your Hikes

🔒 Login or create an account to record the trails you've done, rate them, and tie them to a trip.

Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.