Exploring Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite National Park

The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is in Yosemite National Park. It’s one of three sequoia groves in Yosemite. The largest and most famous is the Mariposa Grove near the south entrance to the park. The other two, the Merced and Tuolumne groves, are near each other off Big Oak Flat Road. 

Tuolomne Grove is small; it only has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. I decided to visit the grove midweek in the fall. I arrived at the park fairly early, but it was already busy. Hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists anxiously awaited the breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley. 

Hiking to Tuolumne Grove

I love the valley, but I could not get out of there quickly enough. Traffic was terrible, and I’d never been to the Tuolumne Grove.  I got to the trailhead and was lucky to find a parking spot immediately.  

Without wasting any time, I headed down the well-worn path. It was nice outside that morning, a sunny and unseasonably warm 72 degrees.  The trail goes straight down for a little less than a mile and a half and then meanders through the grove. The trail was not packed by any means, but there were definitely other people.  It was less busy than the far more popular Mariposa Grove, which I’d hiked a few weeks back.  

“Dead Giant”

One of the highlights of this trail is the hollowed-out “Dead Giant.” In 1878, a hole was cut through the already-dead Giant to attract tourists and collect a toll on the road.  The trail to the grove follows the same old road. 

I spent about half an hour relaxing and enjoying the sequoias before heading back straight the way I came. On the way back, there was a 500-foot elevation gain.  The hike is over 2.5 miles round-trip. 

It took me about two hours to complete the hike. I stopped to take lots of photos, but I could have spent more time, especially if I’d known there were picnic tables at the start of the actual grove. What a great spot for lunch! 

Where is (this destination) located?

Tuolomne Grove is located in Yosemite National Park off of Big Oak Flat Road 

How long does it take to visit?

I did this hike in 2 hours, but you could easily spend more time if you were so inclined. 

Where to stay?

 There are various campgrounds in Yosemite; reservations are required most of the year, and some of them do close seasonally, so it’s always best to check ahead of time. 

Other things to do nearby?

 The Merced grove is just a few miles up the road and definitely worth a stop for the iconic “elephant feet”.