It was not planned as such but I ended up spending more than half a day in Mariposa Grove.
When I arrived car access was temporarily shut and people were asked to take the shuttle so I decided to take a detour to Chilnualna Falls. At the end of the short hike I was greeted by a wall of giant boulders, the falls completely dried out. Nevertheless I enjoyed the pretty scenery.
If there was any water, it would be flowing over that wall of gigantic rocks ↓
Back at Mariposa Grove, I parked my car and luckily packed plenty of water and snacks with me because I was in for a surprise. Some of the largest sequoias are seen within the first mile from the parking lot in the Lower Grove (Fallen Monarch, Bachelor & Three Graces, Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree).
But, there are so many more going further up on the trail into the Upper Grove ! Among them, The Faithful Couple, two sequoias conjoined at the base, and, one of the most resilient, the Telescope Tree, which is entirely hollow inside, you can step into it, look up and see the sky!
The Faithful Couple ↓
Telescope Tree ↓
There is a small museum dedicated to the sequoias, and the ranger working there was super friendly, kind, and eager to share his vast knowledge, so ask away! If this is as far as you go and you are too tired to walk back you can wait for the bus, it stops behind the museum, however I heard it cost $10 to take it back to the parking lot; quite expensive if you ask me, others thought the same because I saw them shaking their heads and walking back instead.
However, if you decide to go further up into the Upper Grove the trail ends at Wawona Point Vista, an enthralling treat at 6810 feet. Few people come all the way up here, so if you do, you’ll be able to enjoy its unperturbed wilderness.
