How to See the Giant Sequoias at Tuolumne Grove
Giant Sequoias are impressive trees that can grow more than 200 feet tall and up to 35 feet in diameter. There are only about 75 natural giant sequoia groves in the world — and all of them are located in the Sierra Nevadas in California.
Yosemite National Park has three sequoia groves where you can walk around these mighty giants. One of them is Tuolumne Grove, which has around two dozen mature Giant Sequoias. It’s located on Tioga Road near Crane Flat.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tuolumne Grove, including when to go, how to get there, and why you should visit.
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Why Visit Tuolumne Grove?
The popularity of Tuolumne Grove isn’t a new phenomenon. The 25 or so Giant Sequoias scattered around the grove have been enough to fascinate visitors dating back well over 100 years. Even so, Tuolumne Grove tends to be less crowded than nearby Mariposa Grove, making it a great alternative.
Although the hike to Tuolumne Grove isn’t easy, the trail has been in place for over 150 years — originally as a pack trail called the Big Oak Flat Trail. The trail was so popular that in 1878, in order to ease the journey, a wagon-sized hole was cut in a still-standing Giant Sequoia that had been killed by lightning.
Today, visitors can still hike the 150-year-old trail and walk in the footsteps of trailblazers from a bygone era. Once there, you can marvel at the prospect of a horse-drawn wagon passing through the tree on its way to the settlements to the west of what eventually became Yosemite National Park.
How to Get to Tuolumne Grove
Tuolumne Grove is easy to get to if you’re already in Yosemite National Park. If you’re short on time, you can still see the Giant Sequoias in Tuolumne Grove on a day-trip from San Francisco. Here’s how to get there by car:
From Yosemite Valley
If you’re coming from Yosemite Valley, take Hwy. 120 west. After 45-minutes of driving, take a right at the intersection with Tioga Road. You will see the Tuolumne Grove parking lot on your left after about half a mile.
From Hwy. 120
If you’re coming from the west on Hwy. 120 you’ll pass by the park entrance at Big Oak Flat Gate. After 15 minutes, turn left at the intersection of Tioga Road. Drive for about 2 minutes to the parking lot on your left-hand side.
From Tioga Road
If you are driving from Tioga Road, this will be your last stop before reaching the Big Old Flat Road.
Hiking to Tuolumne Grove
Once you’ve arrived at the parking lot, you’ll need to hike the rest of the way to your destination. The trailhead starts at a picnic area and is well-marked with a sign that says: “Entering the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias”. Parking and bathrooms are available here.
Here’s a Google Street View of the parking lot to help you find it.
There’s no cell phone reception around this area, but there is a payphone at the Crane Flat gas station 0.5 miles away.
The hike itself is about 2.5 miles (4 km) round-trip, with 500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Most of the elevation gain is on the way back, so bring lots of water and save your energy for the return trip.
At 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) of elevation, the hike to Tuolumne Grove follows Old Tioga Road, which was only closed to cars in 1992. It’s relatively easy on the way down, since it’s paved and shaded. On the way back up, you may notice the steep grade that you didn’t notice on the way down.
At about the 1-mile mark, you’ll reach Tuolumne Grove and see some of the massive trees for yourself. The most impressive trees are the ones that you see at the beginning of the loop trail. Allow yourself some time to take in the scale of these living giants. There are 25 giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove and the small Grove Loop takes you to most of them.
The trail continues with many interpretive plaques to show you what you’re looking at and give you some useful information. Look out for:
The Fallen Giant
This fallen Giant Sequoia really highlights the size of the tree since you can walk the entire length of it. It also has an incredible root structure.
Dead Giant Tunnel Tree
The Dead Giant is one of the most photographed trees in Tuolumne Grove. It was tunneled in 1878 to attract tourists to the park. At 29 feet in diameter, it’s big enough for a car to fit through its tunnel. You can walk through the tree’s mighty trunk and take some fantastic photos.
Trail Facts
Address: Tuolumne Grove Trailhead, Yosemite National Park
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Pet friendly: No
Elevation at trailhead: 6,200 ft
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Parking: Limited free parking lot at the trailhead
Visit Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite
Tuolumne Grove has a lot to offer hikers and nature-lovers. This lesser known grove, away from the waterfalls and crowds of Yosemite Valley, features a hike through a lush forest with towering Giant Sequoias.
If you want to see more of these trees, consider visiting Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in the southern part of Yosemite National Park.Our overnight Yosemite tour from San Francisco gives you more time to see these mighty giants, as well as visit other key attractions in the park
Tuolumne Grove FAQs
How many giant sequoias are there in Tuolumne Grove?
There are around two dozen mature giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove. The biggest trees can be seen at a 1-mile marker of the trail. Some of the most famous trees include the Fallen Giant and the Tunnel Tree.
How difficult is Tuolumne Grove hike?
The 2.5-mile round-trip trail to the Giant Sequoias is moderate. Keep in mind that the trail can seem easy on the way down, and that you will have to hike uphill (450 feet of elevation gain in one mile) on the way back.
What is the best time to visit Tuolumne Grove?
The best time to visit Tuolumne Grove is in mid-April through mid-November. Although the Grove is open all-year-round it can become inaccessible during the snow season — unless you plan to ski to it!
Where can I purchase snacks nearby?
You can purchase snacks and water at Crane Flat gas station located within a 0.5-mile drive towards Yosemite Valley. There is a pay phone there as well.
How long is the drive from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Grove?
It takes around 45 minutes to drive to Tuolumne Grove to Yosemite Valley. You can also reach it from other areas of the park.
Does it snow in Tuolumne Grove?
Yes, Tuolumne Grove receives significant snowfall in winter. It has become one of the best trails for snowshoers. Remember to check the road conditions before driving to the grove as some parts of the trail may be closed.
How do you pronounce Tuolumne?
The name Tuolumne has a native American origin and is pronounced as four syllables: [too·aa·luh·mee]. The name has many meanings, such as The Land of Mountain Lions, Many Stone Houses, and Straight Up Steep.