Merced Grove
Merced Grove
4.5
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4.5
112 reviews
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SanDiegoParent
San Diego, CA24 contributions
May 2017 • Family
I wanted to write a review because I spent a lot of time researching some sequoia alternatives since Mariposa Grove is closed during our Yosemite trip (May 2017). My concern was a 74yr old parent with history of a heart attack history and two small children (2 and 4). And three more (not fit but active) adults. Could we do this hike together? Different reviews said okay for families, others said it was strenuous. Yes, you can do this hike. Everyone had a great time. The walk down was no problem, and coming back up yes it was a workout but not bad. We took our time. There were two large fallen trees blocking the path at different points and the parents had to sit on each and swing their legs over to the other side with some help. The rest of us just climbed over. My husband carried the 2yr old in a hiking backpack so she was an extra 30lbs for him! The 4yr old was definitely slow on the way up and but he sipped his water and threw rocks and hit things with his stick and did fine. He was starting to run out of gas but when we hit the last final stretch he found his second wind and ran ahead. We passed a 5yr old coming up and he was crying because he was tired though. The path starts out flat for about 15min and when you reach the sign, follow the arrow Left to Merced Grove and then the downhill happens. You will reach a grove of a few trees, take photos, then walk about 2min more and hit the next bunch. This is the end of the trees. You will know that you are at the end because there is one gnarly knotted tree. Around the corner from there is the old cabin and that is the end of the trail. The whole hike took us about 2hrs15min. I went through two water bottles myself and had more water for the kids of course. Enjoy and hope this is helpful!
Written June 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chromom
State College, PA59 contributions
May 2016 • Family
My adult sons, my husband and I visited the Merced Grove in mid-May 2016. It is a smaller park, with limited parking, but does not have as much public traffic as the nearby Tuolumne Grove. Our familiy visited both groves in the same day, but preferred this park due to fewer people. It was a warm day around 80F and the fragrance of the trees was magnificent. The size of the trees on the lower end of the trail are truly awe inspiring. Both groves require a walk down a hill to access the groves. Take water and a snack bar to make sure you have energy for the walk back up! Well worth the time and hike to visit!
There is a short walk down the hill and
There is a short walk down the hill and
Written November 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrscatalano
Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland287 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
The sequoia trees were beautiful though we expected them to be even bigger. You cannot get too close to tree as this endangers the roots and the seedlings being planted near them.
The road is wide and smooth and the elevation is not too hard especially compared to other trails in Yosemite.
We did however notice more frequent signs where near had been killed on the road due to speeding which made is think there would be more bears and maybe because this trail is less busy than the others. We did indeed have a bear come within 5 meters to us, on the upper side of the trail. We started clapping and shouting as we hurried past and it did turn and walk back uphill .. We had snacks in our bags which are probably best avoided on this trail as bears can smell from far even when wrapped or sealed.
The road is wide and smooth and the elevation is not too hard especially compared to other trails in Yosemite.
We did however notice more frequent signs where near had been killed on the road due to speeding which made is think there would be more bears and maybe because this trail is less busy than the others. We did indeed have a bear come within 5 meters to us, on the upper side of the trail. We started clapping and shouting as we hurried past and it did turn and walk back uphill .. We had snacks in our bags which are probably best avoided on this trail as bears can smell from far even when wrapped or sealed.
Written July 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bethanynd
Savannah, GA363 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We hiked Merced Grove on Saturday morning. The (only) parking lot was full but we found a parallel spot on the road. There is 1 bathroom (pit toilet) at the trailhead. We hiked to both groups of trees and the abandoned cabin and our first thought was “This is it?”. Total time was about 1.5 hrs and it was just not that memorable. There are better groves and parks to see the big trees. The trail is wide, mostly shaded and the majority is uphill on your return.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharleySays
Atascadero, CA2,447 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
The Merced grove is at the end of what is for many way to long a walk. When you tie the length of the walk with the lay of the land it will be rated as strenuous for many. It is down hill to the trees, then a long (it is always longer uphill of course) walk up hill to the parking. For those who have not seen the giants up close it is a worthy challenge. Take water, snacks and pace yourself on this walk. It is worth it and is necessary for some travellers as the other grove has been closed for some time due to road updates.
So enjoy the walk and take it easy
So enjoy the walk and take it easy
Written December 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LNE44
Goodyear, Arizona167 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
You will not be disappointed. There are nice trails with a lovely walk thru the woods. There are a number of huge beautiful trees to visit. This was a great way to spend a morning.
Written September 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cougski
Seattle, WA148 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Very enjoyable hike. This grove was more beautiful then the Toullomme grove and the hike was much less crowded. We ran into a Ranger on the hike and she gave the history and background of this former road into the park.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan S
Maryland35 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Merced Grove offered a nice view of sequoia trees. It was a relatively easy hike about 3 miles round trip to the trees and back. Would recommend to someone if they haven't seen sequoias before and cannot make it to Mariposa (at the time of this review, Mariposa grove is closed).
Written August 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Del678
Brisbane, Australia210 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
It was a nice way to fill a spare morning. The walk down was easy enough. The walk back up makes you puff but we didn't need to stop (we're not hikers, "walk the dog" level of fitness). Do take water. Not loads of parking.
The trees are lovely as always. Without sounding like a hippy, I really love leaning against big trees and feeling just how big, strong and amazing nature can be.
I will say though they are not as big and spectacular as the trees I have seen further north in Washington/Oregon. Some gentlemen we passed on the way back asked "are these the big trees?" pointing to the sequoias, which tells me it's not just me. They are big a beautiful but are not spectacular enough to know they are special immediately.
There are about 5 big trees in the first little clearing, then maybe another 4 or 5 spread further along the path amongst other trees. The word "grove" is a little generous IMO.
If you've done a lot of walking in the days prior around Yosemite, are a little tired and have seen big trees elsewhere, you make feel the drive, and hike down and up the hill isn't really worth it. If you're an avid hiker and naturist, you're stopping on the way somewhere else, or you've never seen big trees before, it would be worth it for you.
The drive there from El Portal was really lovely with some great pull-out spots for photos. Very scenic.
The trees are lovely as always. Without sounding like a hippy, I really love leaning against big trees and feeling just how big, strong and amazing nature can be.
I will say though they are not as big and spectacular as the trees I have seen further north in Washington/Oregon. Some gentlemen we passed on the way back asked "are these the big trees?" pointing to the sequoias, which tells me it's not just me. They are big a beautiful but are not spectacular enough to know they are special immediately.
There are about 5 big trees in the first little clearing, then maybe another 4 or 5 spread further along the path amongst other trees. The word "grove" is a little generous IMO.
If you've done a lot of walking in the days prior around Yosemite, are a little tired and have seen big trees elsewhere, you make feel the drive, and hike down and up the hill isn't really worth it. If you're an avid hiker and naturist, you're stopping on the way somewhere else, or you've never seen big trees before, it would be worth it for you.
The drive there from El Portal was really lovely with some great pull-out spots for photos. Very scenic.
Written November 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patm2020
Redding, CT25 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
This grove is a bit more intimate than Tuolumne Grove (also worth a visit). It's quieter and less trafficked, at least in April when we were there. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in and see these trees. I think we counted 31 trees in all. Keep going on the trail past the first grove and you will see many more.
Written May 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thinking about going to Yosemite N.P in early April is there a lot to see or is most of the park closed.
Written February 17, 2017
Yosemite is always open. Merced Grove is accessible from Big Oak Flat Road.
Hopefully other folks with questions post on the Yosemite NP forum page where topics get immediate replies.
Written July 22, 2018
If Tioga Rd is closed, is Merced Grove accessible? Planning an early April trip to Yosemite. Really want to see sequoias. Are there any other areas to see the trees besides Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa?
Written January 15, 2016
Yes. The teeny tiny parking lot for Merced Grove is alongside the road. Tuolumne Grove is a bit larger.
The NPS page about Giant Sequoias has other options that are outside the Park. There is also an article in the Top Questions on the Yosemite NP forum page.
Note that questions posted on the TripAdvisor Yosemite forum will be answered the same day that they are asked. This Q&A feature is seldom viewed by anyone.
Written February 6, 2016
JCB9999
Los Angeles, California
1- Is there water in the housekeeping tent site, or where is the water?
2- Where is the electrical outlet?
Written August 6, 2015
Please ask on the TripAdvisor forum page for Yosemite or ask lodging folks at DNC (or whoever is running lodging.) This is the page for Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Note that questions posted on the TripAdvisor Yosemite forum will be answered the same day that they are asked. This Q&A feature is seldom viewed by anyone.
Written February 6, 2016
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