If you are thinking of touring the West Coast, Yosemite National Park is an essential stop to make. And in it is Mariposa Grove, a place full of magic and where giant sequoias are found.
This area, Mariposa Grove, is located south of Yosemite. It is a good option if you do not plan to visit Sequoia National Park.
In this post I will tell you how to get to Mariposa Grove from San Francisco, what to see in the park and some travel tips.
Mariposa Grove is a grove of giant sequoias located next to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. This area was protected from the year 1864, when President Lincoln signed a law that reserved Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for public use, tourism and recreation.
In 1890 Yosemite National Park was declared a National Park and in 1906 Mariposa Grove was included.
MARIPOSA GROVE, IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
How to Get to Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is located in Mariposa County in California. It is near the town of Wawona and about 340km from San Francisco.
By rental car from San Francisco
To get there from San Francisco you must exit the Bay Bridge, cross Iakland and take 580 East towards Stockton. You have to go through Tracy, Modesto, Turlock and Merced. From there you take the 140 to the city of Mariposa and then the 49 to Oakhurst. Oakhurst is only 30km from Mariposa Grove, and if you need to stay in the area this is a good option. We spent the night here, to get up early and take advantage of it from the first hour. From San Francisco without traffic it will take about 4 hours.
By public transportation from San Francisco
You will have to take a train in Emerville to the city of Fresno (it is about 4.40 hours) and from Fresno there is a bus that goes to Mariposa Grove (Yarts).
From other destinations
From Los Angeles or Las Vegas, forget about taking a direct route here. There are many changes of transport or many hours by car. Better plan your route to get here eventually but not directly.
From other destinations in Yosemite National Park there are several buses in case you need it, and if you go by rental car it is easy.
What to see in Mariposa Grove
Once you arrive at Mariposa Grove from the south, the first thing you will find is the visitor center, where you must buy the ticket or show your ticket for all the national parks.