How to Spend Your Extra Day
If you’re visiting Yosemite National Park and have an extra day to explore, you might be wondering: Is it worth visiting Mariposa Grove, or would your time be better spent making the trip to Sequoia National Park?
Both destinations offer a chance to see giant sequoias, but they provide very different experiences. not just in terms of the trees but also in terms of crowds, accessibility, and what kind of trip you’re looking for.
Mariposa Grove: Yosemite’s Sequoia Forest
Located near Yosemite’s southern entrance, Mariposa Grove is home to around 500 mature giant sequoias, spread across various trails. Notable trees include:
• Grizzly Giant – One of the most famous and oldest trees in the grove.
• California Tunnel Tree – A living sequoia with a tunnel carved through it.
• Fallen Monarch – A massive downed tree that lets you see the sequoia’s intricate root system up close.
• Grizzly Giant – One of the most famous and oldest trees in the grove.
• California Tunnel Tree – A living sequoia with a tunnel carved through it.
• Fallen Monarch – A massive downed tree that lets you see the sequoia’s intricate root system up close.
Because the grove is part of Yosemite, it can get quite busy, especially during peak season. The experience here is hiking-focused, meaning you’ll need to walk moderate to long distances to fully appreciate the trees. If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic walk among sequoias, it’s a great option but if you want a singular, awe-inspiring moment with the world’s biggest sequoias, you might find it lacking.
Sequoia National Park: Home of the GIANTS!
About 2.5 hours south of Yosemite, Sequoia National Park is where you’ll find the biggest and most famous sequoias in the world. Key highlights include:
• General Sherman Tree – The largest tree on Earth by volume, an awe-inspiring sight.
• Moro Rock – A steep climb leading to panoramic Sierra Nevada views.
• Tunnel Log – A fallen sequoia you can drive through, making for a unique experience.
• Giant Forest – A dense collection of the world’s largest trees, perfect for an immersive sequoia experience.
• General Sherman Tree – The largest tree on Earth by volume, an awe-inspiring sight.
• Moro Rock – A steep climb leading to panoramic Sierra Nevada views.
• Tunnel Log – A fallen sequoia you can drive through, making for a unique experience.
• Giant Forest – A dense collection of the world’s largest trees, perfect for an immersive sequoia experience.
Unlike Mariposa Grove, Sequoia National Park delivers a high-impact, “WOW” moment right away. You don’t need to hike long distances to see its famous trees, making it ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their time.
Where Should You Spend Your Extra Day?
If you’re already in Yosemite and want a convenient option without extra driving, Mariposa Grove is the easier choice. However, if you’re willing to take a bit more time on the road, Sequoia National Park offers a more unforgettable experience especially if you prefer a quieter, less crowded visit outside peak season.
Who should consider Mariposa Grove?
✔️ Travelers who prefer hiking and a more immersive forest experience.
✔️ Those who want to stay within Yosemite without adding extra travel time.
✔️ If you are content with a quieter, smaller-scale outing amidst the sequoias, Mariposa Grove will do just fine.
✔️ Travelers who prefer hiking and a more immersive forest experience.
✔️ Those who want to stay within Yosemite without adding extra travel time.
✔️ If you are content with a quieter, smaller-scale outing amidst the sequoias, Mariposa Grove will do just fine.
Who should consider Sequoia National Park?
✔️ Travelers who want to see the world’s biggest and most famous sequoias without long hikes.
✔️ The solo adventurer or young couple on a budget, there's plenty of affordable lodging just outside the park- it's a little extra travel time but well worth the savings especially outside of peak season (May-July).
✔️ The Group or Family Adventurer looking for a memorable family trip or a social getaway with friends, the park offers more affordable stay options 40 minutes from the park especially outside of peak season (May-July).
✔️ Travelers who want to see the world’s biggest and most famous sequoias without long hikes.
✔️ The solo adventurer or young couple on a budget, there's plenty of affordable lodging just outside the park- it's a little extra travel time but well worth the savings especially outside of peak season (May-July).
✔️ The Group or Family Adventurer looking for a memorable family trip or a social getaway with friends, the park offers more affordable stay options 40 minutes from the park especially outside of peak season (May-July).
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing between Mariposa Grove and Sequoia National Park depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want the biggest and most iconic sequoias, Sequoia National Park is unmatched. If you’re already in Yosemite and just want a smaller, more casual sequoia experience, Mariposa Grove might be enough.
As always, do your own research! These are just our opinions based on multiple visits to both parks and our experience living locally to the Sequoia National Park area. Every traveler is different, so the best choice is the one that fits your trip style, budget, and adventure goals. Happy exploring!
Big Trees, Big Adventures- Find the Perfect Stay Near the Parks.
No matter which park you choose, having the right place to stay can make all the difference. Our Venice Cove Farmhouse is just 3.5-4 hours from Yosemite and just 40 minutes from Sequoia National Park, right at the base of the foothills, far enough to offer more budget-friendly stays and reliable amenities, yet close enough to skip city traffic and enjoy a smooth drive straight into the park. For solo travelers and couples looking for a peaceful retreat, our Enchanted Cottage offers a cozy, nature-immersed stay just outside the parks. If you’re traveling as a group (2–12 guests) and want a more spacious, social experience, our Venice Cove Farmhouse provides the perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and charm especially outside peak season when the parks are quieter.
Wherever your adventure takes you, we’d love to host you!