What is the most popular tree in Yosemite?

The Grizzly Giant: 4 Must-Know Facts About Yosemite's Most Famous Tree
  • The Grizzly Giant in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia is a must-see during your Yosemite visit.
  • The Grizzly Giant is so massive, it can be hard to get the whole tree in one photo.




The most "popular" and iconic trees in Yosemite National Park are the Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). While there are many species in the park, the Giant Sequoias draw the most visitors, specifically to the Mariposa Grove, which is home to more than 500 mature specimens. The most famous individual tree is likely the Grizzly Giant, estimated to be nearly 3,000 years old and standing as one of the largest trees in the world. Another fan favorite is the California Tunnel Tree, which guests can still walk through today. It is important not to confuse these with the Coastal Redwoods found on the California coast; Giant Sequoias are stouter and grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Beyond the sequoias, the Sugar Pine is also notable for producing the longest cones of any conifer, often reaching 10–20 inches in length, which are a frequent subject of fascination for hikers along the park's many trails.

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The bark of young Ponderosas is typically brown, but more yellow on mature trees, and is arranged in massive, flaking plates resembling camouflage, or puzzle pieces. These are the arguably most dominant tree species in Yosemite Valley between altitudes of 3,500 to 5,500 feet.

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Half Dome is THE iconic landmark of Yosemite that all first-timers need to see. There are many ways to experience it with views from many points towards the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, such as Sentinel Bridge (with accompanying reflections provided by the Merced River), and the Ahwahnee Meadow and Stoneman Meadows.

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If you're looking for massive cascades that leave you speechless, Yosemite wins the prize. If you're not too fussed about height but you still want to enjoy the serenity of the water (with the added bonus of being able to see falls no matter what time you visit), go with Yellowstone.

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The giant sequoia named Grizzly Giant is between probably 1900–2400 years old: the oldest tree in the grove. It has a volume of 34,010 cubic feet (963 m3), and is counted as the 25th largest tree in the world.

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The Grizzly Giant is the oldest sequoia in the Mariposa Grove, the largest giant sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park, with several hundred mature specimens. At one time, the Grizzly Giant was considered the oldest and largest tree in the world, aged between 2,000 and 3,000 years.

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Natural lightscapes, including dark night skies, are a scenic resource integral to many people's Yosemite experience.

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Viruses aren't common in Yosemite's waters, but we recommend that you treat water to kill them.

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Fires in Sequoia national park and the surrounding national forest that also bears the trees' name tore through more than a third of groves in California and torched an estimated 2,261 to 3,637 sequoias. Fires in the same area last year killed an unprecedented 7,500 to 10,400 of the 75,000 trees.

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Massive, ancient giant sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite National Park. The most easily accessible of these (spring through fall) is the Mariposa Grove near the park's South Entrance, off of the Wawona Road (Highway 41). Two smaller—and less visited—groves are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves near Crane Flat.

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