If you’re craving a hike that feels both humbling and magical, surrounded by the ancient giants of Yosemite, let me take you with me—and my friends Gina and Victor—on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail through Mariposa Grove.
For anyone new to Yosemite or wanting to get the most out of the park, I’ve put together some tips and insights that make all the difference—check out my Yosemite First-Timer Guide if that sounds like you.
Gina and Victor are an adventurous couple who met while working seasonal jobs in Yosemite. We all became fast friends when I started working in the park, bonding over our shared love of exploring the outdoors. When they mentioned they still hadn’t hiked the famous Mariposa Grove, I knew we had to go chase that iconic photo op among the towering sequoia trees.
This 2-mile Grizzly Giant loop winds through a peaceful meadow before entering one of the finest groves of giant sequoia trees in the world. From the moment we stepped onto the dirt path, Gina and Victor felt the quiet power of these ancient trees—living, breathing witnesses to thousands of years of wild, free existence.
Shortly through the loop, we came upon one of the most striking sights – the fallen Monarch tree. This giant sequoia, known as the Monarch, was one of the largest trees in the Mariposa Grove until its collapse in 1977. Though its exact age is unknown, the massive fallen trunk is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. At over 25 feet in diameter, this downed sequoia emphasized the staggering scale and longevity of the ancient trees towering above us. Gina, Victor, and I spent some time admiring and posing beside the Monarch’s wide trunk and gnarled roots.
Soon we came face-to-face with the iconic Grizzly Giant itself. At over 200 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter, this giant sequoia is one of the oldest and largest in the grove, estimated at 1,900-2,400 years old. Gina & Victor took turns posing for photos in front of the incredible tree, trying to capture a sense of its sheer scale.
From there, the loop meanders past other famous sequoias like the California Tunnel Tree, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree. Gina and Victor hammed it up for silly couple’s photos along the way, providing my camera with willing models to highlight the magnificence of these ancient arboreal wonders.
The entire flat, paved loop was easy for us to stop frequently and simply admire the incredible scale, gorgeous reddish bark, and twisted branches. Informative signs taught us about the significance and history of the giant sequoia trees. This trail is perfect for adventurers of all ages & abilities.
We spent hours wandering the Grizzly Gian around Mariposa Grove, laughing together and soaking in the natural beauty. It was the perfect adventure to capture photos celebrating Gina and Victor’s adventurous spirits.
The newly renovated Mariposa Grove reopened in 2018 with improved visitor facilities, making it easier than ever to access this iconic piece of Yosemite. If you’ve never seen a sequoia in real life, add this to your list—it’s a humbling experience you’ll never forget.
Getting pictures done by Kat was so fun and they turned out better than I ever could’ve imagined! I highly recommend her for your next photoshoot! Very professional and great at posing us for the best angle/photo.
-Gina
If you’re dreaming of photos that feel like this—wild, playful, deeply connected—I’d love to be part of your Yosemite adventure.
Whether it’s a couples session, anniversary, proposal, elopement, or family shoot, I’m here for all your photography needs. I’m not just a photographer—I’m your guide, your cheerleader, and someone who’s lived and breathed Yosemite from the inside. I know the hidden pockets, the quiet overlooks, and the best light this park has to offer.
Let’s start planning your Yosemite experience together.
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