One of the coolest things about being in the travel industry with etraveldealer.com, is that I get to write off my leisure travel. The other coolest thing is I get to see things that most people will never see… Like Mariposa Grove.
Nestled at the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park is a site like few have ever seen. Upon entering Mariposa Grove, one is struck by the fact that a few things tend to stand out. Amid the average everyday “normal” sized tree, exist some of the largest trees on planet earth!
Christina and I standing in front of a Giant Sequoia! Thanks... to some random German tourists for the picture!
The Giant Sequoias of Mariposa Grove are truly impressive! My friend Christina and I arrived at the perfect time of day to experience these beautiful living relics of the past. With hot chocolate and coffee in hand, we set out to explore Mariposa Grove a couple hours before sunset. This area of Yosemite is much like other areas in terms of the ease in which one can get around. Mariposa Grove has several groomed hiking trails that meander through the Giant Sequoias.
While exploring the trails, we encountered fallen sequoias which had been uprooted by the elements as well as burned sequoias which had been so badly damaged that they were cut. Standing on the stumps or standing beside a fallen sequoia one gains a new found appreciation for the sheer size. Some of the fallen trees have sections taken from them which are preserved with lacquer and identified with plaques and visual information. Fun for the analyst and history buff in your family.
Standing in front of a Giant Sequoia tree... Impressive; to say the least!
About halfway through the grove one encounters the oldest Giant Sequoia in the grove. It’s name: The Grizzly Giant. The Grizzly Giant is nearly 2000 years old! As we approached this tree, we were struck with a sense of reverence. This tree has survived for 2000 years in a forest where fires occur every 5 – 15 years! The base of the Grizzly Giant is 92 feet in diameter! It stands 210 feet tall with the top of the tree having been snapped off probably due to weather. Even still, the structure of the tree is so large that the limbs are the size of a “normal” tree! Truly one of the best visuals I have ever had the opportunity to see, we stood in awe as the sun set through the trees.
Standing in front of the root system of a fallen Sequoia!
Get to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove. Stay at Mammoth and drive in through the west entrance. This will give you the opportunity to see the entire park. Book your trip now at etraveldealer.com.
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