Mariposa Grove vs Sequoia National Park

Question

We will be spending 2 days in Yosemite and 2 days in Sequoia mid-May this Spring. My question is... Would I spend my time better doing more hikes around Yosemite Valley and not taking a half day to go down to Mariposa Grove, since I will be going to Sequoia the following two days. I assume the Mariposa trees are basically the same as I will see in Sequoia. So maybe my time would be better spent doing additional hikes in Yosemite Valley. and save the large trees for Sequoia National Park. I am also aware that Mariposa may not be open by May 15th, our date there. First trip to both parks, so any advice is much appreciated.

Answer

Given your plan to spend 2 days in Yosemite and 2 days in Sequoia, it’s worth considering how to best allocate your time to enjoy both parks without feeling rushed. Mariposa Grove is Yosemite’s main giant sequoia area, but since you’ll be visiting Sequoia National Park—which is famous for its massive, iconic trees—you may not need to dedicate a half-day to Mariposa Grove unless seeing the Yosemite sequoias is a priority for you.

Here are some points to consider:

Sequoia National Park offers larger and more numerous giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world by volume. If your main goal is to experience the awe of these massive trees, Sequoia will more than satisfy that interest.
Mariposa Grove in Yosemite is beautiful but smaller in scale and fewer in number compared to the trees in Sequoia. If your time is limited, using that half-day for hikes in Yosemite Valley will allow you to experience iconic spots such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome viewpoints, and Glacier Point.
Accessibility: By mid-May, Mariposa Grove is usually open, but depending on snowfall and park maintenance, there could still be some road or trail closures. Yosemite Valley trails are generally fully accessible in May, making hiking easier and more predictable.

Suggested approach:

Spend your 2 Yosemite days focusing on the Valley hikes and viewpoints. Some highly recommended hikes include:

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (easy, iconic waterfall view)
Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail (moderate to strenuous, waterfall views)
Glacier Point for panoramic vistas (short walk from parking)
Mirror Lake (easy, flat trail with reflections of Half Dome)

Save the giant tree experience for Sequoia National Park, where you’ll see the largest and most impressive sequoias in the world, including the General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail.
If you have extra time and really want a taste of Yosemite’s sequoias, a quick drive to Mariposa Grove and a short stroll to the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree could suffice without dedicating a full half-day.

Overall, prioritizing Yosemite Valley hikes will maximize your time experiencing the iconic scenery of Yosemite, and then you can fully enjoy the giant trees at Sequoia without feeling rushed. This plan balances both parks efficiently, giving you a first-time visitor experience of each park’s unique highlights.

Mariposa Grove vs Sequoia National Park

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