We arrived at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza about 3 PM on Wednesday with intention of taking a quick look around and going back to the hotel.
But it quickly dawned on us we had enough sunlight left to do a little exploration of the Sequoias in the area.
All trails start at this point.
Just a few steps up the path.
Here is the diagram of the trails. We planned to do the complete Grizzly Giant Trail loop. Spoiler alert: it had taken so much time and energy to get to the Grizzly Giant that we turned around and followed our steps back - we did not do the complete loop.
One of the first things we came upon was this fallen giant. Note the dirt still embedded in the roots - we surmised that this one fell not too long ago.
Another fallen giant that no longer had dirt embedded in the roots. The plaque stated that no one knows when this one fell but it was discovered by the native tribes centuries ago.
The bark and sapwood has decayed by the heartwood is fortified with tannins that protect the tree and will probably keep the tree from completely decomposing for several more centuries.
We continued along the path. Here is a photo of my wife.
Over the river and through the woods...
Grizzly GiantOur first glimpse of the Grizzly Giant tree.
It is about 209 feet tall, 28 feet in diameter, and 96 feet circumference at its base.
It is about 2,500 to 3,000 years old and still living. The scar on the trunk is from past fires - historically fires have swept the forest every 20 or so - except after 1850 when man began protecting the grove from fires.
With the lack of fires, it was noticed that fewer new sequoias were germinating and other trees began to dominate the grove. Prescribed burns were started again in 1970 to return balance to the forest.
Here I am at the foot of the Grizzly Giant. 6 feet versus 210 feet.
My wife and I.
Another tree visitor.
About halfway up a large 7 foot diameter branch appears and turns skyward.
This is because the Grizzly Giant, like may older sequoias, has a damaged top from fire or lightning.
It is just a gorgeous tree.
A closeup of the top half.
And a photo of its nearest neighbor.
OK, time to hike back to the trailhead!
Somewhere along the path back.
More majestic sequoias.
Bachelor and Three GracesWe came across something we hadn't noticed on the walk in. Four trees named the Bachelor and Three Graces.
These trees have grown so close together that their roots are very intertwined - if one falls they likely all will fall.
A better view of their base.
Our last view of the Bachelor and Three Graces before moving on.
Continuing on our journey out...
...just some average glimpses of the scenery.
I was amazed to find what appears to be something similar to Horsetail Reed Bamboo in the forest!
I have some in my back yard that we planted intentionally. Is this native to California?
Another shot on the walk back. I didn't want to leave the impression that the entire walk was picturesque. There are spot where nature is rebuilding naturally.
This is the point where the bus drops off hikers at the trailhead. Note at the back by the sun the trees appear to be dying.
My first thought that perhaps they were damaged by the buses that regular run by them - either from exhaust or weight. But there are areas of damage like this through out the forest so I'm not sure if the buses caused this or not.
Back at the Mariposa Welcome Center, they have a cross section of a fallen tree.
Amazing to think back on all this tree lived through.
