Day Hikes in Crane Flat and White Wolf

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

 

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Hike to Giant Sequoias

The Tuolumne Grove and the Merced Grove are two small, quiet groves of giant sequoias.
Both located near Crane Flat, about 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. Parking at each trailhead is very limited. Both groves can be visited year-round. In winter, skis or snowshoes may be necessary.

Tuolumne Grove & Nature Trail

Time 1–2 hours
Distance 2.5 mi (4 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 500 ft (150 m) on return
Starting point Tuolumne Grove Trailhead
Hike down a historic wagon road to this small grove of giant sequoias. The descent is steep—you’ll have to hike back up the same way. In the grove, enjoy a self-guided tour on the half-mile nature trail.

Merced Grove

Time 1–3 hours
Distance 3 mi (4.8 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 520 ft (160 m) on return
Starting point Merced Grove Trailhead
Follow an old road down to Yosemite’s smallest grove of giant sequoias. About half a mile from the trailhead, keep left at the junction. Hike down one more mile to reach the grove.

 

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All trailheads below are located on Tioga Road and can only be accessed when the road is open. Tioga Road is typically open from May/June to November, depending on conditions. Check historical road opening dates, or find the current road status.

In spring, trails may still be snowy or wet.

Services in this area of the park are extremely limited; pack all the water and food you need for your hike.

Short & Half-Day Hikes

May Lake

Time 1–2 hours
Distance 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 485 ft (150 m)
Starting point May Lake parking area
From Tioga Road, turn onto May Lake Road. Drive 1.75 miles to the parking area. A short trail climbs through forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Enjoy views of Half Dome on the way.

Tioga Road to Lukens Lake

Time 1–2 hours
Distance 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 200 ft (60 m)
Starting point Lukens Trailhead
The trail winds through forest, over a saddle, and down to a small lake surrounded by a meadow. Wildflowers abound in early summer. The trail is wet and muddy until early August.

White Wolf to Lukens Lake

Time 2–3 hours
Distance 4.6 mi (7.5 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 400 ft (120 m)
Starting point White Wolf (across from the lodge.)
Follow the trail through forest to a small lake surrounded by a meadow. Wildflowers abound in early summer. The trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River and can be wet and muddy.

Harden Lake

Time 2–4 hours
Distance 5.8 mi (9.3 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 390 ft (120 m) on return
Starting point White Wolf (across from the lodge)
Park across from White Wolf Lodge and walk north along the road to the trailhead. The trail follows the Middle Tuolumne River. At a trail junction 1.75 miles down the road, follow the signs to the lake.
Optional: continue past the lake and descend steeply to the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. To return, follow signs for Lukens Lake and White Wolf. This loop is very challenging, with 1,000 feet (300 meters) of elev. gain.

 

Full-Day Hikes

North Dome

Time 5–7 hours
Distance 10.4 mi (16.7 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 580 ft (180 m) on return
Starting point Porcupine Creek Trailhead
Follow the paved trail for less than a mile, then cross Porcupine Creek. At each trail junction, follow signs for North Dome. Hike through forest and meadow, then descend steep steps to the base of the dome. Climb to the dome’s summit for views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

Ten Lakes

Time 7–9 hours
Distance 12.6 mi (20.3 km) round-trip
Elevation gain 2,200 ft (671 m)
Starting point Ten Lakes Trailhead
Follow this trail through conifers and across granite to cross a tributary of Yosemite Creek. Continue on the trail to Ten Lakes Pass, then descend into the Ten Lakes Basin. Grant Lakes is at the end of a 1-mile (1.6-km) side trail from the pass.