One of Yosemite National Park’s many natural wonders is back open, closed since January due to extensive wind damage.
As of Wednesday, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees is welcoming visitors once again, with two caveats. Be ready to walk to get there and bring your own water. "It’s a wonderful way to experience the Mariposa Grove," said Jamie Richards, ranger at Yosemite.
The majestic sequoias, hundreds of feet tall and thousands of years old, are the oldest living organisms on the planet.
So many were knocked down during winter storms, the grove shut down for several months. In total, Yosemite was hit with over $200 million in damages.
"It’s really one of the special features of Yosemite," Richards added.
With no shuttle service operating, it’s a roundtrip hike of four miles to the grove with a 500-foot elevation change, plus an additional 1.5 miles to the legendary Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
If you’re headed to Yosemite, don’t forget the park is running on a reservation system from mid-May through September.