Nelder Grove – A hidden treasure in the sierra

Image by Daleberts via Flickr

When adventurers come to Yosemite and the big trees, they think Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias located near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. This is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite and well worth the visit.  But what many don’t know is that just a few miles from giants is a hidden treasure named Nelder Grove this is a secluded 1,540 acre stand of the old giants.

John Muir found John Nelder, for whom the grove is named, living as a hermit amidst the big trees when he wandered through this area  in 1875.

Nelder Grove boasting of 101 Giant Sequoias as well has evidence of others cut down by logging operations at the turn of the century. The grove is peaceful without the large crowds that frequent the Mariposa Grove. When at Nelder Grove take the 1 mile walk down the Shadow The Giants Trail an easy self-interpretive trail that features the Giant Sequoia trees. In the springtime masses of dogwoods are in bloom, replaced in the fall by glorious reds and oranges. It’s a perfect place to spend time picnicing  and getting to know these gentle giants. Another trail leads from the Nelder Grove Campground on a 1 mile loop to the Bull Buck Tree, a contender for the worlds largest Giant Sequoia.  Nelder Grove is one of the few places where you can get up-close-and-personal with these beautiful trees.

Nelder Grove Campground Information

Elevation:  5,500′

Setting In Historic Nelder Grove. California Creek nearby.

Reservations:  No reservations, first come first served.

Map Quad White Chief Mt. Quad

Road Access Paved and dirt

Total Campsites:  7
Walk-In Campsites:  None
Max. Vehicle Length:  20′
Max. Length of Stay:  14 days
Max. Group Size 6 per site
Water:  No
Restrooms:  Yes, vault
Tables:  Yes
Stoves Grills and fire rings.
Fee: None
Season of Use:  May – October

Services:  Site Manager

How to get there

Directions:  Take Hwy 41 to Sky Ranch Road (6S10), which is also Forest Road 10, travel 6.6 miles turn left on 6S47Y, go 1.2 miles to the fork in the road, continue right on 6S90 for 3/10 of a mile, turn left at Nelder Grove campground sign, travel 5/10 of a mile to campground.

Special:  Not recommended for motorhomes or large RV’s; Shadow of the Giants trail, nearby, 5/10 of mile and is a National Recreation Trail. Parking lot; restroom; Trail to the Buck Bull Tree starts near picnic area.

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