Attain deep-forest tranquility on this leisurely amble to Yosemite's Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias, home to some of the largest living organisms on earth.

East of the towering crags and pointy spires of the Clarke and Cathedral Ranges, Yosemite unfolds into a peaceful landscape blanketed by sprawling forest and breeze-kissed meadows. On this predominantly downhill 5.8-miler, meander through a hallway of trees en route to the legendary Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias before rolling to the idyllic Hodgdon Meadow. Best completed as a shuttle hike, this route connects the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead with the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. Parking lots are available at each trailhead. To make the trip using one car, park at the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead and make the 2.2-mile out-and-back to the sequoia grove.

Begin by padding through an old-growth forest of Douglas firs, sugar pines, incense cedar, and white firs. With North Crane Creek weaving through the woods to your left, wander downhill at a gentle grade until reaching the grove's southern terminus at mile 1. Marked by an interpretive panel, the grove's southernmost sequoia soars unmistakably to the left of the trail. Follow signs to the oft-photographed Tunnel Tree, which was bored through in the early 20th century so that tourists could pass through on stagecoach.

Continue heading north to visit the grove's 20-some sequoias. After crossing North Crane Creek and Hazel Green Creek, the mildly graded trail approaches Hodgdon Meadow. Bordered by evergreens and dotted with wind-teased grasses and pockets of wildflowers, the small but open-skied Hodgdon provides a welcome respite from the cool woods. Hike along the meadow's eastern edge to reach your car at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. Make the 8.8-mile return trip to the Tuolumne Grove trailhead by driving south on Big Oak Flat Road.

CLDISTANCE: 5.8 miles

TIME REQUIRED: 1 day

DIFFICULTY: Easy

CONTACT: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-020; nps.gov/yose

THE PAYOFF: Relaxing stroll among towering trees and soft meadows.

TRAILHEAD GPS: 37.758317, -119.805833

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD: From Groveland, follow CA 120 E for 33.5 miles. Turn left as CA 120 becomes Tioga Pass Road. In 0.5 mile, parking and trailhead are on the left side of the road. [Recast with first W&D point below to start with shuttle-car drop at Big Oak Flat Entrance Station?

WAYPOINTS & DIRECTIONS

GPS: 37.758317, -119.805833 Leave a car in the lot at the Tuolomne Grove Trailhead and head north to get started.

GPS: 37.767683, -119.805667 Break into Tuolumne Grove, whose southern edge is marked by the massive Tunnel Tree.

GPS: 37.768583, -119.805700 Cross through the legendary Tunnel Tree. After exploring the grove, push on to Hodgdon Meadow (4.1 miles north), or turn around to return to the Tuolumne Grove trailhead.

GPS: 37.795500, -119.856900 Go right at the Y junction, as the trail begins to trace the eastern edge of idyllic Hodgdon Meadow.

GPS: 37.798083, -119.862100 Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and Visitor Center marks this route's northern terminus. Pick up your car here and drive south on CA 120/Big Oak Flat Road to return to the trailhead.