Mariposa Grove Road and associated shuttle system close for the season on or about November 30 and reopen no earlier than March 15 (but usually not until sometime in April). The Washburn Trail is always open to hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing, and is the most direct route to Mariposa Grove in winter. The trail is two miles (3.2 km) each way with 500 feet (150 m) of elevation change. The trail may be snowy and/or icy during winter. While all trails within the grove are always open, some trails within Mariposa Grove are marked for winter use (by reflectors on trees).