Visiting the Tallest, Oldest & Largest Trees in the World
This week we’re taking you all across the state of California to experience the incredible trees found here. The Golden State is home to the tallest, oldest, and largest trees in the world...join me today as we visit each one of these unique species.
Tall Trees Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
Tallest Trees in the World
Coastal Redwoods
Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees in the world (some redwoods standing over 380 feet high). Hyperion, the world's tallest living tree, is located in a remote section of the park and it’s illegal to visit. In fact, visitors who attempt to seek it out can face fines of $5,000 and up to six months in jail. This rule is an attempt to curb destructive tourism that has damaged the surrounding vegetation and the tree’s fragile root system...but there are so many incredible towering redwoods you can easily and legally visit in this area.
NGT (aka Nugget or Nat Geo) Tree along Tall Trees Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
My Photography Gear
I get so many questions about what equipment we use on our adventures, so below I’ve listed out our most used photo gear 😊
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Tunnel tree along Tall Trees Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
Tall Trees Grove
Tall Trees Grove Trail is one of my personal favorite spots to explore inside Redwood National Park. This 4.5 mile lollipop loop hike leads directly to several of the tallest trees in the world, including the Howard Libby, the Paul Zahl, and the Nugget (aka NGT or Nat Geo Tree), which is the 3rd tallest tree on record. Accessing this trail requires obtaining a permit in advance, which helps keeps this special grove preserved and less crowded (which I love).
For full details on hiking the Tall Trees Trail, check out my full Tall Trees Grove Trail blog post.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park
Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is another excellent example of coastal redwoods found inside Redwood National Park, and it’s unique due to the higher elevation its found at. This gentle 1.5 mile loop takes you through an old growth redwood grove along an old logging road. In 1969 President Nixon dedicated this grove to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, for all of her conservation and environmental work.
For full details on hiking the Ladybird Johnson Grove, check out my full Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail blog post.
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Big Tree Wayside
If you’re looking for a spot you can view one of these giants without any hiking Big Tree Wayside is for you. Named for the “big tree” you can walk right onto the viewing platform to see this 1,500 old redwood stand nearly 300 feet tall…and all you have to do is look up to see many more sorronding you full blog post details here
For full details on hiking the Big Tree Wayside, check out my full Big Tree Wayside blog post.
Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Stout Tree in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Stout Memorial Grove
Another beautiful spot I enjoy visiting to stroll through the old growth redwoods is Stout Memorial Grove. This one mile hike is found along the edge of the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Here you’ll walk through a densely packed grove of old growth redwoods where the Stout Tree is a highlight, standing over 340 feet tall.
For full details on hiking the Stout Grove Trail, check out my full Stout Grove blog post.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree in the Schulman Grove
Oldest Trees in the World
Ancient Bristlecone Pines
California’s Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home Bristlecone Pines (Pinus longaeva), which hold the remarkable record of being the oldest non-clonal living species on the planets, the oldest of which are the Methuselah Tree and the Patriarch Tree. Some of these living trees are 4000 years old and still growing!
Methuselah Loop Trail in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Schulman Grove
My favorite hike here is the 4.5 mile Methuselah Trail Loop, where you can look for the world’s oldest living trees, as well as some that are no longer living, but have been here for nearly 10,000 years. Schulman Grove is also home to the 3.5 mile Bristlecone Cabin Trail that passes old abandoned mine buildings made from the Bristlecone Pine wood. For a quick and easy hike, the one mile Discovery Trail will take you on an easy walk around a few of these ancient bristlecone giants.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Patriarch Grove
If you’re game for a bit of a bumpy ride, then drive (in a solid 4-wheel drive vehicle) up 13 miles past the visitor center to Patriarch Grove for two short scenic trails (each under one mile). Here you’ll find the world’s largest bristlecone pine tree. While these hikes are easy, it’s important to remember you’ll be hiking at well over 11,000 feet, so stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
For full details on visiting the Bristlecone Pines, check out my full Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest blog post.
General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
Largest Trees in the World
Giant Sequoias
Giant Sequoias are the most massive trees on earth, and no where else on earth will you find them in such incredible size or numbers than in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are multiple groves throughout this mountain range found in and around Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.
General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
Looping around the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
General Sherman Tree
Sequoia National Park is home to the largest tree on earth. Grandly standing at the north end of the Giant Forest, the General Sherman Tree towers 275 feet tall and is over 36 feet in diameter at its base. A paved one mile trail leads directly to the main viewing area, which is one of the most popular spots in the park.
For more information on visiting the General Sherman Tree, check out my full General Sherman Tree blog post.
The House Group of giant sequoias along the Congress Trail
The President Tree along the Congress Trail in the Giant Forest
Congress Trail
For far less crowded views of impressive giants sequoias, my favorite hike inside this National Park starts just a few yards away from General Sherman. The Congress Trail hike covers just over 3 miles with nearly 500 feet in elevation change. The paved lollipop loop is often considered one of the most impressive trails in all of Sequoia National Park. Highlights include the President Tree (the 3rd largest sequoia in the world), as well as the Senate and House Groups.
For more information on hiking the Congress Trail, check out my full Congress Trail blog post.
Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park
Big Trees Trail in the Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest
Big Trees Trail
Also located in the Giant Forest, the nearby Big Trees Trail is another great option to experience these giants. This gentle trail loops around Round Meadow in less than 1 mile and is easily accessed near the Giant Forest Museum.
For more information on hiking the Big Trees Trail, check out my full Big Trees Trail blog post.
The Proclamation Tree along the Traill of 100 Giants
Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
Trail of 100 Giants
The Trail of 100 Giants is located inside Sequoia National Forest, which covers over 1 million acres across three California counties. This easy, family friendly 1.3 mile hike offers several routes, and the entire length is wheelchair accessible. There are many highlights on this trail, starting right from the beginning with the Proclamation Tree. This is 2000 year old 245 foot tall giant sequoia is where President Clinton stood and signed the proclamation establishing the Sequoia National Monument.
Fore more information on hiking the Trail of 100 Giants, check out my full Trail of 100 Giants blog post.
General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park’s Grant Grove
The Gamlin Cabin in General Grant Grove of Kings Canyon National Park
General Grant Grove
General Grant Grove is a 1/3 of a mile paved loop located just 1 mile northwest of the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Showcasing nearly 2 dozen mature sequoias in 154 acres, this is a perfect trail for anyone (especially families with small children or those with limited mobility) to see some of the largest trees in the park up close without the challenge of a hike. Named to honor Ulysses S. Grant. this General Grant Tree holds many other honors, including being dubbed our “Nation’s Christmas Tree”, as well as being the second largest tree in the world. Standing at 267 feet tall, it has the largest footprint of any living giant sequoia, measuring at 107 ft in circumference at the base.
For more information on visiting General Grant Grove, check out my full General Grant Grove blog post.
General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park
Know Before You Go
• Make sure to check weather and road conditions prior to visiting any of the locations listed above. Several of these spots are found at very high elevations where weather can be extreme and unforgiving.
• Please help in preserving these magnificent trees by practicing the Leave No Trace Principles so the natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Due to the remote locations of several of these locations, cell coverage can be very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here unless you are connected via GPS.
Top 10 Places to See Trees in California
Mariposa Grove (Yosemite National Park)
The Senate Group of giant sequoias along the Congress Trail
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining this week to explore California’s incredible trees. For a virtual visit of each of the spots listed above, see my Behind the Blog video found at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure encouragement where you go!
Paul Zahl Tree in the Tall Trees Grove of Redwood National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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