Congress Trail - Sequoia National Park
This week we’re visiting California’s oldest national park, and we’re heading out to find the oldest and largest sequoias in the world. Join me along the Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 3 miles
• Elevation Change: 500 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park
Location
Congress Trail is located in the park’s Giant Forest, and as the name suggests, this is the place to see hundreds of giant sequoias. To access the Congress Trailhead, you need to park at the General Sherman parking area and take the half mile paved path down towards the General Sherman Tree. Just before you reach the largest tree in the world, you can make a detour to the left away from the crowds and begin on the Congress Trail.
Fire damage from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire
Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park
The Trail
This trail covers just over 3 miles with nearly 500 feet in elevation change. The paved lollipop loop is often considered one of the most impressive hikes in all of Sequoia National Park. The trail starts off with a number of impressive sequoias, and then briefly thins out as you cross a short wooden bridge over cascading water with fallen trees before returning returning to the giants. Along with with the huge trees are green meadows and wildflowers that bloom in the Spring and Summer. Multiple trails connect with the Congress Trail, including the Alta Trail, Circle Meadow Trail, Rimrock Trail and Hazlewood Loop Trail. Another trail highlight is the old fallen sequoia that you walk though…while not as big as Tunnel Log, it is always fun to walk through along the hike. It’s important to note that significant fire damage from the KNP Complex Fire is still very evident all along the Congress Trail. Unfortunately multiple trees were destroyed, but the majority are still standing tall.
General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
General Sherman Tree
Before you begin your hike, it’s almost an unwritten rule that you have to stop to view the largest tree in the world. General Sherman stands over 275 ft tall, 36 feet in diameter and has a volume of more than 52,000 cubic feet. The official viewpoint is often filled with photographers trying to capture their dream shot, but a wonderful paved path circling the tree provides plenty of great views and not as many people. It’s really something to walk around a tree that is over 2,000 years old and weighs nearly 1,400 tons.
The President Tree along the Congress Trail
The President Tree
One of the main attractions on the Congress Trail is the President Tree. This giant sequoia is the 3rd largest tree in the world and it carries the distinction of being the oldest known living sequoia at a whopping 3,200 hundred years old. The trunk of this tree measures over 45,000 cubic feet with an additional 9,000 cubic feet of branches. While you’ll have to share the General Sherman Tree with the crowds, you’re likely to walk up to this 247 foot giant without another person in sight.
Chief Sequoyah Tree along the Congress Trail
Chief Sequoyah Tree along the Congress Trail
Chief Sequoyah Tree
Just past the President Tree is another giant, Chief Sequoyah. It is not only the 9th largest tree in the Giant Forest, but it’s also the 27th largest tree in the world standing over 228 feet tall. Sequoia National Park superintendent Colonel White named this tree to honor Cherokee Nation Chief Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee alphabet.
The Senate Group along the Congress Trail
The Senate Group along the Congress Trail
The Senate Group
In 1922 Chief Ranger Guy Hopping recommended two clusters of giant sequoias be named after the House of Representatives and the Senate…soon after, Sequoia National Park Superintendent Colonel John R White made it official. The Senate consists of half a dozen rich red giants.
The House Group along the Congress Trail
The House Group along the Congress Trail
The House Group
Dare I say the House Group is even more spectacular than the neighboring Senate. When you look up here you are entirely surrounded by giants here. This is also one of the quietest spots along the trail, meaning you can enjoy these trees in all their majesty without any crowds.
McKinley Tree along the Congress Trail
McKinley Tree
Another trail highlight, the McKinley Tree stands over 240 feet tall. In 1901 Sequoia Superintendent Walter Fry dedicated this tree in honor of our 25th President.
Lincoln Tree along the Alta Trail in Sequoia National Park
Bark that resembles a bearded face on the Lincoln Tree
Alta Trail to the Lincoln Tree
There are several add-on trails from the far end of the Congress Loop, and one of the best is the Alta Trail. You don’t have to hike far to get a taste of this trail. It juts off from the paved Congress Trail, and in under a quarter mile you can reach Sequoia National Park’s second largest tree. The Lincoln Tree stands over 255 feet tall with a volume over 45,000 cubic feet. Theres also a small section of bark on the lower edge of this tree that even resembles a faint outline of a bearded face.
The Founders Group along the Circle Meadow Loop Trail
Cattle Cabin along the Circle Meadow Loop Trail
Circle Meadow Loop Trail to Cattle Cabin
You can connect the Circle Loop Trail to Congress Trail for another 4 miles of hiking. However, for a short and sweet detour you can briefly venture off Congress Trail onto this loop for a half mile out & back stroll to Cattle Cabin, a structure that pre-dates the national park itself. Another highlight of this short detour is the Founders Group, a cluster of giant sequoias dedicated to the memory of the citizens who worked to create Sequoia National Park.
A sequoia tunnel log along Congress Trail
Know Before You Go
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• There are restrooms and trash cans available at the General Sherman trailhead.
• Fire damage from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire is currently visible all along the Congress Trail and throughout the Giant Forest. Several trees are burned and fallen as a result.
• In Winter the road to the main trailhead can close due to dangerous ice and snow conditions.
• Always plan ahead when exploring at higher elevations…bringing sun protection, layers, and plenty of water.
Top 10 Sequoia Highlights
Tunnel Log
Congress Trail
Crystal Cave (reopens 2023)
Paradise Creek Trail
Beetle Rock
The House Group in Sequoia National Park
In Summary & Travel Guide
Thank you so much for joining me this week inside Sequoia National Park. Make sure to check out my full downloadable Sequoia & Kings Canyon Travel Guide with driving directions and pinpoint map locations to some of my favorite spots inside the park here. For a virtual visit of this area, watch my full Behind the Blog “Congress Trail” video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The President Tree along the Congress Trail
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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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Located inside Sequoia National Park directly off Generals Highway, Hazelwood Nature Loop is an easy, family friendly hike that comes in at under 1.5 miles with 50 feet in elevation change. The trail begins past a fallen sequoia tunnel log and it circles for just over half a mile with minimal elevation gain through one of the most lush yet intimate trails in the Giant Forest.