Grant Grove - Kings Canyon National Park
Today on the blog we’re heading into Kings Canyon National Park. Now if you’re wondering why on earth I’m taking you to a place I visited back in the Fall…well it’s because this spot is home to what has been proclaimed our ”National Christmas Tree”…so what better time than Christmas week to share all the details with you!
Overview
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.
History
The Monache, Tübatulabal and Yokut made up the primary native groups in this region before the 1800s. In 1846 the local Native Americans welcomed Hale Tharp as the first known white settler in the area. However, by the 1860s a growing presence of cattle ranchers and timber companies began to shift the landscape and population of this place. In 1873 John Muir made the impressive hike from Yosemite to the neighboring Giant Forest and began advocating for federal protection of the area…and in 1890 General Grant National Park was established. In 1940 General Grant Grove became a part of the newly created Kings Canyon National Park. And for even more fascinating history, let’s take a look at some of the stops you’ll want to make here.
General Grant Tree
In 1867, General Grant Tree was named to honor Ulysses S. Grant. This tree holds many other honors as well, including 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. The age of this tree has been disputed over the years, but it is almost certainly over 1,500 (if not 2,000) years old and still growing! The General Grant Tree also holds the wonderful holiday distinction of being named our nation’s Christmas Tree in 1926 by President Coolidge. Every year on the second Sunday in December, the Sanger Camber of Commerce comes together to lead an annual “Trek to the Tree”, and park rangers lay a beautiful wreath here. The General Grant Tree is the only living thing that has been designated by Congress as a National Shrine, and visitors return year after year to enjoy its splendor.
The Gamlin Cabin
Built of sugar pine logs with a sequoia roof by brothers Israel and Thomas Gamlin in 1872, this cabin served as a shelter while the brothers grazed sheep and cattle until 1878. After General Grant National Park was established in 1890, the cabin was used by the US Calvary (who protected the park) as a storehouse. The first civilian park ranger, Lewis L David, then used the cabin as his personal quarters from 1902-1909. It’s wonderful to walk inside and imagine the stories these walls would tell if they could talk.
Centennial Stump
This is one of the unfortunate pieces of history in the grove. Early pioneers spoke of the giant trees to be found here, but much of the public did not believe the tales. So in 1875, two men spent nine days chopping down this tree. Then a 16 ft section of its trunk was sent to the 1876 America’s Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia as proof. Unfortunately few believed a single tree this big could exist, and they called it a “California hoax”. Later on, ladies from a nearby logging camp used the stump to conduct Sunday school services for their children.
Fallen Monarch
Certainly one of the most fascinating pieces of history here in Grant Grove is the Fallen Monarch. You can actually walk though this tree trunk, which is over 124 feet long and is thought to have fallen centuries ago after being hollowed out by fire. Local construction crews once camped inside the fallen log, and it’s said that it was also used as both a saloon and a hotel before becoming a stable for US Calvary horses from 1890-1914. These trees resist decay for hundreds if not thousands of years after they fall to the forest floor, so the Fallen Monarch looks very similar to us now as it did to Grant Grove’s first settlers nearly 200 years ago.
Know Before You Go
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• This popular trail can get quite busy as the day goes on, so plan a trip early if you want to avoid the crowds.
• There is ample parking and restrooms at the trailhead.
• This paved path is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
• For more information about Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks, visit my Ten Stops for a Perfect Visit blog post here, where you’ll find a downloadable Top 10 Guide with detailed map and trail information, as well as links to Google and Apple Map pin locations.
In Summary
Thanks for joining me here for a visit to our National Christmas Tree. For more information and views of the Grant Grove, check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go…and Merry Christmas!
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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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