Hiking to Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park
This week we’re heading out on one of my favorite hikes in all of Redwood National & State Parks to see some of the tallest trees in the world. Join me along the trail to Tall Trees Grove.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 5 mile lollipop
• Elevation Change: 825 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park
Tall Trees Access Road in Redwood National Park
Entry gate at the top of Tall Trees Access Road
Location
The trailhead for this hike is located 7 miles down the Tall Trees Access Road in Redwood National Park. A permit is required for this road (which can be obtained here), at which point a gate code is provided to unlock and open the gate at the turnoff from Bald Hills Road. Make sure to leave yourself at least a half hour to make the drive from the gate to the trailhead since much of the road is gravel, narrow, and windy…and also beautiful! 😊
Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park
Walk Through Tree in Redwood National Park
Redwood Creek Giant in Tall Trees Grove
History
Archeological evidence has shown that Native Americans resided in this region as far back as 3000 years ago. The Yurok tribe once had several dozen villages in the redwoods with a population of over 2500 inhabitants.
This particular grove of redwoods was first dubbed as the Arco Grove of Giants after the Arcata Redwood Company, which owned the land prior to the establishment of the national park. Then, in 1963, the incredible trees of this grove were photographed and featured in National Geographic Magazine, which is often credited with helping create the final public push for the creation of Redwood National Park.
Walking under a magnificent California Bay Tree along Tall Trees Trail
Deer in the Tall Tree Groves
Hike
This moderately strenuous trail is a 5 mile lollipop loop…however, the majority of the hike is the 800+ foot descent down to the 1-mile loop section around the Tall Trees Grove. Keep in mind that the most difficult part of your journey will be at the end of the adventure, as it will be 2 full miles of incline on the way back to your vehicle. Every step is truly magical, though, and certainly worth the trek. In addition to the giant redwoods, you’ll encounter all kinds of beautiful trees and flora, as well as wildlife if you’re lucky. If you do come across any deer, elk, or any other critters, make sure to keep a safe distance and honor the Leave No Trace Principles.
Paul Zahl Tree in the Tall Trees Grove
Nugget Tree (Nat Geo Tree) in Tall Trees Grove
Trail Highlights
The whole grove is filled with giants, so even if you don’t pay attention to the statistics, this hike is truly breathtaking. There are, however, a few specific trees along this trail that figuratively and literally tower above the rest.
We’ll encounter the first highlight along our descent down the trail well before we reach the grove itself. A tunnel has been carved out of a fallen redwood that sits diagonally across the trail. There is something so magical about this scene as we saunter through this Walk Through Tree surrounded by a lush rain forest. Once you’ve reached the beginning of the grove loop after the steep 800 foot descent, you’ll encounter the Paul Zahl Tree. This is the 2nd tallest tree in the grove (17th tallest in the world), and it was named after the National Geographic Society senior scientist who discovered the Howard Libbey Tree (located only 100 yards away) in 1963. The Howard Libbey Tree held the title “World’s Tallest Tree” until it allegedly lost its crown during a storm in 1989. Another highlight nearby is the Melkor Tree, which holds the distinction of being the largest tree in Redwood National Forest by volume, as well as the 8th tallest along this hike. The Redwood Creek Giant on the far end of the loop is another sight to behold. Not only is it the 2nd largest and 4th tallest in the grove, this tree is truly unique in that it has 148 reiterated trunks. If there was a main highlight along our journey today, however, it would probably the Nugget Tree. Named after the acronym NGT (National Geographic Tree), this 643 year old giant is over 373 feet tall, making it the tallest in the grove, the 3rd tallest in the world, and the 5th fastest growing redwood on record.
Walk Through Tree along Tall Trees Trail
Banana slug along Tall Trees Trail
Know Before You Go
• Unlike most trails, accessing this section of the park requires a permit which much be obtained at least 24 hours in advance of your visit. The NPS only allows 50 permits per day, so make sure to plan ahead. You can reserve your spot with the Redwood Park Conservancy up to 180 days in advance here.
• The small trailhead parking lot does not accommodate RVs over 21 feet or vehicles towing trailers.
• Make sure to bring plenty of water, food, and a flashlight with you. The hike back is steep and it will likely take longer to complete than expected.
• You are hiking in a rain forest and some sections of the trail are steep, so be prepared with rain gear and hiking shoes with good traction.
• Before your trip, make sure to check the latest weather, road conditions, and possible closures on the official NPS website.
• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here unless you are connected via GPS.
• 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.
• Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world, is located nearby. However, please refrain from visiting. Not only is there a potential of 6 months in jail and a $5000 fine for going to see it, there has been substantial degradation of the base of this giant to visitors standing on its root system and trampling the surrounding vegetation. There are plenty of giant redwoods to enjoy along the maintained trails in the park.
Quintuple Tower in Tall Trees Grove
Downed redwood tree along Tall Trees Trail
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me today inside Redwood National Park. For a virtual visit through Tall Trees Grove, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or you can watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go! 🌲🌲🌲
Redwoods growing out of a fallen redwood
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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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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting the tallest trees, the oldest trees, and the largest trees in the world. The giant sequoias, the coastal redwoods, and the ancient bristlecone pines are all found in California, and this week I'm sharing my favorite places to go and hiking trails to see these trees up close, most of which are in state and national parks, forests, and monuments.