Trail of 100 Giants - Sequoia National Forest



Happy National Forest Week! Today we’re heading to one of the only places in the world where giant sequoia groves are found, growing wild along the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevadas…join me along the Trail of 100 Giants.


flyingdawnmarie-sequoia-trail-100-giants-05.jpg
The Goose Pen at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The Goose Pen at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest


Location 

The Trail of 100 Giants is located inside Sequoia National Forest, which covers over 1 million acres across three California counties. Inside this National Forest you’ll find Long Meadow Grove, which covers 341 acres and contains over 125 giant sequoias over 10 feet in diameter and 700 giant sequoias with less than 10 feet in diameter.


The largest sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The largest sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The Sentinels and the boardwalk (under renovation) at Trail of 100 Giants

The Sentinels and the boardwalk (under renovation) at Trail of 100 Giants


History

In 1992 President George H. W. Bush made a presidential proclamation to protect, manage and restore the giant sequoias in this area.

Giant Sequoia National Monument was created on April 15, 2000 by proclamation from President Clinton. 33 sequoia groves are found within the monument boundaries, one of the most popular certainly being the Trail of 100 Giants.


A young sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

A young sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest


Trail

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 his proclamation. Soon after you’ll also come apon the Goose Pen, three trees that have grown together at the base measuring over 50 feet in circumference and over 200 feet tall. Other highlights include the Sentinels (3 giants growing in a line), the giant sequoia with a self made bench, and “The Root”, a massive fallen giant with a fully exposed root system. These trees have a shallow root system but they can spread outward up to one acre. Giant sequoias are unique in that they contain a natural preservative called tannin, which slows their decomposition process. This means the fallen giants resist decay far better than most trees, and it’s incredible to see the massive roots up close!


A sequoia with self-created bench at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

A sequoia with self-created bench at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest


Flora and Fauna

Along with the giant sequoias here, you’ll find sequoia seedlings and saplings as well. This trail is also filled with ponderosa pine, white fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar trees, along with Black eyed Susan, leopard, corn lily plants, and a field of skunk cabbage. The rich vegetation and a central meandering stream make this an excellent place for bird watching. Mule deer and black bears call this forest home, along with numerous squirrels and chipmunks. In the Spring & Summer months you’ll often find butterflies and insects abundant here.


A sequoia with burn and lightning damage at Trail of 100 Giants

A sequoia with burn and lightning damage at Trail of 100 Giants


Know Before You Go 

• Giant sequoias are the world’s largest tree by volume. General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, can be found north in Sequoia National Park.

• Parking is $10 and there are over a dozen benches along the trail to sit back and enjoy the view.

• This is a dog friendly trail, but dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

• While the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, construction and fallen trees can affect the paths…so make sure to check the USDA website for up-to-date information.

• Help protect this place by not cutting across the switchbacks, which can cause erosion and damage the trail…and remember the Leave No Trace Principles as you explore. 

• The trail is only open from May through November. And due to the elevation and remote location, make sure to check for weather and road conditions prior to visiting.


The Proclamation Tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

The Proclamation Tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest


In Summary

Thanks for joining me along the Trail of 100 Giants. For a virtual visit make sure to check out my Behind the Blog 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.


Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest

Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest


If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…

 

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.


Search the Blog


Featured Posts


Etsy Shop