Some of the most amazing trees in my opinion are redwoods, sequoias, and bristlecone pines. Sequoias are the largest trees on earth and it’s an amazing experience to stand next to those giants. Both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks offer some of the greatest views of the trees. Here are the 4 amazing hikes to see giant sequoias in California.
4 amazing hikes to see giant sequoias in California
Big Stump Grove
The first of the 4 amazing hikes to see giant sequoias is immediately past the southwest entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. Hike along the entire trail or take a few steps to and admire these magnificent trees.
Grant Grove
The second largest sequoia in the world, General Grant Sequoia, is located at Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. 267 feet high and over 1,600 years old, this amazing tree is a must see. Its circumference measures 102 feet at the base of the trunk, slightly less than the 107 feet measured by General Sherman tree. A short 0.6 mile hike will take you to it along a fairly easy trail. General Grant Sequoia was designated as the Nation’s Christmas Tree by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926.
The Giant Forest
You’ll do another amazing hike to see giant sequoias in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The Giant Forest has some of the largest sequoia groves in the world. In fact, the largest tree on earth, General Sherman Sequoia, is located here. Take a short hike to see this impressive tree. It’s great to walk around it and study its massive trunk. Don’t forget to look up 274 feet high to see its crown. It’s scary to think that the tree was endangered by the 2021 fire that swept through the park. Fortunately, a protective cover was installed by the firefighters around the 37 foot wide trunk and the tree survived.
Hike the Congress Trail
The Congress Trail is one of several trails within the Giant Forest. We caught it near General Sherman Sequoia and hiked the shorter loop, probably around a mile. If you’re already by General Sherman Tree, I highly recommend extending your hike and doing the Congress Trail. It’s absolutely worth it! You’ll see many more sequoias and fewer people the further you go.
Admire the high Sierras and the Moro Rock
As you continue your drive through the Sequoia National Park, make sure to stop at a viewpoint or two to admire the snow- capped Sierras and the Moro Rock. The views are spectacular!
See the fire damage to the southern unit of Sequoia National Monument
The southern unit of Sequoia National Monument paints a sad picture of what the 2021 and 2022 fires did to the trees in the park. While we didn’t see any sequoias along the highway, all other trees suffered a serious damage. The drive itself is very curvy and in May of 2024 there was a lot of road construction going on. So, unless you have 3 + hours to spare, you may want to skip the southern unit for now.
