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Routes United States of America Sequoia National Park General Sherman Tree Trail

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General Sherman Tree Trail

Hiking Route · Sequoia National Park

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Outdooractive Editors

Photo: Tal Schindele, Outdooractive Editors

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A relatively short hike in Sequoia National Park, leading through a wooded area to a Sequoia tree known as the "General Sherman Tree," considered the tree with the world's largest trunk volume.

easy

Distance 0.9 km

0:16 h

18 m

68 m

2,156 m

2,093 m

This trail takes us from the car park on easy terrain to the General Sherman Tree, a famous giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park. The estimated age of the tree is 1900 to 2500 years. In terms of trunk volume, the tree is considered the largest of its kind in the world. However, the tallest tree in the world still towers over it by more than 30 meters.

The tree was given its name in 1879 by a naturalist who served under General William Sherman in the American Army. Sherman is considered a national hero of the American Civil War.

In 2006, a large branch 30 m long and 2 m in diameter broke off the General Sherman Tree.

The route is easy to walk, but you have to consider the way back, which is uphill on the same route. For people with reduced mobility, there is a car park directly at the General Sherman Tree. Other car parks are a short walk away. The asphalted route is basically suitable for walking with prams, but here, too, the way back and the ascending meters in altitude should be taken into account.

Author’s recommendation

It is recommended to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid visitors' biggest rush.
People with special needs can be driven to just before the General Sherman Tree. Stopping is allowed, parking is prohibited.
There is a separate accessible parking space at the beginning of the accessible route.

Author

Tal Schindele

Update: September 30, 2022

Difficulty

easy

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

2,156 m

Lowest point

2,093 m

Track types

Road

0.7 km

Unknown

0.2 km

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Safety information

Do not go on tour during extreme weather conditions.
In winter, make sure the road is open (may be closed due to snow and ice).

Tips and hints

For an easy view of the route and an ideal alignment on-site, we recommend downloading the Outdooractive app.

Start

Coordinates:

36.584804, -118.749845

DMS

36°35'05.3"N 118°44'59.4"W

UTM

11S 343456 4050240

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Turn-by-turn directions

We park in the signposted parking areas and follow the signposted path until we reach the impressive tree. The way back follows the same route.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Parking

There are two parking areas in two different locations - a general parking area and a special accessible parking area. There is also a barrier-free route from there.