California’s Giant Trees: Best Places to See the Tallest, Oldest & Largest Trees
California is home to some of the most remarkable trees on Earth: the tallest, the oldest, and the largest by volume. These ancient giants aren’t just awe-inspiring natural wonders—they also tell the story of early conservation efforts that ultimately led to the creation of our national parks. Whether you're planning a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation in the coming year, this guide will help you find the best spots to marvel at these natural wonders. We’ll explore where to see the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in the world, all right here in California, with a special highlight on Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and its role in shaping America’s environmental legacy.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park
Preservation History
The preservation of Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park is one of the most significant conservation milestones in U.S. history. Long before the Gold Rush brought settlers to the Sierra Nevada, indigenous tribes, including the Southern Sierra Miwuk, Ahwahneechee, and Western Mono, revered these ancient sequoias. When explorers discovered the grove in the mid-1800s, its towering trees quickly became a source of national pride.
Galen Clark, the first "Guardian" of Yosemite, was instrumental in advocating for the protection of these trees. His efforts, combined with the growing awareness of the need to protect natural wonders, led to President Abraham Lincoln signing the Yosemite Grant in 1864. This landmark decision protected Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley, marking the first time land had been set aside for preservation and public enjoyment, laying the groundwork for the future national park system.
Grizzly Giant Tree at Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park
Largest Trees in the World
Giant sequoias hold the record as the largest trees by volume. These colossal trees grow only in California’s Sierra Nevada and can live for over 3,000 years. If you’re planning a trip in the coming year to experience these giants up close, here are the top destinations you shouldn’t miss:
Mariposa Grove: Yosemite National Park
Located near Yosemite’s south entrance, Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. A shuttle operates from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza during the summer, or visitors can hike the 2-mile Washburn Trail to reach the grove. Mariposa Grove is a great stop for those planning a family road trip or a quick weekend escape. Highlights include:
Grizzly Giant: One of the oldest and largest trees in the grove, estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
California Tunnel Tree: The only remaining living sequoia with a man-made tunnel carved through it.
Bachelor & Three Graces: A group of closely clustered sequoias with intertwined roots.
Faithful Couple: Two sequoias fused together at their base.
Columbia Tree: The tallest tree in Mariposa Grove, standing at 286 feet.
General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park
House Group along Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park
Giant Forest: Sequoia National Park
Home to the largest tree on Earth by volume, the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. It’s an ideal destination for anyone planning a longer vacation to explore California’s great outdoors. Highlights include:
General Sherman Tree: The largest tree on Earth, standing 275 feet tall with a base diameter of 36 feet.
Congress Trail: A less-crowded 3-mile loop offering views of other massive sequoias, including the President Tree.
Tunnel Log: This unnamed sequoia tree is believed to have been well over 2,000 years old when it fell across across a road in 1937. Rather than removing the giant, the Civilian Conservation Corps cut a large tunnel for cars to drive through.
Big Trees Trail: This easy 3/4-mile hike loops around a peaceful meadow, taking visitors beside several unique giant sequoia trees.
General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park
Grant Grove: Kings Canyon National Park
Grant Grove features some of the largest sequoias and offers easy access for visitors. It’s perfect for families or travelers looking to add a quick nature stop to their itinerary. Highlights include:
General Grant Tree: Dubbed “The Nation’s Christmas Tree,” this is the second-largest tree in the world.
Fallen Monarch: Visitors can 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.
Big Stump Trail: A nearby area where visitors can see remnants of early logging efforts and stand on the large stump of the Mark Twain Tree.
Giant sequoia tree along Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
Trail of 100 Giants: Sequoia National Forest
This family-friendly trail is perfect for those looking to experience giant sequoias without strenuous hiking. If you’re planning a scenic road trip through the Sierra Nevada, this trail makes for an easy yet memorable stop. Highlights include:
Proclamation Tree: Known for being the site where President Clinton signed the proclamation establishing Sequoia National Monument.
Walk-Through Log along Tall Trees Trail in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park’s Nugget Tree in Tall Trees Grove
Tallest Trees in the World
Coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the tallest trees on Earth, growing to heights of over 380 feet. These towering giants thrive in the cool, moist climate of Northern California’s coastal forests. Planning a coastal road trip? Here are the best places to see the tallest trees:
Tall Trees Grove: Redwood National Park
A 4.5-mile loop hike takes you through a grove with some of the tallest trees in the world. Permits are required (info here) to limit crowds and protect the grove’s fragile ecosystem. Be sure to include this stop if you’re planning an outdoor adventure along California’s scenic northern coast. Highlights include:
Walk-Through Log: A tunnel has been carved out of a fallen redwood that sits diagonally across the trail, making for a great photo spot.
Nugget Tree: Known as NGT (National Geographic Tree), this impressive giant is 643 years old and stands at over 373 feet tall, making it the tallest tree in the grove, the third tallest in the world, and the fifth fastest-growing redwood recorded.
Hyperion Tree: The tallest tree in the world, this fragile giant is situated nearby. We kindly ask that you do not visit this tree. There is a risk of severe penalties, including up to 6 months in jail and a $5,000 fine, for unauthorized access. Furthermore, the base of this magnificent tree has suffered significant damage due to visitor foot traffic, impacting its root system and surrounding vegetation.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park
Lady Bird Johnson Grove: Redwood National Park
This 1.5-mile loop trail at a higher elevation offers a serene walk among old-growth redwoods. Dedicated by President Nixon in 1969 to honor Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental efforts, it’s a great addition to any road trip itinerary. Highlights include:
Dedication Site: In 1969 President Nixon dedicated this grove to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, for all of her conservation and environmental work.
Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Big Tree Wayside: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
An easily accessible viewing platform allows visitors to admire a massive 1,500-year-old redwood standing nearly 300 feet tall. It’s perfect for families or anyone seeking a quick photo opportunity. Highlights include:
Big Tree: Estimated to be at least 1500 years old, this massive tree stands over 290 feet tall with a circumference of 75 feet. Visitors can get up-close views of this giant redwood without disturbing its root system due to the observation deck built by the park service.
Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: BIG SUR
Although the trees here aren’t quite as tall as their counterparts in Northern California, Big Sur offers several spots to walk among coastal redwoods, which is a great option for road-trippers unable to travel to northernmost regions of the Golden State. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the best locations to see these giant redwoods up cloase, located about 25 miles south of Monterey and nestled on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains along California's iconic Highway 1. Highlights include:
Nature Trail & River Path Loop: At under a mile round trip, visitors can enjoy wooden boardwalks weaving through some of the most impressive towering coastal redwood here, as well as a gentle stroll along the Big Sur River.
Colonial Tree: This is the largest tree in the park at 277 feet tall and 31 feet in diameter. It’s estimated this old-growth redwood is over 1200 years old.
Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Trails: This 2-mile round trip hike takes you through a dense grove of coastal redwoods to a serene waterfall and expansive Big Sur views.
Bristlecone pine tree along Methuselah Trail
Schulman Grove in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Oldest Trees in the World
Located in the White Mountains above Big Pine, Bishop, and the Owens Valley, the ancient bristlecone pines of California hold the record for the oldest non-clonal living trees on the planet, with some specimens dating back over 4,000 years. For those planning unique and off-the-beaten-path adventures along Highway-395, these groves are a must-see:
Schulman Grove: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Named after Dr. Edmund Schulman, who first studied these ancient trees, this grove offers several hiking trails. Highlights include:
Methuselah Trail: A 4.5-mile loop where visitors can spot Methuselah, one of the oldest known living trees at over 4,800 years old.
Discovery Trail: A short, easy walk that provides an introduction to the bristlecone pine ecosystem.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in White Mountains
Patriarch Grove: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Located 13 miles past the visitor center, this remote grove is home to the Patriarch Tree, the world’s largest bristlecone pine. Two short trails offer stunning views of these ancient, twisted trees at an elevation of over 11,000 feet. This is an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and unique photo opportunities.
California Tunnel Tree in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
What to Know
Check Weather & Road Conditions: Before heading out, always check the weather and road conditions for your destination. Many of these spots are at high elevations where weather can be unpredictable and extreme. It’s always important to check the official NPS websites prior to any national park visit to review any road and trail closures, as well as advanced reservation information. Click here for Yosemite. Click here for Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Click here for Redwood. Click here for Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Practice Leave No Trace: Help preserve the beauty of these remarkable trees by following Leave No Trace principles. This ensures that future generations can enjoy these natural wonders.
Be Prepared for Limited Cell Coverage: Many of these locations are remote, with little to no cell service. Always have a plan to check in and out with someone you trust. Bring a reliable map and trail guide, and don’t rely solely on online maps unless you’re connected via GPS.
Big Trees Loop Trail in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Final Thoughts
California’s ancient trees offer more than just breathtaking sights—they provide a living connection to the past and a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation. From the towering coastal redwoods to the massive giant sequoias and the ancient bristlecone pines, these natural wonders are true national treasures. Whether you’re hiking through Mariposa Grove or standing in awe beneath the General Sherman Tree, you’re experiencing a piece of history that has inspired generations of environmental stewardship.
Ready to explore these giants for yourself? Plan your visit with our expertly crafted Yosemite Wins itineraries and discover some of California’s most iconic trees.
