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Sequoia National Park, CA

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General Sherman Tree

4.7 (140 reviews)
Open • Open 24 hours

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Entering Sequoia National Park via Kings Canyon National Park  07-04-2025
Alana M.

A giant among giants! It is truly amazing! My son and wife brought us out to see some of the highlights of Sequoia National Park on the 4th of July. Coming to see this massive tree was the main purpose of our trip here. We had just been to Kings Canyon to see the General Grant Tree. General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. The regular path from the parking lot to the General Sherman Tree is a little over half a mile. It's said to be easy to walk, but there is a decent incline coming back from the tree. There are things I would have liked to see and I kind of regret not being able to take this path. I watched a video and saw: 1) signs which tell you where you are in relation to the tree and 2) a big decorated concrete area showing the size of the base of the tree We decided to use the handicap lot. There were rangers monitoring cars and ensuring the cars with correct signage parked in the lot. We took the last space and the rangers left soon after. This parking lot is just up the road a little ways from the main parking lot. This lot is also where the shuttles stop for pickup up & drop-off for sightseers. In fact, it's kind of a hassle trying to walk from your parking spot to the trailhead because the people waiting for the shuttle line up where you need to walk safely. The Accessible Sherman Tree Trail is a few hundred feet from THE tree. TIP: You can borrow a wheelchair from the Visitor Center for free. Check with them for specifics. You can't miss the General, it's the largest tree on Earth (by volume)! There is a fence around the perimeter of the tree to protect the root system since they're shallow. You can walk the entire perimeter and see the tree from all angles! Facts about the General Sherman Tree: Height above Base 274.9 ft Circumference at Ground 102.6 ft Maximum Diameter at Base 36.5 ft Other things to see: * Tough Twins - a pair of trees, most likely twins. There's an information sign talking about the effects fires have on these trees. * There's this scantling from the stump of a giant Sequoia nearby. It makes for a great Photo Op. This Cross-Section has a story information sign for more details about it. * Walk-through Tunnel Log - it also makes for a great Photo-Op. Interesting Fact: In 1879, the tree was named General Sherman and in 1885 or 1886, the tree was renamed to honor of Karl Marx. Don't worry, the tree's name was restored to the General Sherman Tree by 1892. Be sure to stop by the Lodgepole Village & Visitor Center is to get information and see some exhibits before you head to the tree.

Connie Y.

This is one of my favorite trees in the world in one of my favorite national parks. The hike here is paved and not too difficult. The tree is gorgeous. Parking is plentiful and the air is high quality. It is very photogenic here. I love being in nature and this is the best way to spend a day. Can't wait to visit again. Happy Yelping!

Alma P.

I forgot how long ago we came to this side of the mountains. Last time we came the trails were paved. Now the trails around the. If trees are paved with stairs too. I love nature, the air is so clean, the walk through the trees it's amazing. Lathe travel from Fresno to the entrance on tree Rivers is not that far. We travel 1.5 hrs. From entrance because of the curves it gets longer to get to the main stop. Where the museum is at. In front of the Sherman tree. They you have the trail to walk around the majestic park. If you have time there are a lot of great spots there to visit. There is also a shuttle that takes you to one point of the park to another. It makes it easier so you don't loose your parking spot. Also when you pay your entrance you have 7 days to visit the park again or to go the Yosemite with the same ticket. As long as it's before the 7 days. I really enjoy my walk through the trees. The air was really nice and it's always cooler up there than the city. Highly recommend. At the entrance you get a map so you can plan your trip.

Tony A.

What can I say? It's just beautiful up here. Makes me contemplate all the hard work, the time and energy put into building not only the roads to drive up here but the pathways to walk all over the place. With bathrooms and signage too. Men are truly amazing. With that said, the hike down was very easy and the congress trail a bit harder. What killed me was the steep hike back up with that thin air and all. Gotta do this once in your life, the drive alone was gorgeous.

Andrew K.

I have had the opportunity to visit this ancient tree twice in two years and both times it is awe-inspiring. At nearly 250 feet and a diameter of 37 feet at its base, it is officially the largest tree in the world and is thought to be over 2700 years old. The singular most important landmark and thing to do when you visit Sequoia National Park. It is the monarch in the Sequoia Grove alongside hundreds of other gigantic, ancient sequoia trees surrounding it, with an epic, paved trial scene - including the popular Congress Trail, a 2-mile loop. The giant tree is only a quarter mile from the parking lot, making it accessible to people of all ages. General Sherman Tree is located close to Lodgepole Campground, the most popular camping ground in the park, and a short driving distance to the park's other major landmark, Moro Rock. There are also shuttle buses that take people to see this tree. A 1.5-hour drive from Southeast Fresno, a visit to this massive tree - the most massive in the world in terms of volume of wood - soaring through the Sierra skies is something to behold and should be on every nature lover's bucket list.

Sherman Tree Trail...
J P.

Largest tree in the world by volume and circumference NOT the tallest! It's a cool thing to see if you have never been before. Lots of cool little hiking paths and lots of other big/taller trees! We went on a Tuesday so parking was available right at the entrance and the bathroom line was short. I have heard that this place can get super crowded though. We spent 2 hours and took in the beautiful sights and snapped a few pics too. Definitely something to see if you haven't yet! Make sure you gas up before entering the park. Enjoy!!!

General Sherman tree
Karen J.

Giant among Giants! The tree: breathtaking! The trail back to the parking lot even more! Literally! Be advised the walk back from the tree to the self-parking lot is BRUTAL. Highly suggest to take the shuttle as that route is a lot easier and not as strenuous. There's a much bigger parking lot at the meadow below with the Giants Museum, just take the shuttle from there, quick short ride.

Michael B.

This is the largest tree in the world! The parking lot to view it gets full very quickly in the morning so arrive super early, come out of season, or use the park shuttle in summer. The trail from the parking lot is about 250' straight down ramps and stairs. There's an ADA parking area closer to the tree, but obviously not everybody is able to park in those spaces. Expect a long line waiting for photo. Explore additional hikes around Sherman to thin the crowd. I saw a bear in the nearby meadow hiking that area and was the only person to see it. Check my photos for a trail map that isn't provided but can be viewed in the park.

Got here early before the crowds during Memorial Day weekend 2022z
Tony H.

General Sherman along with Moro Rock are pretty much the main attractions here at Sequoia National Park. It's absolutely worth it to check it out and even get a picture in front of it. We got to the park on a weekend around 9:30 and only had to wait maybe 15-20 minutes to get a picture. From General Sherman went went for a loop hike on the Congress Trail that's about 3 miles long or 1-2 hours depending on how much you stop and look around. Besides the loop, Congress trail does connect to a few other hiking trails in the park so if you're looking for something longer than 3 miles you can find it out here.

Juanwen C.

Come and see the largest tree! The road leading to it is family-friendly, although it can get a bit crowded around noon and in the afternoon. Don't forget to visit the visitor center, as it provides helpful guidance and directions. Overall, it's a fantastic experience, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. See you next time!

Denise C.

It's the biggest tree because of the tree trunk size..it's not necessarily the tallest..but that's all confusing..so where is the tallest tree in USA? It's a myth and a tourist trap. The tree was named after the Civil War general. Imagine settling and landscaping California in those times. The Congress Trail was fun. The president, house, and congress tree areas. There's some fun trees that were struck by lightning. Fun pictures to take..walk the park.it's hot. It's a forest.

Alex D.

This isn't too bad of a hike...it's pretty short, but lots of stairs and a little steep. Doable for people out of shape like me, haha. The only bad thing is that there are TONS of other tourists taking photos here, so it's not peaceful, quiet, or calm haha. And you have to wait in small lines, sometimes, to get a good photo.

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3 years ago

The general is awesomely massive. Recently threatened by fire it made the cut to live on.

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Ask the Community - General Sherman Tree

Can I take my dogs to see General Sherman Tree?

The national park website and also trail signs when hiking indicate that dogs and all pets are prohibited but there were numerous people hiking with their dogs on and off leashes so they don't seem to be strictly enforcing this. I found this to be… 

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Review Highlights - General Sherman Tree

“Really, just this view sums up all of Congress Trail and just how exquisite this region of Sequoia National Park is.”

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Crystal Cave - Second inside room

Crystal Cave

4.3(89 reviews)
4.4 mi

Absolutely stunning and incredible experience! I personally don't enjoy tours, but let me tell you…read moreeveryone needs to experience this tour at least once in their lifetime! My 5 year old and 7 year old did just fine. I honestly can't fully articulate how I felt during the experience, but it was 100% worth the drive. Our tour guide was amazing! She explained everything in such simple terms that even my children could completely understand what she was talking about. I was amazed knowing that I was standing underneath a natural cave it was such an incredible experience! It can get pretty chilly inside, but since we went during summer break, it actually felt perfect. Definitely an experience I'm glad we got to share as a family

First time for us four at Sequoia NP and we loved our experience in Crystal Cave. The staff overall…read moreloved what they do and you can tell. Right from the get go the staff welcomes your group and is telling you instructions to take care of yourself, your group and the caves/park. They greet you with enthusiasm and you learn so much. Please arrive on time! For parking there's quite a bit of spaces. There's restroom nearby so you can go before heading out. You can bring your backpack onto the trail but can't bring it inside the cave. So you can either bring it and leave it on the floor outside the cave or in your car. The trail can be a little challenging for some but very doable. Can be a little challenging for some children and some older adults. This also includes for the caves.The staff are there to watch for your safety but they do warn you about your surroundings. The cave is very cool to explore but there will be some tight spaces you will navigate through. So I don't recommend bringing a stroller and make sure your kids are able to walk and stay near. They will definitely enjoy the cool nature stuff inside! There's a gift shop stand near the entrance of the trail. You can buy nice souvenirs, snacks, and support! Overall we loved our tour and we would comeback again for this. Thank you to all the staff of Crystal Cave for all that you do and taking care of this natural beauty.

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Crystal Cave - This one looks like the abominable snowman!

This one looks like the abominable snowman!

Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave

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Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake

5.0(10 reviews)
12.7 mi

Hiked this area over 37yrs ago. I recall an island being on this lake. Because I had to put air in…read moremy raft to get to it. The lake was loaded with German browns and they would not eat salmon eggs but loved wet fly's. To bad l didn't have any to offer. They bit the hell out of me all day. Instead of me living off the land the land was living off me? Good thing I had a tent! I probably would not be writing this. To make along story short bring a tent,bug spray & a Bic lighter. Why the lighter ? It was the only way I could get back at those fricking mosquitoes. They would stick their tongues through the tent trying to get at me. P.S bring tape just in case you light your tent on fire! Sincerely, TM

Lengt:h 7.2 Total Miles…read more Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: DIFFICULT Duration: Backpack or day hike Season: Best July through September Trailhead Elevation: 7,900 feet Top Elevation: 10,000 feet In September, this sun-exposed trail was lined with a scattering of Indians Paintbrush, a sampling of the fuller wildflower bouquet, which blooms on these slopes in the spring. After 1 mile, turn right at the White Chief Trail junction. The Eagle Lake Trail shifts in style from a straight track to a series of switchbacks that chew into the elevation. At the junction with the Mosquito Lakes Trail, turn left and set your sites on Eagle Lake, 1.7 miles away. Alternatively, hikers could turn right here and hike the same distance to the lowest of four Mosquito Lakes located one ridge west of Eagle Lake. The ascent tapers as you follow Eagle Creek to its source, passing a pair of unique "sink holes" where the water disappear underground into strange craters. Pass through a wooded meadow and dissect an alpine bounder field. The trail mounts a rock slope beneath Eagle Lake and offers fine northeast views toward Sawtooth and Mineral Peaks. The route to this lake follows the same trail for the first 2 miles, ascending steadily up the west side of the Mineral King Valley. The trail ends at the north end of Eagle Lake, where a small dam, maintained by Southern California Edison, enhances the volume of the lake. A path continues through the trees along the eastern shoreline. Large rocks act as islands in the lake, which gets more picturesque the further you walk.

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Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake - Hike to Eagle Lake

Hike to Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake - Hike to Eagle Lake

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Hike to Eagle Lake

General Sherman Tree - hiking - Updated October 2026

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