Trip Planner: USA / California / Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park / Historic Sites / General Sherman Tree

General Sherman Tree, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

4.8

#2 of 26 in Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Historic Site Landmark

General Sherman Tree--a giant sequoia that is 83.8 m (275 ft) tall and about 2,500 years old--is the crown jewel of the Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest. By volume, it is the largest tree in the world and ranks among the biggest on the planet in both height and diameter. The trail leading from the parking lot to the tree is paved, and even though it has steep sections, it's not a difficult hike. Because the tree is a major attraction, you might have to wait for your turn to take a picture next to it. Plan to see General Sherman Tree and other attractions that appeal to you using our Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park family vacation planner.

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Where to stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks provide plenty of lodging right inside their boundaries. Kings Canyon operates three lodges and a set of cabins, with two of the lodges and the cabins remaining open throughout the year. Of these, the John Muir Lodge sits closest to the entrance. The parks also offer more than a dozen campgrounds about equally distributed between them, with most operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites fill up quickly on Friday nights in summer, but you should be able to find a place for your tent any other time during the week. Your accommodation options expand if you look along Sierra Road to the west of the parks. Motels, nature resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, and lodges line the road, which runs alongside the North Fork Kaweah River.

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4.9

Linda B

This is a must see if you're going to the National Park to see Sequoia's. There are no words to accurately describe the massive size of this tree. Just remember the hike to this is easy going down but... more »
NSTP81

OMGosh. What a big tree. So fantastic to see. The snow was deep and not firm. Many had sunk a long way in!! more »
Allison8700

It's not very busy and there are plenty of spots to take photos. It's also very easy to get to which is good because it was cold when we visited. more »

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Jason Pelish

This tree is amazingly big. In order to get to it you have to park above it on the mountain and walk down. It's a relatively long walk. Realize that you've got to walk back up - there's no elevator. Handicap visitors can use the bottom parking lot, but if you don't have a handicap sticker you have to do the long walk. It's totally worth it - people from all over the world are constantly visiting. There's a cool trail that begins here too.

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JAMES WEBER

Awesome. This is one of Those things you have to experience to really understand. This tree is huge but you won't believe it until you stand next to it. Great place to visit.

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Furch iepoo

Wonderful place, Bucket List Place! There is a hike from the parking lot for regular folks, it is an uphill battle with thin air, take your time walking up. The handicapped parking is best for those with disabilities that want to experience the Forrest (General Sherman). If you have problems walking, the disabled parking is a great drop off point. otherwise you will walk downward for some way from the main parking and a hike back up (again thinning air @ 7000 ft makes it a little difficult) so please take your time, take advantage of the small rest areas.

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Bryce Caster

This is the largest single tree stem in the world and it is just awe-inspiring. The half-mile trail is very well done and parking is plentiful.

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Tefeto tarabe

Me and my family just went to Sequoia National Park on April 15, 2017. We had fun! It was really worth it going up there to see General Sherman 😊 I love the beautiful view!!! Amazing experience with my children.

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