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

General Sherman Tree, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

4.8
#1 of 26 in Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Historic Site Landmark Must See
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.
Create an itinerary including General Sherman Tree
map
Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
1,626 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • August 14, 2017
    It was simply beautiful and educational for my children 6 year old and 14 year old. Spectacular location for pictures.  more »
  • August 14, 2017
    The size of the Sequoia impresses. It should be a soft trekking to get, but it is worth walking
    View original
  • August 14, 2017
    The tree is so popular that there are lines to take a photo in front of it. Be sure you are a good walker as it is a good hike down and back up. There are real nice trails in the area so don't miss ta...  more »
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • May 3, 2017
    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.
  • June 15, 2017
    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.
  • April 18, 2017
    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.
  • June 19, 2017
    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.
  • April 18, 2017
    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.
View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Popular
©
Giant Forest
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
Moro Rock
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
©
Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Side Trips
Manzanar National Historic Site
Independence
Visit for: 8​h
Alabama Hills
Lone Pine
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Ubehebe Crater
Death Valley Junction
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Trails
General Grant Tree Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
Congress Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
©
Crescent Meadow Rd
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
Nature
©
Grant Grove
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Hume Lake
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Boyden Cavern
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
©
Zumwalt Meadow Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h
©
Roaring River Falls
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Nearby
Sequoia Sightseeing Tours
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
©
Crystal Cave
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Generals Hwy
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

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.
Live like a local, find unique places to stay
Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor

Plans in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park by other users

4 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 25 days in California BY A USER FROM SPAIN October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 4 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 60 days in United States BY A USER FROM TAIWAN November, kids, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: November, kids, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 4 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, teens, kids, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: November, teens, kids, outdoors, historic sites, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park & Los Angeles BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 7 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park & Lake Tahoe Area BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 21 days in West Coast, Grand Canyon National Park & Las Vegas BY A USER FROM BELGIUM April, popular PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 11 days in United States BY A USER FROM PANAMA September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 26 days in California BY A USER FROM PANAMA September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 2 days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park BY A USER FROM COLOMBIA November, kids, popular PREFERENCES: November, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
View more plans