Big Stump Trail - Kings Canyon National Park
Giant sequoia stump in Kings Canyon National Park
This week we’re heading into Kings Canyon National Park in the heart of central California to explore a wonderful (yet lesser visited) spot worthy of a stop on any trip to the Sequoias. Let’s head out to Big Stump Trail.
Giant sequoia stump in Kings Canyon National Park
Trail Overview
Located less than a 1/4 mile past the main Kings Canyon National Park entrance on Highway 180, Big Stump Trail is a gentle 2 mile hike with 200 ft in elevation change. While most people rush past Big Stump Basin heading to Grant Grove, this easy loop covers grassy meadows, mature trees, wildflowers, and of course the remnants of these fallen giant sequoias.
Meadow of sequoia stumps along Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
History
While native tribes (including Mono, Yokut, Paiute, and Western Shoshone) lived in this area of California for thousands of years, it wasn’t until the 1850s that Europeans made their way here. By 1854 word of these giants reached the east coast and even the UK. A giant tree 311 feet tall, known as the “Mother of the Forest,” was felled and shipped to England as proof that these epic trees were indeed real. Between 1883 and 1889, Smith Comstock Lumber Mill logged many of the trees in this area to be used as fence posts for vineyards and farms in the Central Valley.
Mark Twain Tree stump on Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Location
The main parking area is located less than 1 mile inside the north park entrance next to the Big Stump Picnic Area, with restrooms and running water. There is also a small pull out (for 3-4 cars) less than 10 yards inside the entrance station…if you can nab a spot here you can walk across the road right onto the trail next to some of the most impressive fallen trees (this is the quickest way to visit the Mark Twain Tree). There is plenty of shade along the path, so even on a hot sunny day you can enjoy the many unique highlights, including the Old Adam Tree, Sawed Tree, and the feather beds...below I’m diving into details about a few that I always find impressive.
Mark Twain Tree stump on Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Mark Twain Tree
The most famous tree on the entire trail has to be the Mark Twain Tree. Two men spent nearly 13 days sawing this tree before it finally fell. It was believed to be healthy and approximately 1,350 years old when it was cut. This is definitely the largest tree stump I’ve ever seen...in fact you can walk up a short set of stairs and walk around on top of this giant sequoia stump (which is about the same size as my first apartment in NYC 😳!). Sadly in 1891 this healthy tree was cut down so it could be sent to New York and London simply to showcase how large these tree could grow. In fact, a section of this tree still remains on exhibit at the British Museum today.
Shattered Giant along Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Shattered Giant
I personally found this to be one of the most fascinating trees along the entire trail. The massive sequoia looks as though it completely exploded when it fell, and you can see the impact these fallen trees made as you walk up close and explore this perfectly preserved giant. Interestingly sequoias are so brittle that a large percentage of these trees would shatter when they fell. As a result, “feather beds” were often created by digging trenches and filling them with twigs and branches to try to lessen the chance of shattering as they came down.
Shattered Giant along Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Know Before You Go
• While this is definitely an easy family friendly hike, the dirt and gravel path is not considered ADA accessible,
• This trail is not heavily trafficked, but it’s more popular from Spring to Fall. This makes a great Winter route if you enjoy snowshoeing or Nordic skiing.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Be bear wise…never leave food unattended and always keep a safe distance from local wildlife.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon Points of Interest
• Grant Grove
• Moro Rock
• Hanging Rock
• Tunnel Rock
• Parker Group
• Tunnel Log
• General Sherman
• Halstead Meadow
Giant sequoia stump in Kings Canyon National Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me along Big Stump Trail today. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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