Trail of 100 Giants - Sequoia National Forest
Happy National Forest Week! Today we’re heading to one of the only places in the world where giant sequoia groves are found, growing wild along the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevadas…join me along the Trail of 100 Giants.
The Goose Pen at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
Location
The Trail of 100 Giants is located inside Sequoia National Forest, which covers over 1 million acres across three California counties. Inside this National Forest you’ll find Long Meadow Grove, which covers 341 acres and contains over 125 giant sequoias over 10 feet in diameter and 700 giant sequoias with less than 10 feet in diameter.
The largest sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
The Sentinels and the boardwalk (under renovation) at Trail of 100 Giants
History
In 1992 President George H. W. Bush made a presidential proclamation to protect, manage and restore the giant sequoias in this area.
Giant Sequoia National Monument was created on April 15, 2000 by proclamation from President Clinton. 33 sequoia groves are found within the monument boundaries, one of the most popular certainly being the Trail of 100 Giants.
A young sequoia tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
Trail
This easy, family friendly 1.3 mile hike offers several routes, and the entire length is wheelchair accessible. There are many highlights on this trail, starting right from the beginning with the proclamation tree. This is 2000 year old, 245 foot tall giant sequoia is where President Clinton stood and signed his proclamation. Soon after you’ll also come apon the Goose Pen, three trees that have grown together at the base measuring over 50 feet in circumference and over 200 feet tall. Other highlights include the Sentinels (3 giants growing in a line), the giant sequoia with a self made bench, and “The Root”, a massive fallen giant with a fully exposed root system. These trees have a shallow root system but they can spread outward up to one acre. Giant sequoias are unique in that they contain a natural preservative called tannin, which slows their decomposition process. This means the fallen giants resist decay far better than most trees, and it’s incredible to see the massive roots up close!
A sequoia with self-created bench at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
The roots of a fallen sequoia at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
Flora and Fauna
Along with the giant sequoias here, you’ll find sequoia seedlings and saplings as well. This trail is also filled with ponderosa pine, white fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar trees, along with Black eyed Susan, leopard, corn lily plants, and a field of skunk cabbage. The rich vegetation and a central meandering stream make this an excellent place for bird watching. Mule deer and black bears call this forest home, along with numerous squirrels and chipmunks. In the Spring & Summer months you’ll often find butterflies and insects abundant here.
A sequoia with burn and lightning damage at Trail of 100 Giants
Know Before You Go
• Giant sequoias are the world’s largest tree by volume. General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, can be found north in Sequoia National Park.
• Parking is $10 and there are over a dozen benches along the trail to sit back and enjoy the view.
• This is a dog friendly trail, but dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
• While the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, construction and fallen trees can affect the paths…so make sure to check the USDA website for up-to-date information.
• Help protect this place by not cutting across the switchbacks, which can cause erosion and damage the trail…and remember the Leave No Trace Principles as you explore.
• The trail is only open from May through November. And due to the elevation and remote location, make sure to check for weather and road conditions prior to visiting.
The Proclamation Tree at Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
In Summary
Thanks for joining me along the Trail of 100 Giants. For a virtual visit make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Located inside Sequoia National Park directly off Generals Highway, Hazelwood Nature Loop is an easy, family friendly hike that comes in at under 1.5 miles with 50 feet in elevation change. The trail begins past a fallen sequoia tunnel log and it circles for just over half a mile with minimal elevation gain through one of the most lush yet intimate trails in the Giant Forest.