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4.5
1,479 votes

General Sherman Tree

Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, California USA

$
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Open Now
Thu 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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“one of the oldest and largest living organisms on earth”

The General Sherman Tree is the world's largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet (83 m) tall, and is over 36 feet (11 m) in diameter at the base. Sequoia trunks remain wide high up. Sixty feet above the base, the Sherman Tree is 17.5 feet (5.3 m) in diameter. Visiting the General Sherman Tree Two trails lead to the Sherman Tree. Parking for the Main Trail is off the Wolverton Road (between the Sherman Tree and Lodgepole); just follow signs. The trail runs half a mile (0.8 km) down to the tree. It has a few stairs and is paved. As you walk, you'll enter the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Exhibits along the trail explain the natural history of giant sequoias. The walk back is uphill. Those with disability parking placards can park in a small lot along the edge of the Generals Highway. From there, a wheelchair-accessible trail leads a short distance to the tree. If you don't have a placard but can't manage the Main Trail, during shuttle season you can ride park shuttles (all are wheelchair accessible, and some kneel) to the accessible trail. Another option, if you can do the initial downhill walk, is to park at the Main Trail, walk down to the Sherman Tree, then continue down to the shuttle stop along the Generals Highway. A shuttle can return you to your parking area, eliminating the uphill walk. A fence protects the shallow roots of the Sherman Tree. Please help us protect the tree by staying on the paved trail. The Sherman Tree in Winter Once much snow falls, the main parking area off the Wolverton Road closes and the accessible parking area on the Generals Highway becomes available for all. The trail from there to the Sherman Tree is not steep but can be very snowy or icy. Please be careful, and if you choose to walk, avoid stepping in ski tracks. The timing of winter snow varies tremendously between seasons and is very difficult to predict. Snow can fall anytime from October into June. Check current conditions for more information. On some winter holiday weekends, a winter shuttle may provide transportation from Lodgepole and Wuksachi to the Sherman Tree Trail. Exploring Further Hundreds of monarch sequoias grow in the Giant Forest sequoia grove. The Congress Trail, a paved two-mile loop that begins near the Sherman Tree, offers excellent opportunities to see notable trees. Big Trees Trail, a one-mile (1.6 km) loop around a lush meadow, has interpretive exhibits about the natural history of giant sequoias. For a longer walk, explore the many miles of trails in the area. Beyond the Giant Forest, more sequoia groves await. Visit the world's second-largest tree, the General Grant Tree in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Other groves such as Redwood Canyon and Muir Grove are destinations for longer hikes.

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Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
August 31, 2014
Rated

Wear bug spray!

It's a nice long drive to get here, and the park itself is incredible. The tree is considered overrated, but it's still pretty beautiful.

Go early before the crowds come so you can get a good shot.

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
ManimalBrent

  • 4 Reviews
  • 7 Helpful
July 16, 2014
Rated 4.0

this tree was actually really impressive, but even early its impossible to get a picture of yourself by it because there are too many people trying to do the same thing. its also impossible to do justice to it with a photo. well worth the half mile walk to get to it from the parking area

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Hannah Long

  • 14 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
March 06, 2019
Rated 4.0

A little overrated but a novelty in itself so go anyway! A LOT of litter and trash along the walkway because people don't know how to act in public places. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and please care for our public lands.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
lanceworley

  • 13 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
June 14, 2016
Rated 5.0

Worth every second - the drive up is beautiful and the Sherman/Congress Trails are both great for novice hikers. Must see!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Lild1116

  • 9 Reviews
  • 15 Helpful
July 07, 2014
Rated

Now this is a big tree and you can tell from all the others

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
tadingle

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
July 05, 2014
Rated

It is very difficult to wrap the brain around how large this tree really is. A must see.

1 person found this review helpful
  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
January 10, 2022
Rated 5.0

Amazing experience

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Reviewed by
Mark Sheen

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
November 10, 2021
Rated

Only if this tree can talk!!!!!

What would it say? At the beginning.........

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Reviewed by
rae.rae.rae.rae

  • 4 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
June 04, 2021
Rated 5.0

Worth the drive. Lots of curved roads. Be easy on your breaks, mine started to smoke on the way back down! Gift shop was closed bc of Covid. Bring water! The shuttle system made the whole trip so much better. Park car next to giant forest museum and shuttle to all of the stops! They leave every 7-14 minutes. Hike to Sherman was super easy. Wheel chair accessible/kid friendly. Not animals allowed though. He’s HUGE. That trail is usually popular and a line forms to take pictures. Rangers everywhere to ask questions. Single car entrance was $35. Found a hotel in Vasalia and the drive was about 45/60 minutes from there.

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Reviewed by
Anthony Arata

  • 127 Reviews
  • 20 Helpful
August 14, 2020
Rated 5.0

You won’t be able to fit this tree in a picture no matter how good your lens is. This tree is awesome though and definitely worth seeing. The road back is steep though.

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General Sherman Tree

Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers, California
USA
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Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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