| Sequoia National Park, California |
 Trail Name:Trail of the Sequoias Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Named by conservationist John Muir, the 1,800-acre Giant Forest contains the most impressive collection of giant sequoia to be found in the Sierra Nevada. This hike, through the eastern part of the Forest, starts on the very popular Congress Trail. But before setting out, take a look at the General Sherman Tree. With a base circumference of more than 100 ft and a height of 275 ft, it is the world’s largest living thing. And even though it is not the oldest sequoia by any means, its age is still estimated at around 2,500 years.
The Congress Trail begins just to the right of General Sherman. The easy paved path heads over the footbridge and into the forest. The sequoias are so distinctive, not just through their massive size but also from the beautiful red-brown lined bark. In 0.4 mile, bear left, ignoring the little connecting trail to the other side of the Congress loop, and climb gently. In another 0.4 mile, leave the paved trail (and most of the people) behind and fork left onto Trail of the Sequoias. In 0.1 mile, pass another massive sequoia with a huge fire scar – Chief Sequoyah Tree – and here the path again diverges. Fork left, staying on Trail of the Sequoias. Climb steadily for 10 minutes or so, through mixed-conifer and sequoia, many showing signs of fire damage. One of the reasons the sequoias live so long is their ability to survive a blaze, due to the fire resistance properties of the thick bark. Resistant also to insects and fungi, their only weakness being the extremely shallow root system. It is not surprising therefore that toppling is the main cause of sequoia deaths. After a final couple of switchbacks the trail reaches the highest point (around 7,300 ft) and levels. Pass through a more open area of forest, scattered with large rocks and boulders. There is a brief glimpse of snow-capped peaks through the trees on the right (due east) before an easy descent to denser forest. More massive boulders are to the left as you approach a log and boulder-jammed trickle of water. Cross using fallen logs and the trail bears right. After 20 minutes of easy walking, through peaceful forest filled with birdsong, you reach a junction at 3.2 miles. Straight ahead leads in 0.5 mile to the High Sierra Trail, from where you can access Eagle View. To keep on Trail of the Sequoias (unsigned when we hiked), turn right for the steep yet short descent to Log Meadow, then right again, signed Tharp’s Log in 0.3 mile. Immediately before Tharp’s Log (a cabin built into a downed sequoia trunk), take the trail to the right, signed Chimney Tree. Pass the burnt out remains of this sequoia after 0.3 mile and keep ahead to start the loop back to Sherman Tree. Now you are above the head of Crescent Meadow – and you can see its full length through a gap in the trees. This is a lovely part of the hike, the ground covered with lupine and red snow plants, which feed on decaying matter. Bear right after 0.2 mile, ignoring the path to the left down the west side of Crescent Meadow. A minute later the path divides again; take the right fork to Sherman Tree. Climb for several minutes, through another section of forest dwarfed by sequoia, to a junction at 4.6 miles. Turn right for Circle Meadow and Congress Trail, and right again 0.1 mile later, signed Senate Group. Just after the junction you reach the lower part of Circle Meadow, which you follow for a while. The meadows are filled with bird-life and are a great place to spot bears – a hiker on the trail three days before us saw five black bears. The trail undulates for the next ten minutes, eventually winding down to a creek. Cross it and bear left, moving away from the meadow through forest scattered with rocks and boulders. After a few minutes, a gentle climb takes you into an area with many sequoias. One group that crowds the trail is known as The Senate. They signal the 5.7-mile mark and the end of Trail of the Sequoias, and it is here that you rejoin the paved Congress Trail to return to the trailhead. Turn left to complete the final mile of the Congress loop. After a couple of minutes pass the House Group of sequoias, and another huge tree, General Lee, a minute later. Keep to the paved trail around McKinley Tree, and pass more sequoias as you complete the descent to the car park. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Western slopes of central California’s Sierra Nevada. Entrance fee of $10 per vehicle, valid for 7 days in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Directions: From Visalia, take Hwy 198 through Three Rivers to the Ash Mountain Park entrance and Foothills visitor center. Continue up Generals Highway, a steep, narrow and winding road (not advised to long vehicles), for around 45 minutes to Giant Forest. Trailhead: General Sherman Tree parking area, a couple of miles past the new Giant Forest Museum. Length: 6.7 miles / 10.7 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 500 ft / 152 m Duration: 3 hours Trail Condition: Smooth maintained trail, blazed with yellow triangles. Paved at start and finish. Features: Giant sequoias, forest, meadows, wildlife. Climate: Best in spring and fall. Summer brings hot temperatures, mosquitoes and lots of visitors. Heavy snow in winter. Accommodation: Inside the Park, Lodgepole is the nearest campground and Wuksachi Village the nearest lodging – 3 and 4 miles north of General Sherman respectively along Generals Highway. Further accommodation at Three Rivers and just before the Ash Mountain entrance. Trail Notes: Buy trail map at Foothills and Lodgepole visitor centers. For greater solitude, avoid weekends or set out early. Take insect repellent during early summer months. |
Popularity: 11% [?]
