General Sherman Tree
General Sherman Tree
4.5
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An 249.9 foot ancient tree believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.
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- lizakq1,695 contributionsPictures do no justiceGeneral Sherman tree is so impressive and amazingly beautiful. Trail to get there is easy; I would recommend going in the early hours of the morning so you can have the minimum people around you and that way you'll be able to take all in. There are lots of picture opportunities and other trails to hike also. Plenty of parking and restrooms at the head of the trail.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 6, 2023
- Valerie GNorth Port, Florida288 contributionsBiggest Tree in the WorldThe roads to Sequoia and Kings Canyon can be scary at times but seeing the biggest tree in the world was well worth it. We really enjoyed the hike to the tree. Lots of signs with useful information but also warnings that coming up the trail in the high elevation and thin air is way more difficult then going down the trail. We kept seeing people our age (30s) huffing and puffing coming up the trail as we were going down. I was surprised on the way back up that it was a bit difficult. Very cool to see! Remember to stay on the paths to avoid damaging these beautiful trees shallow roots.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 17, 2023
- Chloe WUnited Kingdom25 contributionsWow!Well worth a visit! General Sherman and the Congress Trail were incredible. Wish we had had more time to spend here! Be aware the Sherman Tree Trail is quite steep - going down is ok, but coming back up made the legs burn. Be mindful of the elevation as well and the air feeling thin. Very popular so also be prepared to wait for a photo in front of General Sherman.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 2, 2024
- lwoudstraBrentwood, California432 contributionsBeautifulWe made a last minute decision to visit on a Saturday. We entered the park through the Kings Canyon Entrance from Clovis, so it took over two hours to get to the General Sherman Tree. Once we arrived, we were diverted by a Ranger to the Wolverton Parking Lot. We arrived around 11:56 AM at Wolverton. There were still a few parking spots left at that time. We took a shuttle from there to the southern Shuttle Drop Off Area at the General Sherman Tree. The line for the shuttle was long, but we waited for only about 15-20 minutes. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes. They do cram everyone on each shuttle! From the General Sherman Tree, you can catch other shuttles to Lodgepole Visitor Center & Giant Forest Museum. We only stayed at the General Sherman Tree area. I’d definitely recommend getting there as early as possible on a Saturday, or go on a different day. Saturday is their busiest day! The crowd was large in front of General Sherman to take pictures, so we took our pictures on the side and behind the tree. We did see a momma bear and a cub that day! After visiting General Sherman, we left the park via Highway 198. It was only 13 miles from General Sherman to Three Rivers, but it took almost an hour because the road was super windy with many hairpin turns! The speed limit on most of the drive was 15 mph and 10 mph on hairpin turns. I got quite sick despite being in the front passenger seat! I’d definitely recommend you plan your visit ahead of time.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 29, 2024
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DrHickenlocher
Irvine, CA1,024 contributions
Aug 2020
Let's first admit that the General Sherman Tree is a bucket list item. If you haven't been there and seen it with your own eyes, you HAVE to see it. Like... it's the biggest in the world. You kinda have to go. But if you can go, I imagine you'd have an extremely more excellent experience going either early in the morning or after like 5pm.
As for us, we went to the Sherman Trail just after 12 noon and it was a crowded tourist trap. We'd enjoyed very sparse crowds all week and it had been quite easy to social distance for days, but of course everyone and their extended family had to all be at the General Sherman Tree at the same time we were. And it's not even that great of an area. The General Grant Grove had been WAYYY more fun.
There was plenty of parking, as there are like four huge tiers of parking lot, and while the closest tier was full, the second was only half full. So I wouldn't worry too much about finding an open space regardless of the hour (at least midweek. I have no idea how the place is on the weekends or a holiday).
The half-mile hike down to the bottom of the hill isn't that bad, but I will state that the hike coming back *up* really sucks. General Grant Grove is so small and quaint that it takes almost no effort at all. But coming back up to the parking lot from the General Sherman felt almost as taxing as Little Baldy for some reason. Maybe it was the hot pavement and the constant flow of human traffic all around. Plus, the Sherman Trail is entirely paved and fenced in like Disneyland. You definitely feel like you're in civilization, like a theme park, instead of on a trail out in nature. There are signs to stay within the fences too, so there weren't opportunities to go rock scrambling, climb fallen logs, or do any of that kind of fun stuff.
The whole area was very, very busy. We could maintain about twenty feet of distance from whatever group happened to be walking in front of us, but there was always another group of people walking behind us, and there was never a time when we felt isolated. Let's face it, you're in a crowd of tourists, less than half of whom were wearing masks. Kings Canyon felt like 95% of the people were wearing masks, and also 95% less crowded. But that's what happens when you visit the #1 tourist destination in Sequoia National Park in the middle of the day.
My kids were blase about the General Sherman itself. It was of course the most crowded section in the area, and we stood in line with other families for a turn to take a photo in front of the tree with the big General Sherman sign. And then we circled around the loop to make it down to the small tunnel tree at the bottom before working our way back up. As a bucket list item, we were happy to cross it off, started the arduous journey back up to the parking lot. At least there are electricity and water-supplied restrooms at the top of the hill.
As for us, we went to the Sherman Trail just after 12 noon and it was a crowded tourist trap. We'd enjoyed very sparse crowds all week and it had been quite easy to social distance for days, but of course everyone and their extended family had to all be at the General Sherman Tree at the same time we were. And it's not even that great of an area. The General Grant Grove had been WAYYY more fun.
There was plenty of parking, as there are like four huge tiers of parking lot, and while the closest tier was full, the second was only half full. So I wouldn't worry too much about finding an open space regardless of the hour (at least midweek. I have no idea how the place is on the weekends or a holiday).
The half-mile hike down to the bottom of the hill isn't that bad, but I will state that the hike coming back *up* really sucks. General Grant Grove is so small and quaint that it takes almost no effort at all. But coming back up to the parking lot from the General Sherman felt almost as taxing as Little Baldy for some reason. Maybe it was the hot pavement and the constant flow of human traffic all around. Plus, the Sherman Trail is entirely paved and fenced in like Disneyland. You definitely feel like you're in civilization, like a theme park, instead of on a trail out in nature. There are signs to stay within the fences too, so there weren't opportunities to go rock scrambling, climb fallen logs, or do any of that kind of fun stuff.
The whole area was very, very busy. We could maintain about twenty feet of distance from whatever group happened to be walking in front of us, but there was always another group of people walking behind us, and there was never a time when we felt isolated. Let's face it, you're in a crowd of tourists, less than half of whom were wearing masks. Kings Canyon felt like 95% of the people were wearing masks, and also 95% less crowded. But that's what happens when you visit the #1 tourist destination in Sequoia National Park in the middle of the day.
My kids were blase about the General Sherman itself. It was of course the most crowded section in the area, and we stood in line with other families for a turn to take a photo in front of the tree with the big General Sherman sign. And then we circled around the loop to make it down to the small tunnel tree at the bottom before working our way back up. As a bucket list item, we were happy to cross it off, started the arduous journey back up to the parking lot. At least there are electricity and water-supplied restrooms at the top of the hill.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Mar 2022
This experience is one of the must sees in Sequoia and it is special but you have to get close to it. The NPS has done a great job of creating a series of meandering paths that make it to the tree to prevent overcrowding. I will say when you first see the tree, it can be a little underwhelming as there are trees much taller around it. However, when you get close the massive girth of this 30' diameter tree is impressive and unreally. If you look up you will see a single limb that by itself is as large as any in my hometown. It is incredible and you cant capture it accurately without doing a vertical pano shot with your camera. So many of the trees on the nearby Congress Trail are incredible but none match this one.
I will say that are other things to do like the Congress Trail and trail to walk through a fallen tree. Also there is a restroom at the parking lot if your group needs. It is a MUST SEE stop.
I will say that are other things to do like the Congress Trail and trail to walk through a fallen tree. Also there is a restroom at the parking lot if your group needs. It is a MUST SEE stop.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamieJW
Quakertown, PA4,543 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The walk to the General Sherman Tree is a nice walk, flat trail with steps, not a bad walk. The hike back is different, all up hill but so worth the effort.
The General Sherman Tree is so impressive, being from Pennsylvania I have never seen a tree that large. So worth the trip to Sequoia National Park to see the giant trees and walk through the forest with these giants.
The General Sherman Tree is so impressive, being from Pennsylvania I have never seen a tree that large. So worth the trip to Sequoia National Park to see the giant trees and walk through the forest with these giants.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swelll
Melbourne, Australia104 contributions
Aug 2020
Always means a lot to stand in front of something that is clearly the largest in the world.
If you wait towards the end of the day there is an opportunity to park towards the accessible location. This means you can avoid the 3/4 mile down and back walk (which is nice enough anyway...but after a long day it might not be appreciated)
If you wait towards the end of the day there is an opportunity to park towards the accessible location. This means you can avoid the 3/4 mile down and back walk (which is nice enough anyway...but after a long day it might not be appreciated)
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa, CA941 contributions
Aug 2020
I've been to Sequoia National Park many times in my life, and I have NEVER seen it as crowded as it was when we were there in August. I guess everyone is looking for outdoor "experiences' these days. This is a very popular place to visit, with good reason. There is TONS of parking, but it can still be difficult to find a spot in the summertime on the weekend. The trail is paved, which makes it an easy walk. It is a bit steep climbing up, but going down to the tree was fine. The day we were there, it was very, very hot, about 105 degrees outside. That made climbing more of a task. It was difficult to social distance with the crowds, and many people were not wearing masks. It seemed the larger groups with children were the ones who were not masked. I hope none of them got sick. There were huge crowds in FRONT of the General Sherman tree, waiting to take pictures. We walked around back and there was hardly anyone there. Weird. We also saw quite a few people with dogs, even though there was plenty of signage that said no dogs. I guess people can't read. I also did not see anyone cleaning up after their dog. So sad. There were signs instructing you to stay on the trail, but again, lots of people did not pay atteniton. I guess folks want to experience nature, but not take care of it. It makes me sad.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lwoudstra
Brentwood, CA432 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We made a last minute decision to visit on a Saturday. We entered the park through the Kings Canyon Entrance from Clovis, so it took over two hours to get to the General Sherman Tree. Once we arrived, we were diverted by a Ranger to the Wolverton Parking Lot. We arrived around 11:56 AM at Wolverton. There were still a few parking spots left at that time. We took a shuttle from there to the southern Shuttle Drop Off Area at the General Sherman Tree. The line for the shuttle was long, but we waited for only about 15-20 minutes. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes. They do cram everyone on each shuttle! From the General Sherman Tree, you can catch other shuttles to Lodgepole Visitor Center & Giant Forest Museum. We only stayed at the General Sherman Tree area. I’d definitely recommend getting there as early as possible on a Saturday, or go on a different day. Saturday is their busiest day! The crowd was large in front of General Sherman to take pictures, so we took our pictures on the side and behind the tree. We did see a momma bear and a cub that day! After visiting General Sherman, we left the park via Highway 198. It was only 13 miles from General Sherman to Three Rivers, but it took almost an hour because the road was super windy with many hairpin turns! The speed limit on most of the drive was 15 mph and 10 mph on hairpin turns. I got quite sick despite being in the front passenger seat! I’d definitely recommend you plan your visit ahead of time.
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ELKW
United States11,824 contributions
Jun 2019
you can drive to go there or take shuttle bus (in summer time), if you drive, you need to park in a more remote parking lot, and need to walk a long way to the Sherman tree, but we take the bus, can get off at the bus stop where is wheelchiar-accessible trail head, so with a short walk, you can go to the Sherman tree. It's the biggest tree (by volume) in the world, so worth to take a look. by the way, there is a fallen tree truck with a hole, so you can walk through the tunnel, it's quite interesting, and both adults and kids love to go through it. It's a point of interest besides the Sherman tree, so if you go to this National park, it's a MUST to walk this trail and to take a look to the Sherman tree, also there are several giant red wood trees can be seen in this trail
Written May 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmz88
Plon, Germany389 contributions
Jul 2021
It's the largest tree in the world - so definitely worth visiting. But keep in mind that you are not allowed to get close to it's o it's hard to comprehend its size. There is usually a long line of people waiting to get their pictures taken in front of it.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic8,722 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This place is overrated. It's surely an unique and magnificent tree that's also a must-see thing in this national park, but in the end, it's a tree behind a fence and everybody wants to take a picture with it. Because of that, there is constantly a line of people waiting to take their picture formed in front of the tree. Some people are fast, but some of them go for photo-shooting session, girls constantly fixing their hair, asking their friends around to come to them to take pictures with them one by one. This was getting on my nerves, as I and my boyfriend were waiting for about 20 minutes in the line to be done in less than 10 seconds with our pictures.
Another thing is that it's actually much nicer to take a picture of the tree from a bit bigger distance, just to have it whole on the picture.
Note the burnt part on the other side of the tree. This tree has a history.
Another thing is that it's actually much nicer to take a picture of the tree from a bit bigger distance, just to have it whole on the picture.
Note the burnt part on the other side of the tree. This tree has a history.
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizakq
Naguabo1,695 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
General Sherman tree is so impressive and amazingly beautiful. Trail to get there is easy; I would recommend going in the early hours of the morning so you can have the minimum people around you and that way you'll be able to take all in. There are lots of picture opportunities and other trails to hike also. Plenty of parking and restrooms at the head of the trail.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinapancho
Strathmore, California
Hello. I would like to know if the trails are okay for baby stroller?
Written July 2, 2020
Michele B
Brussels, Wisconsin
My family of 5 is planning our first trip to see the General Sherman as well as all other "must see" trees along Hwy 101. We are coming from Wisconsin and staying 5 days the beginning of June. Best airport to fly in to? Best place to start? Best place to stay?
Written February 7, 2020
We stayed at sequoia RV ranch at 3 rivers, really pretty with a waterhole to swim in, the sequoia shuttle picks you up at 3 rivers, just up the road and takes you into the national park and drops you off at the end of the day, you have to book this online. The shuttles in sequio are different ones and each route covers a different part of the park. We used the shuttle from 3 rivers to sequioa national park because we had a RV which would make it too difficult to drive as it is mountainous.
Written February 8, 2020
It’s been a dram since I was a child to visit General Sherman and see the giants in person. I will be in the area in November, between 10-15. Baring a storm is it worth trying to visit that late in the year?
Written October 6, 2019
It is usually pretty cold in November. However, the weather is so unpredictable. You may want to keep checking the weather before you make the trip so it will be worth your while. It is gorgeous.
Written October 10, 2019
mzvibbz
Bowling Green, Kentucky
We are planning a trip for the first week of October. What is the weather like in Sequoia/Kings Canyon area in early October?
Written August 12, 2019
Brad
Hong Kong, China
Hello mzvibbz,
You can just google Sequoia October Weather and find online resources with this type of information. Otherwise, you can also research directly on the TripAdvisor California forums where locals and volunteer experts for different destinations can find and answer any questions you might have. There is a forum for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park.
Written August 12, 2019
What is the temperature during the day now where the tree is? Weather website says 50-60 degrees for Sequoia national park but weather site says high 80's for Three Rivers, CA which is the area online google maps says the tree is.
I just want to know so we'll have an idea of how to dress.
Written September 24, 2018
Chica5161
Sturgeon Falls, Canada
Daytime high is around 94. Bring water and comfortable shoes. The trail is well marked and easy to walk.
Written September 24, 2018
Hi, my 2 mates and myself will be visiting California at the end of Sept and I was wondering what the best way of visiting Yosemite and Sequoia NPs would be whilst travelling between San Francisco and LA.
Our plan would be to stay a couple of nights in Yosemite and climb half dome then visit Sequoia to see General Sherman on our way to LA
Would it be wisest to hire a car to do this or take buses?
Where would you recommend to stay and what time do the parks open?
Whats the latest info on the wildfire risk and how might this affect our plans?
Please advise
Cheers
Greg
Written August 4, 2018
SaskOiler
Langley, Canada
Depending on your personal preferences, you might consider using Fresno as a base for both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. That's what we did on our recent road trip with some benefits: [1] Much cheaper than staying at or nearer the park [2] Can stay in same hotel for both parks [3] Wider selection of restaurants or other activities in Fresno than available in smaller towns nearer.
Of course, staying in Fresno increases your drive to/from the parks daily, and you would need a car. So... your choice!
Written August 10, 2018
Hello,
We are thinking of planning a trip to CA ( from the UK ) towards the end of February / early March 2019. We are a family of 5 with 3 small children ( aged between 5 and 8 ).
Please can anyone advise of weather conditions or anything else to consider when visiting General Sherman?
Thank you very much
Kind Regards
Written May 19, 2018
Shreyansh182
Houston, Texas
You guys would be fine. There will be some snow and dressing up warmly is advised. From the general parking area it’s about 2 miles roundtrip. Make sure you reach Sherman before 5 pm atmost. Starts getting a bit dark later on. Going to Sherman tree is easier than coming back due to elevation but we saw plenty kids doing that in March.
Written May 19, 2018
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