United States California Three Rivers

General Sherman Tree

A giant sequoia known as the world's largest tree by volume, standing at 275 feet tall and over 36 feet in diameter at its base.

Tips from the community

Hike to the General Sherman Tree, the largest Giant Sequoia Tree on the planet! In fact, General Sherman is actually the largest living organism on Earth in terms of its cubic volume. It's one of the most famous Sequoia National Park hiking trails. The trail is a 1-mile round trip and gains 160 feet on the way up. Because General Sherman is located at 7,000 feet in elevation you'll feel the altitude on your hike up! There is also a handicap-accessible parking area close to the base of the tree so all visitors can enjoy it.

nicolejordan 2 years ago

As you embark on your High Sierra road trip, make sure to include a visit to the General Sherman Tree, an awe-inspiring giant sequoia located in Sequoia National Park. This colossal tree is not only the world's largest by volume but also a humbling testament to the ancient beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Standing at the heart of the Giant Forest, the General Sherman Tree is a must-see, easily accessible from the park's main road and offering a memorable stop to gaze up at one of nature's most magnificent creations.

seeker 1 month ago

As you traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the High Sierra on your road trip, make sure to include a stop at the iconic General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. This giant sequoia is not only the largest known living single-stem tree by volume on Earth, but it's also an awe-inspiring natural marvel that stands at over 275 feet tall. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs, immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient forests, and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

visitmesa 1 month ago

General Sherman is the largest tree in the world by volume. At 275 feet tall and a diameter of 36 feet at its base, this giant sequoia is thought to be around 2,200 years old. This tree is so beloved, that when the recent wildfires swept through Sequoia National Park, Cal Fire leapt into action, wrapping this national treasure in protective blankets until the fire was contained.

chiefseeker 2 years ago

As the largest tree in the world in terms of volume, General Sherman stands 275 feet tall, is over 36 feet in diameter at its base, and is estimated to be over 2.5 million pounds.

nicolejordan 2 years ago

General Sherman Tree Guides

  • High Sierra Road Trip: All the places to spot along the way

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    Embarking on a road trip through High Sierra is like stepping into a boundless adventure book, where every turn of the page reveals a new, awe-inspiring chapter. This majestic region is a canvas painted with soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, just waiting for you to discover its secrets. From the ancient forests of Sequoia National Park to the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Lake, we've rounded up an irresistible list of spots that will captivate your heart and spark your wanderlust. Buckle up, because each site on this journey promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories that are just around the next bend.
  • California Road Trip 2020

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    This summer we are hitting the open road in an RV and exploring California’s National Parks and the coast.
  • Best things to see and do in Sequoia National Park

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    Sequoia National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering an array of exciting activities and sights to explore. The park's most popular attraction is the Giant Forest, home to General Sherman, the world's largest tree, which stands at a staggering 275 feet tall and is over 2,000 years old. Other must-see sights include Moro Rock, a granite dome offering stunning panoramic views of the park, and the Crystal Cave, a breathtaking underground cavern filled with stunning rock formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking to horseback riding, camping to stargazing, and even snowshoeing in the winter. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles, making it a nature lover's paradise. Here is a list of our favorite things to see and do in the majestic Sequoia National Park.
  • Best easy to moderate hiking trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

    nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)
    Wander through groves of Giant Sequoias, climb up some steep Sierra granite, stroll past alpine meadows, or plan a hike up to a pristine alpine lake. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer hikes with breathtaking vistas for all hikers who visit the park!
  • Famous Trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    Sequoias are native to California and only California thanks to the high altitudes of the Sierra Nevadas and the runoff of the mountain snow. They are the biggest trees in the world, by volume, and only the redwoods can make a bigger claim as the tallest trees in the world. This is what makes Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks so epic. And these are the most famous of all the mighty sequoias.
  • Iconic Trees in US National Parks

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    These are the trees that were famous before instagram.
  • Summer 2020 Roadtrip

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    This summer we are hitting the road in an RV and exploring the National and State parks of California.

General Sherman Tree Articles

  • Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park?

    Considering a trip to the land of the giant sequoias but don’t know which park to visit? Well you’re in luck. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and are both easily do-able in one trip. In fact, the byway runs alongside many of the top attractions in […]

    Read more...
  • Where is General Sherman Tree?

    As the largest tree in the world in terms of volume, General Sherman stands 275 feet tall, is over 36 feet in diameter at its base, and is estimated to be over 2.5 million pounds. This famous sequoia has been thriving for an estimated 3200 years in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and […]

    Read more...
  • Which famous trees live in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?

    California has so much beauty and the sequoias are no exception. Found only in California thanks to the climate of the Sierra Nevada mountains, they are the largest trees in the world, by volume (second to only the redwoods by height). Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are where the majority of the sequoias have […]

    Read more...
  • Can you rent cabins in Sequoia National Park?

    There are many different options for lodging in and around Sequoia National Park. Cabins are a great choice if you are looking for comfort and character while still connecting with nature. Cabins typically sell out so if you plan to go this route, book early.  For cabins within Sequoia National Park, consider Wuksachi Lodge, located […]

    Read more...
  • Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023

    Lace up your boots and head to Sequoia National Park: Land of Giants, home to the largest trees in the world. Sitting at number 23 on our list of US national parks, Sequoia is famous for its groves of old growth giant sequoias. And the plunging peaks and steep mountain hikes? Those might come as […]

    Read more...