General Sherman Tree
Natural Landmark · Three Rivers, California
The General Sherman Tree stands in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park and is often cited as the largest tree on Earth by volume. It is about 275 feet tall and about 36 feet across at the base, with an age estimated at 2,000-plus years. Most visitors come by a short, paved path from the main trailhead, which descends gently to the tree and then returns by a steep climb of about 200 or more steps, at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, which tires people arriving from sea level. Parking lots are small and fill by mid-morning, so the park runs a shuttle in summer and an accessible lot with a shorter route. The Congress Trail loop continues past other giant sequoias and is much quieter. Winter brings snow and chain requirements on the Generals Highway, which can close in storms. Sequoia National Park is a separate place nearby, and many visitors pair the two, so confirm fees, shuttle dates and road conditions before you drive.
Generals Highway, Giant Forest, Three Rivers, California, 93271, United States
The tree and its trail are open year-round, day and night, as part of the open landscape of Giant Forest, though the Generals Highway that reaches them can close or require chains during winter storms, roughly from November to April. The main trailhead lot and the accessible upper lot have no gates, but both fill by mid-morning on summer weekends. A free park shuttle serves Giant Forest in summer, usually from late spring to early autumn, with a daytime schedule that changes by year. Snow can cover the paths in winter. The Giant Forest Museum and nearby visitor services keep shorter, seasonal hours. Confirm road, chain and shuttle status with the park before you go.
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