Home to giant sequoia redwood trees reaching as high as 325ft and with trunk diameters up to 33ft, these leftovers from the Mesozoic era are thought to weigh upwards of 3000 tons, or close to 20 blue whales. The redwood giants are distributed in two large groves, one of which is easily seen from the North Grove Big Trees Trail, a 1.5-mile self-guided loop, near the entrance. A 4-mile trail that branches off from the self-guided loop climbs out of the North Grove, crosses a ridge and descends 1500ft to the Stanislaus River.
Camping is popular and reservations essential. North Grove Campground is near the park entrance; less crowded is Oak Hollow Campground, 4 miles farther on the park’s main road. Most atmospheric are the hike-in environmental sites. Store food and toiletries in the provided bear lockers at all times.
