The Big Trees Trail

★5.0

Pimlico27, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Paved nature loop featuring interpretive signs and benches that encircle a meadow surrounded by towering ancient trees.

General Information

Hours:
Open daily year-round
Summer: 9am to 6pm
Winter: 9am to 4:30pm
Fees:
Vehicle: $35
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $20
Admission valid for 7 days and includes both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed on trails; permitted only in parking lots, paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas on a leash no longer than six feet
Closest cities with hotels:
Three Rivers (5 mi)
Seasons:
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location:
The Big Trees Trail, Sequoia National Park, CA
Website:
nps.gov/thingstodo/big-trees-trail

How to Get There

From Foothills Visitor Center (16 mi): Drive north on Generals Highway for approximately 45 minutes until you reach the Giant Forest Museum; park across the street and follow signs to the trailhead.

Overview

The Big Trees Trail offers a serene and educational walk through one of Sequoia National Park’s most iconic groves. This 0.7-mile paved loop encircles Round Meadow and is lined with interpretive signs that explain the ecology of giant sequoias and the meadow ecosystem. Benches along the trail provide peaceful spots to rest and take in the towering trees, including the Clara Barton Tree and other notable specimens. The trail is fully accessible and ideal for families, seniors, and anyone seeking a gentle introduction to the grandeur of the Giant Forest.

Starting just steps from the Giant Forest Museum, the trail is open year-round and offers a unique experience in every season—from snow-draped silence in winter to vibrant wildflowers in spring. Wildlife such as marmots and deer are commonly spotted, and the trail’s proximity to the museum makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the park. With its combination of accessibility, beauty, and educational value, Big Trees Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Sequoia National Park.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Big Trees Trail, which are released under the Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Daniel Mayer (mav), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
Sequoia_National_Park_-_Big_Trees_Trail_-_tree_cut_on_trail; Image Size Adjusted