Auto Log
A giant fallen sequoia, once a unique drive-on attraction, now a historical relic in Sequoia National Park.
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Auto Log
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Best for viewing and photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A giant fallen sequoia, once a unique drive-on attraction, now a historical relic in Sequoia National Park.
"A fascinating historical artifact offering a glimpse into early park tourism."
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Climb on the log for a unique photo, but remember you can't drive on it anymore! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Nearby
Pull off Crescent Meadow Road to park and explore. A small lot is available. :car:
Highlights
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Auto Log
Crescent Meadow Road, Sequoia National Park
A giant fallen sequoia, once a drive-on attraction, now a historical relic.
Historical Photo Opportunity
Auto Log
Imagine cars atop this massive tree! A unique spot for history buffs and curious visitors.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Auto Log
Historical Significance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Climb on the log for a unique photo, but remember you can't drive on it anymore! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Nearby
Pull off Crescent Meadow Road to park and explore. A small lot is available. :car:
🚶♀️ Part of a Larger Hike
Auto Log is a quick stop on the Crescent Meadow Loop, near Tunnel Log. :hiking_boot:
🕰️ Historical Context
Learn about its past as a drive-on attraction for early tourists. :scroll:
three rivers as base for both sequoia and kings canyon?
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Op Alert!
Climb on the log for a unique photo, but remember you can't drive on it anymore! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Nearby
Pull off Crescent Meadow Road to park and explore. A small lot is available. :car:
🚶♀️ Part of a Larger Hike
Auto Log is a quick stop on the Crescent Meadow Loop, near Tunnel Log. :hiking_boot:
🕰️ Historical Context
Learn about its past as a drive-on attraction for early tourists. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Auto Log to be an interesting historical artifact, offering a glimpse into early park tourism. While you can no longer drive on the fallen sequoia, it's a worthwhile quick stop for its unique past and photo opportunities. Some note it's a bit decayed now but still worth a look.
"Crescent Meadow Loop is popular road (and hike) in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. It is open to vehicles during the warmer months of the year. However, you can hake the loop year round. One of interesting attractions to see along this route is Auto Log, a giant sequoia that fell in 1917 and served as an early tourist attraction for tourists who visited during the following decades.
After this monarch sequoia fell, an earth mound was built up and along its side to make a ramp for vehicles. The top was also gouged out, creating a flat surface for which cars could be driven upon the top of the tree for tourist photos. You can see old black and white pictures online of early 19th century vehicles atop Auto Log.
These days, Auto Log off limits to such activity. Mind you, it is rather doubtful it could withstand the weight of modern era vehicles. You can pull your vehicle off Crescent Meadow Road, park and have a look. Similarly, if hiking the loop, just stop for a couple minutes to see and learn about Auto Log before continuing onward to the famous Tunnel Log, Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow further down the road."
Brad
"You can no longer drive on the tree, but it's a great tree to climb up on just off the road. Most park on the road, but there is a small lot located at the level where you can climb up."
Luke Peters
"Another novelty from when people were allowed to drive on top of felled trees. You can't do that now but it is an interesting historical artifact worth a look see."
Mark Pabst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Auto Log is located off Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. Follow signs for Crescent Meadow and Tunnel Log; Auto Log is a short stop along this route.
Crescent Meadow Road is generally open to vehicles during the warmer months of the year. It's advisable to check the park's official website for current road conditions and closures before your visit.
No, you can no longer drive your vehicle on Auto Log. It was a popular attraction in the past, but it is now off-limits to vehicles for preservation.
You can park your vehicle on the side of Crescent Meadow Road near Auto Log and walk up to it. It's also a stop along the Crescent Meadow Loop trail.
While you can't drive on it, the access road to the parking area is suitable for most standard vehicles. The road to Three Rivers can be steep and narrow, but the 180 route is generally fine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You will need a valid park entrance pass to enter Sequoia National Park. Auto Log itself does not require a separate ticket once inside the park.
Auto Log is an outdoor natural feature and is accessible whenever Sequoia National Park is open. However, the road leading to it may have seasonal closures.
The admission fee is for Sequoia National Park itself. There is no additional fee to visit Auto Log once you are inside the park.
While specific tours focused solely on Auto Log are uncommon, many general Sequoia National Park tours will include it as a stop, especially those covering the Giant Forest area.
The primary restriction is that you cannot drive on the log itself. Otherwise, it's a historical site to observe and photograph.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo ops involve climbing on the log (where accessible) to imagine the past era of cars on trees. You can also capture its immense scale against the forest backdrop.
Drone usage is restricted in most national parks, including Sequoia. Check the NPS website for current drone regulations before flying.
Mid-day can be harsh with direct sunlight. Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds for better photography.
Try getting low to emphasize the log's size, or stand on top (where safe) to get a sense of its former use. Wide-angle lenses can capture its grandeur.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're interested in historical context, a camera that can capture detail would be great.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's a short stop along Crescent Meadow Road, it won't disrupt younger children's attention spans. It's also a good opportunity to talk about conservation and why some historical practices are no longer allowed. Pair it with a visit to Tunnel Log for more car-related fun in the park!
📜 History Buffs
Consider researching the history of Auto Log and its role in Sequoia National Park's development before your visit. This will enhance your appreciation for this fallen giant and its place in the story of American national parks. It's a quiet but significant historical marker.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Auto Log
Black and white photographs from the era vividly depict early automobiles perched on the log, offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of park visitation. However, as time progressed and preservation efforts became more prominent, the practice of driving on Auto Log was discontinued. The log itself has also undergone natural decay, making it unsuitable and unsafe for modern vehicles. Today, Auto Log stands as a historical artifact, a silent reminder of a time when visitors could literally drive on a giant tree.
While you can no longer experience the thrill of driving on Auto Log, it remains a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in the history of Sequoia National Park and the evolution of tourism. It's easily accessible from Crescent Meadow Road and offers a unique perspective on the park's past. It's a quick but memorable detour that adds a layer of historical context to your visit, especially when combined with nearby attractions like Tunnel Log.
Visiting Auto Log Today
Auto Log is conveniently located along the popular Crescent Meadow Loop, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. It's situated near other iconic sights such as Tunnel Log and Moro Rock, so you can easily combine these stops into a single outing. The log is a great spot for a quick photo opportunity and a moment to reflect on the park's history. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these ancient giants and the changing ways we interact with nature.
Remember that Auto Log is a natural feature and part of the park's historical landscape. Please be respectful of the site and follow all park guidelines. While you can't drive on it, you can still appreciate its grandeur and the stories it holds. It's a simple yet impactful stop that adds depth to any visit to Sequoia National Park.
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