Trail of 100 Giants
Walk among ancient giants on a paved loop trail in Sequoia National Forest, showcasing over 100 colossal sequoias.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Trail of 100 Giants
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among ancient giants on a paved loop trail in Sequoia National Forest, showcasing over 100 colossal sequoias.
"A humbling reminder of time, resilience, and the quiet strength of nature. "
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited; arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid disappointment.
💰 Cash for Parking
The $12 parking fee requires cash. Fill out the envelope and deposit it in the metal pipe.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,639 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Goose Pen
Trail of 100 Giants
Two ancient sequoias fused together, creating a natural cavern once used for shelter.
Towering Giants
Trail of 100 Giants
Marvel at over 100 colossal sequoias, some over 1,500 years old and 220 feet tall.
Resilient New Growth
Trail of 100 Giants
Witness nature's incredible resilience with new growth emerging amidst signs of past wildfires.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Parking
Prepare for the Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited; arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid disappointment.
💰 Cash for Parking
The $12 parking fee requires cash. Fill out the envelope and deposit it in the metal pipe.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Path
Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved trail, making it great for furry friends!
🥾 Easy Paved Loop
The 1.2-mile loop trail is paved and accessible, perfect for all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is very limited; arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid disappointment.
💰 Cash for Parking
The $12 parking fee requires cash. Fill out the envelope and deposit it in the metal pipe.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Path
Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved trail, making it great for furry friends!
🥾 Easy Paved Loop
The 1.2-mile loop trail is paved and accessible, perfect for all ages.
🗺️ Scenic Drive
Enjoy the beautiful, albeit winding, drive up to the grove.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Trail of 100 Giants for its awe-inspiring sequoias and peaceful atmosphere, noting the resilience of nature even after wildfires. However, many point out the significant challenge of limited parking and the long, winding drive to reach the location.
"My partner and I visited the Trails of 100 Giants on June 17, 2022, and it was such a beautiful and memorable experience.
As we drove up, we passed through areas still showing signs of the wildfire. Blackened trees and scorched landscapes, but we also saw an incredible amount of new growth. It was both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time: a reminder of how much history was lost, but also how resilient nature truly is.
The trail itself was peaceful and stunning. We spent a few hours wandering through it, taking our time to sit, breathe, and just marvel at these ancient, thousand-year-old giants. Visiting on a weekday was perfect. It wasn’t crowded at all, and we could really soak in the stillness and the beauty around us. The weather was cool and overcast for most of the day, and by mid-afternoon, the sun started peeking through the trees, lighting everything up just beautifully.
All in all, our walk through this forest felt nothing short of magical. A humbling reminder of time, resilience, and the quiet strength of nature. 🌲✨"
Melissa Badamain
"We’ve been to Sequoia National Park a few times, but this was our first time visiting this spot — and it was a great experience! The area is beautiful and peaceful, perfect for exploring nature. If your dog is ok to survive a long curved road it’s a prefect dog friendly place.
A quick tip: parking is very limited, so I wouldn’t recommend coming during the summer or on weekends if you can avoid it. Parking is $12 cash — you just fill out your info, place the cash in the provided envelope, and drop it into the metal pipe.
Overall, a wonderful place worth visiting if you plan ahead!"
Maciej F
"AWESOME TREES!! Hope and pray mother nature's gift will last forever. This place is very far from anything. The drive is beautiful. $12 to park. We left there and made a right turn towards Nelson camp, wishing to go to the sequoia national park. YICKS! Did not make it there that day. The road up there was beautiful but alittle to much, over an hour of bends and curves with cliffs off the edge. That's why the map shows that in yellow. We should have turned left then gone back to main road."
Kate Me
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Trail of 100 Giants is located in the Sequoia National Forest. Access typically involves a scenic drive, often from Kernville. Be prepared for winding roads, especially if coming from certain directions. Road access is generally open from May to mid-November, with closures during winter months.
The drive can be challenging for some, with over an hour of winding roads and curves, sometimes with steep drop-offs. It's recommended to have a reliable vehicle and be comfortable with mountain driving.
No, the road to the Trail of 100 Giants typically closes over the winter due to snow. Access is usually available between May and mid-November.
No, the Trail of 100 Giants is located in the Sequoia National Forest, not within Sequoia National Park itself, though it offers a similar experience.
Using a GPS or a reliable map app is recommended. Some visitors suggest turning left at a certain point to avoid excessively winding roads if heading towards Nelson Camp.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee of $12. This fee is typically paid with cash on an honor system, where you fill out an envelope and deposit it into a designated pipe.
The trail itself is generally accessible during daylight hours when the road is open. The road closure typically occurs during winter months, from mid-November to May.
No, advance booking is not required. Entry is based on a self-pay parking fee system. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is crucial.
No, the parking fee is typically cash-only. Be sure to bring $12 in cash to pay for parking.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. The standard parking fee applies to all visitors.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
It's a beautiful, 1.2-mile paved loop trail showcasing over 100 giant sequoia trees, some over 1,500 years old. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere and impressive trees.
Yes, the paved, easy loop trail is very family-friendly and great for kids to explore.
Absolutely! Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved trail, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours on the trail, allowing time to admire the trees, read signage, and take photos.
Restrooms are available at the parking area.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the immense scale of the sequoias by using a wide-angle lens. The Goose Pen offers a unique shot, and the interplay of light through the canopy is stunning.
Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning can help you avoid crowds and get clearer shots. Experiment with different angles to minimize people in your photos.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting. Midday sun can be harsh, but the filtered light through the trees can also be magical.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Forests and Parks. It's best to check current regulations before flying a drone.
Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) for greater depth of field to capture the entire tree. Consider shooting in RAW format for more editing flexibility.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit