Gentle Giants

Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers just that: the chance to experience the giant sequoias in two very different ways, offering awe-inspiring wonder and quiet serenity.

Begin with the General Grant Tree Trail. There’s a reason this half-mile paved loop draws a crowd: It winds through one of the most stunning sequoia groves in the entire park. You’ll encounter the General Grant Tree, soaring 268 feet in the air, the second-largest living tree in the world. Along the way, you can step inside the hollow Fallen Monarch and peek into the historic Gamlin Cabin.

When you’re ready to trade crowds for calm, take a right from the General Grant Tree Trail down the parking lot, looking for a brown metal gate on the far end. Beyond it lies the North Grove Loop, a 1.7-mile trail that feels wilder and more rugged than its manicured neighbor. 

This walk travels through a shady conifer forest featuring clusters of majestic sequoias you can walk right up to. Though parts of the landscape do bear fire scars, renewal is everywhere, with fresh green growth pushing through. The best part: Chances are you’ll have the trail–and the towering giants–all to yourself. 

Directions. Parking in the General Grove Parking Lot. No dogs. 

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini