General Sherman Tree

The General Sherman earns its title not by height or age but by volume: the trunk alone contains an estimated 52,000 cubic feet of wood, making it the most massive single-stem tree known. Its largest branch is bigger than most full-grown trees elsewhere.

Giant sequoias grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and they are built to last, with thick, fire-resistant bark and the ability to keep adding wood for thousands of years. The Sherman Tree is still growing today, adding enough wood each year to make a good-sized ordinary tree.

A short, paved trail leads from the parking area or shuttle stop down to the base of the tree, an easy walk on the way in that becomes an uphill return at high elevation. A railing surrounds the base to protect the sequoia's shallow roots, and signs explain its remarkable statistics.

The tree stands at the edge of the Giant Forest, so a visit pairs naturally with a walk on the nearby Congress Trail among many other enormous sequoias. Morning light filtering through the grove makes an especially memorable time to visit.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The General Sherman Tree is a giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park, California, and the largest living thing on earth by volume. Standing about 275 feet tall with a base more than 36 feet across, and estimated to be around 2,200 years old, it holds the title of biggest tree not because it is the tallest or oldest, but because it contains the greatest volume of wood of any single-stem tree known. Reached by a short paved trail through the Giant Forest, it is the most famous sight in the park and one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the country.

The General Sherman Tree is about 275 feet tall, more than 36 feet in diameter at its base, and has a circumference at the ground of over 100 feet. Its trunk contains an estimated 52,000 cubic feet of wood, which is what makes it the largest tree on earth by volume. Even its largest branch is bigger than many complete trees. And it is still growing, adding roughly enough wood each year to equal a good-sized ordinary tree. Standing at its base and looking up the enormous cinnamon-colored trunk is the best way to appreciate just how massive this ancient sequoia really is.

The General Sherman Tree is in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park and is reached by a short paved trail. There is a parking area near the tree, and in the busy summer season the park also runs a free shuttle that stops nearby, which is often the easiest option given limited parking. The trail down to the tree is easy, but remember that it is an uphill walk on the way back, at high elevation, so take your time. Because the park can be busy and access can vary seasonally, it is worth checking current parking and shuttle information before your visit.

No, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree by volume, but it is not the oldest. At an estimated 2,200 years old it is ancient, but some other giant sequoias, and especially the bristlecone pines of the White Mountains in California, are far older, with some bristlecones exceeding 4,000 years. Nor is the General Sherman the tallest tree; that distinction belongs to the coast redwoods of northern California. What makes the General Sherman unique is its sheer mass: no other single-stem tree on earth contains as much wood, which is why it holds the title of largest living thing on the planet.