General Sherman Tree
Three Rivers, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93262
Taller, wider trees exist, but this giant sequoia (officially a Sequoiadendron giganteum) is the largest tree in the world by volume—as in the amount of wood in its trunk. Dominating most of the surrounding trees and easily accessible via a short trail, General Sherman is a must-see with over 2,000 years of history on the land of Sequoia National Park.
The basics
General Sherman stands on the north end of Giant Forest, the largest sequoia grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. While visiting the famed tree on your own is a matter of taking a short hike from the Main Sherman Tree Trailhead, organized tours can typically take care of transportation from as far as Los Angeles; most tours also visit the General Grant Tree and take on the Big Trees Trail and Moro Rock Trail, among others.
Things to know before you go
The tree is named after American Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman.
The short trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Sherman has shallow roots—stay on paved trails to help protect the tree.
Pets are not allowed on the hiking trail.
The parking area has restrooms, trash cans, water, and food-storage lockers.
Find accessible parking at the main parking area and the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area and Trailhead.
How to get there
The General Sherman Tree is on the north end of the Giant Forest Grove on the west side of Sequoia National Park. From the town of Three Rivers, follow the General’s Highway north for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) and turn right onto Wolverton Road; reach the parking area and trailhead and walk the remaining half mile (0.8 kilometers) to the tree.
When to get there
You can visit the tree year-round. In the summer, free park shuttles offer car-free transportation to the General Sherman Tree accessible parking area. Winter visits can be magical but challenging: Snow is unpredictable, parking is limited, and icy trails may require traction devices. On some winter holidays, a shuttle offers transportation from nearby locations to the Sherman Tree Trail.
Where to see giant trees in Sequoia National Park
General Sherman is one of many giant trees in Sequoia National Park. Stay within the Giant Forest Grove and hike the easy Congress and Big Trees trails to walk under more sequoia trees, or explore other sequoia groves, including Grant Grove in Kings Canyon, where you’ll see the General Grant Tree, as well as Converse Basin and Muir Groves.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!