Viral Video: What Giant Sequoia Trees At US National Park Look Like

California has a way of pulling you in. One day, you are walking along the beaches of Los Angeles, the next you are driving along the cliffs of Big Sur. There are deserts, vineyards, snowy mountains and national parks that look straight out of a documentary.

If you love the outdoors, California is a dream. And among its many natural wonders, one place stands tall. Literally. Welcome to Sequoia National Park, home to the largest tree on Earth by volume – the General Sherman Tree.

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Where Is Sequoia National Park?

Sequoia National Park spreads across 629 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains of east-central California, as per Britannica. It was established in 1890 to protect groves of giant sequoias, also called Sequoiadendron giganteum. These are among the largest and oldest living things in the world.

The park shares a boundary with Kings Canyon National Park to the north and northwest. On its eastern edge stands Mount Whitney, at 14,494 feet, the highest mountain in the lower 48 U.S. states.

The park is managed jointly with Kings Canyon National Park. Nearby, the Giant Sequoia National Monument protects even more of these big trees.

Meet The Largest Tree On Earth (By Volume)

Deep inside the Giant Forest area of the park stands the General Sherman Tree. And it is not just tall. It is massive.

As per the National Park Service, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world by volume. It is estimated to have a volume of 52,500 cubic feet (1,486.6 cubic meters). In simple terms, that is enough wood to build about 120 average-sized houses.

The trunk alone weighs nearly 1,400 tons. The National Park Service says that it is roughly equal to 15 adult blue whales or 25 military battle tanks.  The tree is between 2,300 and 2,700 years old, according to Britannica. That means it was already growing when many ancient civilisations were still young.

Here are some quick stats:

• Height: 274.9 feet (83.8 meters)
• Circumference at the base: 102.6 feet
• Maximum diameter at base: 36.5 feet
• Height of first large branch: 130 feet above the base

The Giant Forest Experience

The General Sherman Tree stands in an area called the Giant Forest. This forest covers about 5 square miles and is packed with groves of giant sequoias.

Walking here feels surreal. The trees are so tall that your neck will hurt from looking up. The bark is thick and reddish. The air smells fresh and earthy.

Apart from giant sequoias, the park also has incense cedars, sugar pines, white firs and ponderosa pines. You might spot black bears, mule deer, grey foxes, squirrels and other small animals.

How To Visit The General Sherman Tree

There are two main trails:

1. The Main Trail (Wolverton Road)

Parking is available off Wolverton Road, between the Sherman Tree and Lodgepole. From there, you walk about half a mile downhill on a paved path. There are a few stairs. Along the way, you enter the Giant Forest grove and can read exhibits that explain the history of the trees. Keep in mind: the walk back is uphill.

2. The Accessible Trail (Generals Highway)

Visitors with disability parking placards can park along the Generals Highway. From there, a short wheelchair-accessible trail leads to the tree. During shuttle season, park shuttles are available and are wheelchair accessible.

A fence surrounds the tree to protect its shallow roots. Visitors are asked to stay on the paved trail.

Visiting In Winter

Winter in Sequoia National Park is magical but tricky. Snow can fall anytime between October and June. Once snow builds up, the main Wolverton parking area closes. The accessible parking area along Generals Highway becomes open to all visitors.

The trail can be snowy and icy. It is advised to carry traction devices like microspikes or similar gear for your footwear. On some holiday weekends, a winter shuttle runs between key points like the Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole and Wuksachi.

If you are ready for cold weather, winter gives you quiet trails and postcard views.

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A Viral Moment On Instagram

A viral video posted on Instagram by travel content creator Meghana captured the magic of the General Sherman Tree. In the clip, she slowly pans the camera upward, trying to fit the entire tree into one frame. Spoiler: It is almost impossible.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meghana | SF Bay Area | California | Travel & Lifestyle (@wanderingcreator_meghana)

Sometimes, social media hype feels overdone. But in this case, the tree truly lives up to it.

Travel Tips Before You Go

• Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall for easier access. Winter is for snow lovers.
• Stay Options: Lodges like Wuksachi Lodge inside the park, or hotels in nearby towns like Three Rivers.
• What To Carry: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and layers. The weather changes quickly in the mountains.
• Wildlife Safety: Store food properly and follow park rules.

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Why It Is Worth The Trip

Sequoia National Park is not flashy. It is calm and powerful. The General Sherman Tree does not move or make noise. Yet it leaves a strong impact.

Standing in front of a living thing that has survived for over two thousand years changes your perspective. It makes you feel small, but in a good way.

California has many attractions. But if you want to see something truly timeless, head to the mountains. The General Sherman Tree will be waiting.