General Sherman Tree Tours

Sequoia National Park featuring forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Sequoia National Park which includes forests
Sequoia National Park featuring forests and signage as well as a small group of people
General Sherman Tree showing forest scenes
General Sherman Tree showing forests


The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

Though it is not the tallest, widest or oldest tree on Earth, the General Sherman Tree is the largest single-stem tree by volume. Get close to the mighty sequoia to marvel at its gargantuan form.

The General Sherman Tree’s trunk measures more than 100 feet (30 meters) around at its base. Have someone take a picture of you in front of the astonishingly wide trunk. Don’t bother trying to capture its full height in a photograph without a fish-eye or panoramic lens. At 275 feet (84 meters), it is simply too tall for a normal photo. As you admire its form, pay special attention to its branches. Many measure up to 7 feet (2 meters) in diameter, quite large even compared to the trunks of most trees.

Hike around the area near General Sherman. Follow the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Congress Trail paved loop to see even more giant sequoias. Find the Washington Tree along the route. At one time, the Washington Tree was just 20 feet (6 meters) shorter than General Sherman and was known as the world’s second-largest tree. It’s now significantly shorter, having lost some of its upper branches after a lightning strike in the late 1990s. Although it may look like a tall dead stump, it still has foliage and is expected to live for many years.

While here, contemplate how long the General Sherman Tree has been standing. Although its age can only be estimated, it is thought to be about 2,200 years old. By sequoia standards, this is not very old some living sequoias are believed to have been growing for more than 3,000 years.

To get to the General Sherman Tree in summer, ride the park’s free shuttle bus. Avoid having to do an uphill climb by getting off at the upper stop and strolling down to the lower stop, pausing to properly admire the mammoth tree along the way.

Find General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest Sequoia Grove in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Wheelchair access is available via the paved path from the parking lot off Generals Highway.

Plan a trip to see General Sherman Tree

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Hyatt Place Fresno
Summerfield Inn Fresno Yosemite
Hotel Piccadilly

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near General Sherman Tree

Wuksachi Lodge

Wuksachi Lodge

2.5 out of 5
64740 Wuksachi Way Wuksachi Vi, Sequoia National Park, CA
Wuksachi Lodge
Stony Creek Lodge

Stony Creek Lodge

3 out of 5
65569 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Stony Creek Lodge
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge

The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge

2.5 out of 5
45978 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
The River Inn

The River Inn

2 out of 5
45176 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
The River Inn
Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park

Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park

Three Rivers
Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park
Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
63410 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Silver City Mountain Resort

Silver City Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
Mile 21 Mineral King Road, Sequoia National Park, Silver City, Three Rivers, CA
Silver City Mountain Resort
The Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance

The Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance

Three Rivers
The Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near General Sherman Tree

When visiting the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, don't miss out on hiking the scenic trails, including the Big Trees Trail and the Tree Trail. Camping is available nearby for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, explore local dining options to complement your outdoor adventures, and keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits this stunning area.

Shopping

The General Sherman Tree area offers charming gift shops featuring local crafts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. For a broader selection, if you're up for a drive, head to the nearby Visalia Mall or the Sierra Vista Mall, where you'll find a variety of national retailers and dining options.

Recreation

At Our Place Playground, enjoy a family-friendly outdoor environment perfect for relaxation and play, located 13 miles from General Sherman Tree. For wellness and tranquility, visit Horse Creek Recreation Area, 18 miles away, where you can reconnect with nature. For sports enthusiasts, Exeter Public Golf Course, 30 miles away, offers a great golfing experience.

Adventure

Explore the Big Trees Trail, located 1 mile from General Sherman Tree, for a scenic hiking experience amidst majestic sequoias. The Congress Trail, only 0.2 mile away, offers a shorter trek with stunning views. For a more challenging hike, the Weaver Lake Trail is 8 miles from the tree.

Nightlife

While General Sherman Tree is best known for its daytime beauty, the nearby village of Three Rivers offers cozy spots like the Gateway Restaurant for dinner and drinks, or the Sequoia Brewing Company for a laid-back vibe. Enjoy stargazing in the clear night sky after your adventures.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near General Sherman Tree

When visiting the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, you'll find a range of attractions including the iconic General Sherman Tree, giant sequoias, and stunning rock formations. This destination offers outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery for all types of travelers, whether you're looking to hike, explore nature, or simply take in the beauty of the park. Don't miss the visitor center for helpful information on your adventures.

  • Moro Rock: A stunning granite dome rising 6,725 feet, Moro Rock offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sequoia National Park. The short but steep hike to the summit rewards adventurers with magnificent scenery and the chance to experience the great outdoors up close.
  • Giant Forest Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the Giant Forest at this informative museum. It features exhibits on the giant sequoias and the park's ecology, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this natural wonder.
  • Lodgepole Visitor Center: Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this visitor center offers resources for exploring the park. With educational exhibits and access to thrilling hiking trails, it's an ideal starting point for your Sequoia adventure.

Best time to go to General Sherman Tree

The best time to visit General Sherman Tree is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January24.6°F (-4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.4°F (-4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
June52.0°F (11.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September52.5°F (11.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October42.3°F (5.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
December24.4°F (-4.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for General Sherman Tree

To save money on your visit to General Sherman Tree, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and consider staying on a Wednesday for the best prices. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort hotel prices from lowest to highest. Combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings through Expedia packages. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Enjoy free activities like hiking in Sequoia National Park to make the most of your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around General Sherman Tree are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around General Sherman Tree about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around General Sherman Tree is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around General Sherman Tree is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the General Sherman Tree with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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