Where Is the Biggest Tree in the World?
"Biggest" could be defined several different ways, either by volume, mass, height, or length. But when it comes to trees, two species truly loom large. If judging by height alone, the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is head and shoulders above the rest. But for all-out mass and volume, there's no outdoing the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). And of the all the sequoias, the biggest of the big, the leader of the pack, is undoubtedly the General Sherman, the largest single organism on earth
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get to the Sierras in California. The closest major airports are San Francisco and Los Angeles, less than a day's drive away, and the city of Fresno is also very close. The largest tree in the world is undoubtedly huge, but, not surprisingly, it's one of many big trees in the area. The aptly named Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman as well as thousands of other giant sequoias and coastal redwoods.
-
2
Drive to the park, which is the best way to get there. Roads enter the park from the west only because its bordered to the east by the Sierra Nevada mountain range. From highways 65 or 99, go east on Highway 198 to the park entrance.
-
-
3
Take a hike. Along Highway 198 is the Giant Forest Museum. From the main parking lot, the walk down to the General Sherman Tree takes about 20 minutes each way. Along the trail, observe numerous giant sequoias of incredible size. In addition to being a source of information about the General Sherman and giant sequoias, the museum is also a starting point for several trails and other adventures.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Sequoia National Park offers much more than just the General Sherman. Hiking, camping and nature museums can fill an entire weekend or longer.
If traveling through the San Francisco Bay Area, another "must see" for tree lovers is the John Muir National Forest, just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, home to many coastal redwoods, giant sequoias and other trees.
The same precautions attendant to any traveling experience should be exercised on a trip to the General Sherman. However, because the Sequoia National Park is a predominantly wilderness area, access to food and water is relatively scarce. In addition to adequate provisions, any necessary medical and hygiene supplies should be brought, as they cannot be expected to be obtained at the park.
