The Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park

The Big Trees Trail is the first thing we did as soon as we arrived in Sequoia National Park! In fact, we were so keen that we did it for sunrise.

I know I know, why so keen to do a simple loop trail?

Well, I was looking for a specific group of Sequoia Trees, (which I now know was not on the Big Trees Trail – see this guide for the spot that I’m talking about) and I wanted to get to this particular spot for sunrise so that we were the only people there and the light was good for photos.

Anyway, back to the point of THIS blog post. The Big Trees Trail was lovely and exactly what we needed to start our adventure in Sequoia. We were literally the only ones on the trail. I guess no one else was keen for a sunrise stroll haha.

We had some beautiful lighting on the trail and even saw some deer!

Read on for everything you need to know about the Big Trees Trail, including whether or not I think it was actually worth it.

Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park

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Sequoia National Park Quick Links

Table of Contents

📍 Where is Sequoia: California – a 4-5 hour drive from San Francisco
✈ Where to Fly into: Fresno – Find FLIGHTS here!
📆 When to Visit: Best time to visit Sequoia: Summer, Spring or Fall. Winter is also a magical time to visit!
🛌 Top Places to Stay in Sequoia National Park:
Wuksachi Lodge ⭐⭐⭐ 8.2 rating
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge ⭐⭐⭐ 7.6 rating
🚗 Rental Car: Discovercars is our go-to for the best rental car prices!
Park Permits: America the Beautiful Pass required
Park Hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year unless a Winter storm causes road closures

Everything You Need to Know About The Big Trees Trail

Hike Stats

Distance: 1.1km / 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 15.24m / 50 ft
Time: 30 mins -1 hour (depending on how often you stop)
Dog Friendly: Yes
Toilets: Yes, in the parking lot

Where is the Big Trees Trail

The Big Trees Trail is located in Sequoia National Park in California USA. It is just down the road from the Giant Forest Museum.

couple in Sequoia national park looking up at the Giant Sequoias

Girl standing next to Giant SEquoia trees looking up at how tall they are

How to get to the trailhead

If you park at the Giant Forest Museum Parking lot, you can walk down the Museum Access Path and then along the road a little before you can head back onto the trail through the forest and join up with the trailhead. Shortly after the trailhead, you will find a restroom with a water tap to fill up your water bottle.

Click here to open the map in Google Maps!

National Park Permits

To enter and visit sights in Sequoia National Park, you will need a national parks pass. The America the Beautiful pass is the best option if you plan to visit multiple national parks over the period of a year. Even if you just plan on visiting Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks this year over a few days, it is still worth it to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass.

Girl in Sequoia national park next to the Giant Sequoias

Leave No Trace

The 7 Leave No Trace principles are important to be aware of to help keep places like the Sequoia National Park beautiful. To remind yourself of the 7 Leave No Trace principles, check out the LNT website.

What is the trail like

The Big Trees Trail is a flat and easy loop around a beautiful meadow. Around the loop, you will see lots Giant Sequoias and if you’re lucky, maybe even some deer like we did!

Best time to do the Big Trees Trail

I’ve gotta admit, the Big Trees Trail was so lovely first thing in the morning but I know if you are visiting Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park together, then you will probably be a little stretched for time.

In my opinion, the Big Trees Trail is a good filler for something to do in the middle of the day.

I would recommend seeing General Sherman and the Congress Trail or visiting Tunnel Log first thing in the morning over the Big Trees Trail because the crowds can get a little insane, especially during Summer.

How long does the Big Trees Trail take

The Big Trees Trail can take around 30 minutes if you are walking at an average pace without stopping too much or it can take longer if you are stopping lots for photos like we were. I actually don’t know how long we were on the trail for but it was definitely longer than the average amount of time.

Girl standing in the middle of Sequoia trees on the Big Trees trail in Sequoia National Park

couple standing amongst giant Sequoia Trees in Sequoia National Park

Who is the Big Trees Trail for?

The Big Trees Trail is great for:

People travelling with dogs as it is dog friendly!
Anyone travelling with someone in a wheelchair
Families with children in strollers
Someone looking to fill in some time

Tips for hiking the Big Trees Trail

Start early or late in the day for better lighting and to avoid the crowds.
Take your time because the trail is very short and paved most of the way.
This is one of the best trails in Sequoia National Park for families with young kids or anyone with limited mobility.
Bring a refillable water bottle – the trail can get hot!
Keep an eye out for wildlife. We saw quite a few deer but the meadow also attracts squirrels and even the occasional black bear.
Pack layers – the morning can start out quite chilly, even in Summer and then get super hot by late morning.
Follow the leave no trace principles
Check the National Park Service site for trail conditions before you go.

What we thought of the trail

We liked this trail but obviously, if you read the opening paragraph, we were on it for the wrong reason. I do think we were still able to appreciate it though because it was really beautiful, especially with the morning golden light streaming across the meadow. Seeing the deer was also awesome!

Where to stay in Sequoia National Park

Planning your trip to Sequoia? Don’t miss my Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park guide where I share the best areas, lodges, nearby towns, and camping spots.

Things to do nearby

The Big Trees Trail is only one of the many things to do and see in Sequoia National Park. About a 6 minute drive away, you will also find Tunnel Log which is one of the best photo spots in Sequoia National Park and Moro Rock which is a great sunset spot.

Then in the opposite direction, there is General Sherman which is a must visit because he is the biggest tree in the world and the Congress Trail which has some of the most beautiful clusters of trees that we have ever seen. We also saw a black bear on this trail in the middle of the day when there were loads of people around! Not what I was expecting but it was very exciting!

couple sitting on top of the Tunnel Log Drive Through in Sequoia National Park — *Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park*

frequently asked questions

The Big Trees Trail is lovely if you have time for it, however if you are short on time, you should do the Congress Trail and General Sherman instead because this is where you will see the more famous Giant Sequoia Trees.

The Big Trees Trail is both stroller and wheelchair friendly. The trail is flat and not too long.

Yes, you can hike the Big Trees Trail in Winter, however, make sure you bring along a pair of snow shoes or micro spikes because it can be slippery.

Dogs are allowed on the Big Trees Trail but must be kept on leash.

For the Big Trees Trail, unless you require accessibility parking, you will need to park in the Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot and walk down to the Big Trees Trailhead. This walk is about 5 minutes. There is more accessible parking located at the Big Trees Trailhead, however, this parking lot is very small so only use it if you absolutely need it.

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