General Grant Tree

A large tree reaching up into a cloudy sky.

The General Grant Tree is Earth's second-largest living organism, and this paved 0.5-mile loop puts you face-to-face with it. Don't let the easy rating fool you—steep sections on pavement demand traction, especially when wet or icy. Walk through a fallen 200-foot sequoia (Fallen Monarch), glimpse history at Gamlin Cabin, and understand why this tree earned the title Nation's Christmas Tree and the country's only living national shrine. Most hikers finish in 45 minutes but linger for the payoff.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 100

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 100
Estimated Time: 45 minutes for most hikers; allow up to 1 hour for photos and interpretation
Trail Surface: Paved
Trail Features: Giant sequoia groves
General Grant Tree (second-largest tree on Earth)
Fallen Monarch sequoia (walk-through)
Gamlin Cabin historic site
Wayside exhibits in English and Spanish
Nearby North Grove and Redwood Mountain access
Trail Highlights: Walk among the world's second-largest living tree and peer up 268 feet into the crown. Step inside a fallen 200-foot sequoia. Visit a historic cabin. Understand why this tree earned dual honors: Nation's Christmas Tree and the country's only living national shrine.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: General Grant parking lot, 1 mile north of Kings Canyon Visitor Center via Grant Tree Road
Parking Lot Size: Large lot with overflow parking available
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service. Parking competition on weekends requires early arrival.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (valid 1-7 days, includes Sequoia & Kings Canyon parks and Hume Lake District); $20 per person on foot or bicycle
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Grant Tree Trail itself remains accessible year-round when park roads are open. Winter snow may temporarily close park roads; check conditions before winter visits.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: None. Carry all water needed. Minimum 1 liter recommended despite short distance due to sun exposure.
Accessibility: Paved surface with limited wheelchair accessibility. Trail includes steep sections and is not designated wheelchair-accessible. A separate short trail around the General Grant Tree bypasses the Fallen Monarch stairs. Limited accessible parking at trailhead. Benches placed at pullouts for rest breaks. Tactile information panels with Braille text available.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep paved sections
Icy or slippery surface when wet or frozen
Sun exposure in open areas
Crowds causing congestion on narrow sections
Hazard Details: While paved, the trail features steep sections that demand traction—especially critical in winter or wet conditions. Full sun exposure on portions without canopy cover increases heat and UV risk. The Fallen Monarch walk-through includes stairs (optional detour). Benches available at pullouts for rest breaks.
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy on weekends and afternoons; this is the most accessible giant sequoia experience in the park
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and midday (11 AM–3 PM). Weekday mornings are notably quieter.
Best Season: Year-round; winter accessible if park roads open and you carry snowshoes or microspikes
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 8 AM on weekends to secure main lot parking; overflow fills quickly. Winter is tactically viable if roads open—snowshoes recommended for icy paved sections. Midweek mornings offer better solitude and parking odds.
Tips Advice: Never treat paved as flat—those steep sections demand traction footwear
Carry minimum 1 liter water; no natural sources on trail
Sunscreen is non-negotiable; full sun exposure in open areas despite short distance
Winter snowshoe rental available at Grant Grove Gift Shop—check availability before arrival
Wear microspikes or traction aids if trail is icy
Walk the loop clockwise to encounter Gamlin Cabin first, then the Fallen Monarch
Allow 45 minutes minimum; most hikers spend longer for photos and awe

More details

Park Area: Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park
Trail Markers: Well-marked. Wayside exhibits guide interpretation. Paved loop makes route obvious.
Dogs Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed—dense sequoia canopy in grove sections, open sun exposure on paved portions and at pullouts. Hat and sunscreen essential.
Emergency Contacts: Kings Canyon Visitor Center: 1 mile south. Emergency: 911.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December–March typically; Grant Tree Trail remains accessible when roads are open. Snowshoes or microspikes recommended.
Insider Tips: Arrive by 8 AM weekends to secure main lot; overflow is your backup if main fills
The Fallen Monarch walk-through is worth the stairs—don't skip it
Snowshoe rental at Grant Grove Gift Shop (check availability before visit)
Winter-ready hikers often find this trail less crowded than Giant Forest with equal spectacle
Wayside exhibits are bilingual (English/Spanish); read them—context amplifies the awe
Winter conditions make the paved trail tricky; micros or microspikes beat snowshoes for grip on ice
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent for families. Paved and only 0.5 miles—manageable for young children. Benches allow rest breaks. Hand-hold during steep sections. The Fallen Monarch walk-through is optional if stairs pose a challenge. Wayside exhibits engage children. Restrooms at trailhead.
Nearby Facilities: Kings Canyon Visitor Center (1 mile south). Grant Grove area: Gift Shop (snowshoe rentals), restaurant. Nearby groves: North Grove, Redwood Mountain.
Review Summary: Hikers often underestimate this easy loop because it's short and paved. Reality: steep sections on pavement demand respect, and standing before Earth's second-largest tree commands your full attention. Most complete the 0.5 miles in 45 minutes but linger far longer. Winter is viable with snowshoes; crowds are real on weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail too easy to bother with?

Easy doesn't mean boring. The General Grant Tree is the second-largest living thing on Earth. Most hikers plan 30 minutes and spend an hour in awe. It's easy terrain, not easy terrain.

Can I do this with young kids?

Yes. Paved, 0.5 miles, benches for rest. Watch the steep sections and hand-hold on narrow parts. Restrooms at start.

Can I visit in winter?

Yes, if park roads are open. Snowshoes or microspikes recommended when icy. Grant Grove Gift Shop rents snowshoes. Check park conditions before departure.

Do I really need a map?

No. The loop is obvious and well-marked. But carry a park map for driving directions to the trailhead from Kings Canyon Visitor Center.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

How much water do I need for a 0.5-mile hike?

At least 1 liter minimum. There are no water sources on the trail, and sun exposure in open areas is real despite the short distance. More in summer.