Step into Grant Grove and you’ll meet a 1,700-year-old celebrity—the General Grant Tree. It’s the second-largest tree on Earth by trunk volume (46,608 cubic feet).
Because of its massive presence and easy access, the General Grant Tree was named the Nation’s Christmas Tree by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926 and later dedicated as a National Shrine to honor fallen U.S. service members in 1956.
“Height: 268.1 ft • Ground Circumference: 107.5 ft • Volume: 46,608 cu ft” — National Park Service
From National Christmas Tree to National Shrine
1867: Local cattleman Joseph Hardin Thomas christened the tree “General Grant” in honor of the Civil War hero.
1926: President Coolidge’s proclamation turned winter gatherings here into a holiday tradition, complete with carols and candlelight.
1956: President Eisenhower deemed it the only living National Shrine—flags near the tree still fly every day of the year, even in storms.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There via Highway 180
Highway 180 from Fresno reaches the Big Stump entrance in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. Stay on Highway 180 another 3 miles to Grant Grove Village, then follow well-marked signs to the parking loop for the trail.
Google or GPS sometimes labels it “General Grant Tree Rd.” Allow extra time—weekend traffic can slow to a crawl in summer.
Parking & Accessibility Tips
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Parking Loop: 50 spaces, fills by 10 a.m. on peak Saturdays.
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Accessible Spots: Six ADA spaces connect directly to the paved, 0.3-mile Grant Grove Trail.
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Stroller-Friendly: Yes. Reserve all-terrain wheels in snowy months; snow chains are required on park roads whenever the rangers post signs.
Experiencing the Grant Grove Trail
Trail Distance & Difficulty
The Grant Grove Trail is an easy, 0.6-mile loop on mostly paved surface. Families with toddlers or mobility aids can finish in 30 minutes, yet many linger an hour to admire other giants like the fallen Monarch and the historic Gamlin Cabin.
Ranger-Led Walks & Junior Ranger Fun
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, rangers lead free 60-minute walks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Kids 4–12 can earn a Junior Ranger badge; ask at the Grant Grove Visitor Center for the activity booklet.
Things to Do Nearby General Grant Tree
Panoramic Point Vista Walk
A 0.5-mile paved path climbs 75 feet to a balcony view of Hume Lake ringed by serrated Sierra peaks. Pick a clear dawn or dusk for alpenglow photos.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway Road Trip
Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway—50 dramatic miles from Grant Grove down to Road’s End. Expect sheer granite walls, river rapids, and frequent pullouts for photos. (See more)
Zumwalt Meadow Loop Hike
Down in Cedar Grove, the Zumwalt Meadow Loop is 1.5 miles of level boardwalk and talus path beside the Kings River—perfect for spotting black bears from a safe distance.
Hume Lake Day Escape
Only 7 miles north of Grant Grove, Hume Lake (elevation 5,250 ft) offers kayaking, trout fishing, and a sandy family beach.
Leave No Trace & Giant Sequoia Etiquette
Giant sequoia roots spread wide but shallow, just 10–13 feet deep. Stay on established paths to protect them. For a true cathedral-like experience under the canopy. Don’t forget pack out every crumb, and use bear-proof bins.
FAQ
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How old is the General Grant Tree?
Core samples suggest roughly 1,700 years, though exact dating is tricky because sequoia heartwood resists boring. -
Is the trail open year-round?
Yes, but fresh snow can close the access road briefly after storms. Check Current Conditions on the park website before driving. -
Do I need a reservation to enter Kings Canyon?
No reservation is required to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. (Check more) -
Can I bring my dog?
Pets may walk on paved areas like the parking lot but not on the Grant Grove Trail. (See map that allowed pets) -
Are there restrooms near the tree?
Flush toilets sit beside the parking loop and operate year-round. -
What’s the best time for crowd-free photos?
Arrive before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on summer days; shoulder seasons (late April and mid-October) feel blissfully quiet.
Standing before the General Grant Tree, you’ll feel both small and uplifted. Its sheer size humbles you, its living history inspires you. Ready for Your Own Sierra Adventure? Adventure Made Easy — trail-tested outdoor gear for every explorer.
