Trails I’ve Hiked: Big Trees Trail

If you read last week’s Trails I’ve Hiked article about hiking up Moro Rock, you’ll know that was one of the more popular trails visitors hike when traveling to Sequoia National Park in California. Add to that another popular hike: the Big Trees Trail. This easy 0.7-mile (1.12-kilometer) loop trail is an accessible trail - a mostly-flat mix of pavement and boardwalk encircling Round Meadow with an accessible parking lot right next to the trail. There are also trailside panels stationed all around the meadow which are must-read features describing various details about the lives and traits of giant sequoias as well as their environment.

For those not parking in the accessible lot, you can park in the lot across the road from the Giant Forest Museum and take either the trail from the parking area, or the trail next to the museum to walk 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers) to the main trail encircling the meadow.

Depending upon when you walk Big Trees Trail, Round Meadow will look different. During the summer, the grass will be lush, green, and perhaps dotted with wildflowers. You might even see ponded water. You’ll probably also see crowds.

During the fall, the flowers are gone and the green lushness is replaced by flattened straw-gold grass in addition to colorful fall foliage mixed in among the sequoias. Fall also brings fewer crowds.

As mentioned previously, informational signs populate the trail at particular points of interest. You’ll learn why some giant sequoias have flared bases while others have straight bases. You’ll also learn why the sequoias are growing around the meadow and not within it.

Benches dot the trail, providing a quiet respite for listening to birdsong, drinking a little water, and maybe enjoying a snack before continuing your walk. Just don’t give any of your food to the opportunistic chipmunks flitting around your feet.

During early morning and later in the evening, you might spot marmots and black bears. You’ll definitely hear birds, including woodpeckers and jays. You might also hear the high-pitched scolding of a nearby chipmunk hiding in the branches (probably annoyed you refused to feed it some of your snack).

At trail’s end is an area of bricked ground representing the “footprint” of “Ed by Ned,” the nickname given in 1906 to two trees who grew so close together that their bases joined. The combined bases measure 34 feet long by 25 feet wide (10.3 meters by 7.6 meters).

Big Trees Trail is a great introduction to giant sequoias and their ecology. You’ll enjoy a nice stretch of the legs with the opportunity for plenty of photo ops, and learn a little bit about these big trees, impressing family, friends, and coworkers with your knowledge.

To park in the accessible lot during spring, summer, and fall, you will need an accessible parking placard. In winter, this small parking area is open to all vehicles. The vault toilets, however, are closed in winter.

Note: Pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.