Estimated to be almost 3,000 years old, the Grizzly Giant sequoia tree in Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park stands 209 feet (63.7 m) tall. As you walk around the tree, you’ll notice it has a bit of a lean, and that’s not just due to the wide-angle-lens perspective in this photo. Back in the early 1900s there were fears the tree might fall over, so stabilizing cables were proposed. The cables were never installed and the tree remains in place. The lean could be due to the giant sequoia’s root system. Sequoia trees have a shallow root system but the roots themselves extend quite a distance from the parent tree. These roots intertwine with other tree roots, and those other roots may be helping Grizzly Giant to stay upright. It’s sort of like grasping arms or clasping hands with someone else to keep from falling while looking over a steep precipice.
The Trail Leading To Grizzly Giant In Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park
Rebecca Latson
Monday, August 8, 2022
Support Journalism about National Parks!
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Essential RVing Guide
The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.
This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.
You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.
So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.
Visited Yosemite in May. Amazing beauty!! The giant sequoias are incredible. If you have never been you should really put it on your list.
As Yosemite volunteers for 10 years , my wife and I did the "Ranger talk" on giant Sequoias from the trailhead up to the Grizzly Giant. We really miss those days.
We were there a few weeks ago and even though the Big Trees were magnificent, it was a bit shocking to see how many trees were destroyed. I understand there was a fire last year and hurricane winds earlier this year the damage is astounding.
Chuck: Could you please expand upon what you saw for damage there?