State: California
Location: Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
Length, Round Trip: 3 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 6350 feet
Elevation Change: 450 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Autumn in the High Sierras
Trail Information
The Sequoia Lake/Dead Giant Loop in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks heads from the General Grant Tree parking area through the western edge of the Grant sequoia grove. Highlights along this trail include the dead giant, a sequoia tree killed by human hands and the Sequoia Lake overlook in Sequoia National Forest. This loop is a good hike to take after viewing the sights in Grant Grove Village.
Begin the hike from the lower General Grant Tree parking lot. The trail starts heading downhill on a dirt road to a trail junction. Follow the right side of the loop continuing downhill. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll see an abandoned wagon road, continue on the main route to the next junction with the road. Turn right at this junction and continue walking downhill. Turn right at the next trail junction to skirt the edge of a meadow. This will lead you to a close view of the Dead Giant.
The Dead Giant is an unusually large sequoia which shows signs of a human-caused death. If you look closely, you will find axe marks, which severed the cambium layer. With this living layer cut, nutrients could no longer move up the tree and the giant died.
A short distance down this trail is the Sequoia Lake overlook. The overlook allows a picturesque view of a historic mill pond and reflection on the differences between management of National Forest and National Park land. Sequoia Lake is a private lake, so no public fishing or swimming is available.
From the overlook, follow the access trail back to the loop and turn right. Follow the trail to a dirt road, which leads you back to the parking area. A slight ascent will complete the loop.
Directions
From Big Stump Entrance:
Drive north 3.5 miles past Grant Grove Village to the road for General Grant Tree. Turn left and follow the road one mile to the lower parking area for General Grant Tree.
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