Big & Tall Trees in California

There are plenty of "wow" things to see in California but some of the most memorable in the "big picture" view of the world are the big and tall trees. These trees are so big and so tall that they set records as being the the biggest and tallest anywhere on Earth!

These are among the things you should see at least once in your life and if you do not, you really are missing something spectacular.

BIG — The biggest tree based on mass and circumference is the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. There's a fence around it to protect is fragile base. Can you imagine by thousands of years old, and having millions of people trample on your feet? The General Sherman ha survived fires, floods, earthquakes has outlived most things on this planet but there was something in the climate several thousand years ago that made it possible for this and several trees in the forest to thrive and grow to their current size.  When you stand near the General Sherman you will be awe-struck at how big it truly looks.

Tall — Sometimes things are so tall that we lose sight of the forest for the trees, so to speak. In the Redwoods State and National Park are the tallest trees in the world. An adventurous team of scientists in 2006 discovered not one but three new trees that shattered the record for the world's tallest tree surpassing 379 feet. Standing in the penthouse of a a skyscaper 31 stories tall, you could presumably look over to see the top of the world's tallest tree. 

Michael Taylor and Chris Atkins used a laser measurement, confirmed afterward by Steve Sillet, who climbed up the tree and dropped a tape from his position straight to the ground. The event was filmed by National Geographic.

The tallest tree is actually not easily accessible and not marked, due to those who discovered it but want to protect its health. When you stand and look up, you are looking so far into the sky that you really have a hard time fathoming how tall a tree can grow.  you'll be moved with waves of emotion. As you stand there and look up at the massive fortresses that measure their lives in the thousands of years it puts everything in perspective.

Seeing the biggest, tallest and oldest trees in the world!

When you enter the silent forests, you gain a quiet moment free from noise.  You can visit the Redwood Coast and see the tallest trees in the world; head for the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Forest where you'll find the biggest trees in the world (and the nation's Christmas tree);  go to Calaveras Big Trees State Park where the Big Trees created a sensation that the rest of the world hardly could believe when news spread of their discovery;  and top off your trip with a visit to Yosemite National Park, where big waterfalls frame big trees.

Almost too beautiful for words, the timeless journey should not be missed. Once you hug the giants in the Calaveras Big Trees state park.

Seeing California's Big Trees is among the Top 3, must-see attractions in the state, though as a stand alone experience it is unparalleled.

Visiting the Big Trees:

• Calaveras Big Trees State Park – parks.ca.gov

• Redwood National Park – nps.gov/redw/

• Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park – .nps.gov/seki/

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