1.5 hr
Overview
This loop takes you through groves of massive redwoods, many of them on lists of the “largest” or “tallest.” The star of the show is the Big Tree , a short walk from the trailhead, which at 28,619 cubic feet, is the 15th largest coast redwood. The tree also amazes with its 23 ¾ foot diameter, massive branches, and an estimated age of 1,500 years. In the vicinity are several other unlabeled champions, including Illuvatar, the largest tree by volume in the park, which earned international fame as the subject of a fold out composite photo in the October 2009 issue of National Geographic . This is a relatively flat hike that circles back up Prairie Creek. It is also, except during the summer high season, quite uncrowded once you leave the vicinity of the Big Tree . You can begin this hike at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center Trailhead as well.
Trail Stats
5.3 km
62 m
87 m
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Photos
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Trail photo
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Trail photo
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