The Giant Sequoia trees of California can be a site to discover. Despite heavy logging efforts, you may still hike through these massive trees about the Boole Tree Loop.
The Magnificent Central California Park System
The park system in central California is incredible. You may have Sequoia National Park, the first national park ever designated in the united states. Next to it is King Canyon National Park, created in 1940. Surrounding a good portion of these two is the new Giant Sequoia National Monument, designated such by President Clinton in 2000. The three parks form a sanctuary for incredible scenery, such as the Giant Sequoias on the Boole Tree Loop hiking trail.
Although directions are included below, I actually have to say the drive to Boole Tree is incredible. As you may drive through Stump Meadow, you will notice several of the biggest stumps on earth and have a genuine feel for what continues to be destroyed. The largest will be the Chicago Stump measuring 70 FEET around its perimeter. Sadly, the tree was cut down so it could be displayed in a museum in Chicago within the 1880s when such trees seemed plentiful.
It’s going to take a couple of hours since you’ll be staring up in the air and looking at some incredible views, although the Boole Tree Loop is just 2.5 miles. Since it is a loop, you are able to go either direction you desire. The initial portion of the trail will wind through at least 40 Giant Sequoia stumps that may boggle the mind given their size. Passing these, you’ll head to a plateau where you can look down upon valleys inside the canyon with Spanish Mountain in the distance. No matter which way you choose to go, you’ll eventually come upon Boole Tree.
Not as huge as a lot of the stumps you’ll see, although Boole Tree is very large. Boole Tree stands roughly 275 feet high with a perimeter of some 35 feet. It is actually estimated to be over 2,000 years of age and is among the biggest living trees on the planet. Ironically, the tree is known as following a lumber mill owner that spared it. To bad he wasn’t feeling as gracious together with the other Giant Sequoias as each of the stumps attest.
The Giant Sequoia National Monument is roughly one hour east of Fresno, California. Highway 180 is regarded as the used entrance towards the park from your west coast. Upon entering the park, you’ll pass through a ranger station. Drive north after that and hang a left at Grant Grove after traveling just over a mile. Continue and you hit Grant Grove Village. Just after it, you’ll see a sign for Stump Meadow. After a couple of miles, you’ll see a sign for a parking area.
If you’re from Los Angeles, the drive can take five hours as will driving from San Francisco. Obviously, drive times are dependent on traffic conditions in both cities.
Going for a hike from the Giant Sequoia National Monument is tremendous. It gives you a perspective of Mother Nature that few see.