Tall Trees Grove Redwood National Park California
Walk among the world's tallest trees in the majestic Tall Trees Grove, a truly humbling and unforgettable natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light.
Tall Trees Grove Redwood National Park California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among the world's tallest trees in the majestic Tall Trees Grove, a truly humbling and unforgettable natural wonder. +1
"The scale of the trees--both in time and size--is impossible to convey in a review. It instilled in me a sense of magic and wonder. "
🎯 Permit is a MUST
Book your permit 24-48 hours ahead online! You'll need the code for the gate. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Carefully
Bald Hills Road is unpaved & rough. Allow extra time for the 7 miles to the gate & 6 more to the trailhead. :oncoming_automobile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grove of Titans
Tall Trees Grove
Stand in awe among the world's tallest trees, feeling incredibly small amidst these ancient giants.
Lollipop Loop Trail
Tall Trees Grove Trail
A rewarding 3.2-mile hike with a beautiful loop at the bottom, offering stunning views and a sense of wonder.
Sun Rays Through Redwoods
Various points on the trail
Witness magical morning sunbeams filtering through the colossal redwood canopy, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Permit Early
Prepare for the Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Permit is a MUST
Book your permit 24-48 hours ahead online! You'll need the code for the gate. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Carefully
Bald Hills Road is unpaved & rough. Allow extra time for the 7 miles to the gate & 6 more to the trailhead. :oncoming_automobile:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail has elevation changes, especially the climb back up. Good footwear is key for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's a moderate hike, so stay hydrated and fueled. No services available at the trailhead. :water_buffalo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Permit is a MUST
Book your permit 24-48 hours ahead online! You'll need the code for the gate. :ticket:
🚗 Drive Carefully
Bald Hills Road is unpaved & rough. Allow extra time for the 7 miles to the gate & 6 more to the trailhead. :oncoming_automobile:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail has elevation changes, especially the climb back up. Good footwear is key for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's a moderate hike, so stay hydrated and fueled. No services available at the trailhead. :water_buffalo:
📸 Capture the Scale
Try to include people or familiar objects in your shots to convey the immense size of the trees. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tall Trees Grove for its majestic and awe-inspiring redwood trees, describing the experience as unique and magical. The hike is considered moderate and rewarding, though the climb back up can be strenuous. Planning ahead for the required permit and the unpaved road access is crucial for a smooth visit.
"Very beautiful and unique experience and walk around some beautiful trees! You do need a pass/reservation so plan ahead and go to their website to get them when they become available to you. You’ll need the code to get past the gate on your timed entry. It does take a while to get over to the trailhead to map it out and time it out accordingly. The trail/hike is a bit lollipop trail with the beautiful loop around on the bottom. It is very beautiful, peaceful and rewarding. The hike back up was a bit tough but it’s well maintained and you can take your time and take breaks. The scenery is from a movie. If you are not able to get the permit to come in, there’s still other hikes and trails that also offered beautiful similar views!"
Willie Ruiz
"Tall trees grove is a majestic trail through the woods, the trees are huge and views amazing. A reservation is required prior to arrival at the trial head, this can be done on online. Over all the hike took us 2/3 hours to complete, about 800ft of elevation drop and gain as you come back the same way you came in."
Jorge C
"Lovely hike! Make sure you get a permit though, otherwise you won’t need able to get the code to the gate to access the unpaved road that will take you to the small parking lot."
Luke S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Tall Trees Grove requires driving on Bald Hills Road, which is unpaved for about 7 miles, followed by another 6 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. A permit with a gate code is mandatory.
Bald Hills Road is unpaved and can be rough. While many vehicles can manage, high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. Check current road conditions before you go.
The drive from the main road to the trailhead can take over an hour due to the unpaved and dirt road conditions. Factor this into your planning.
Yes, you can drive to the trailhead for Tall Trees Grove, but it requires a permit and a specific gate code to access the unpaved roads.
Currently, there are no shuttle services directly to the Tall Trees Grove trailhead. Personal vehicles are required, along with the necessary permit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is absolutely required to access Tall Trees Grove. You must reserve it online 24-48 hours in advance and will receive a gate code.
Permits can be obtained online through the Redwood National Park website. They are released in batches and can be reserved up to 48 hours in advance.
Tall Trees Grove is generally accessible during daylight hours, but access is controlled by the gate, which requires your permit code. Always check the park's official website for the most current information.
Redwood National and State Parks do not charge an entrance fee. However, specific areas like Tall Trees Grove require a permit for access.
Without a permit and the corresponding gate code, you will not be able to access the unpaved roads leading to the Tall Trees Grove trailhead.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Tall Trees Grove Trail is a moderate, approximately 3.2-mile loop with a significant elevation drop into the grove and a climb back out. It's well-maintained and offers breathtaking views of giant redwoods.
The hike itself typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the trees.
The hike is considered moderate. The descent into the grove is steep, and the return climb can be challenging for some, but it's manageable with breaks.
Yes, if you can't get a permit for Tall Trees Grove, trails like Stout Memorial Grove, Simpson-Reed Trail, and Boy Scout Tree Trail offer stunning redwood experiences.
Dogs are generally not permitted on hiking trails within Redwood National Park, including Tall Trees Grove, to protect the natural environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, with potential for beautiful sunbeams. Late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light.
Include people in your photos to give a sense of scale. Wide-angle lenses can help capture the immense height and breadth of the trees.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the park's specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the towering trees. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
The entire grove offers incredible photo opportunities. Focus on the base of the trees, the canopy, and any shafts of light that appear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike can be challenging, the sheer scale of the redwood trees is captivating for all ages. If the full hike seems too much, consider shorter, more accessible trails within Redwood National Park that still offer incredible redwood views, like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail or the Prairie Creek & Foothill Loop. Remember to secure your permit well in advance!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and consider a portable charger. The drive to the trailhead can be remote, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition and you have a reliable map or GPS. Embrace the feeling of being small amongst the giants!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to capture the immense scale. Including a person in the frame can effectively convey the size of the trees. Remember that drone photography is generally prohibited in national parks, so focus on ground-level compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Redwood Giants
Many visitors describe the feeling of awe and wonder when first encountering these trees. The sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until you are standing at their base, craning your neck to see the canopy far above. The air is often cool and damp, filled with the scent of pine and earth, creating a serene and almost spiritual atmosphere. It's a place that encourages quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
While the Hyperion Tree is famously the world's tallest, it's protected and illegal to approach. The Tall Trees Grove offers a more accessible, yet equally breathtaking, experience of these colossal beings. Remember to tread lightly and respect the environment to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
Navigating the Tall Trees Grove Trail
It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, like sturdy hiking shoes or boots, as the trail can be uneven and the elevation changes require good grip and support. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is also recommended, as there are no facilities once you reach the trailhead. Taking breaks during the ascent is perfectly fine and encouraged to enjoy the surroundings and catch your breath.
While the hike is manageable for most, families with young children might find it a bit more strenuous. Planning for at least half a day to complete the hike, including travel time to and from the trailhead and time spent exploring the grove, is advisable.
The Importance of Permits and Planning
Failure to secure a permit means you won't be able to drive to the trailhead. The roads themselves, particularly Bald Hills Road, are unpaved and can be rough, requiring careful driving. It's essential to map out your route and timing, factoring in the drive time and the permit reservation process.
If you're unable to obtain a permit for Tall Trees Grove, don't despair! Redwood National Park offers numerous other spectacular trails, such as the Stout Memorial Grove Trail and the Simpson-Reed Trail, which provide equally awe-inspiring experiences among the giant redwoods.
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