Among Giants in Sequoia

Overlook

During our Memorial Day weekend trip to Sequoia National Park, we set out on one of the most iconic and inspiring loops in the park: the Sherman Tree, Congress, Trail of the Sequoias, and Tharp’s Log Loop.

Overlook

At 7.0 miles in length with a moderate difficulty, this route winds through some of the most magnificent groves of giant sequoias in the world. It was a warm and sunny morning, perfect for a long and memorable hike.

Overlook

Starting at the General

Trail View

Our hike began at the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Standing at its base is always humbling.

Overlook

Even though we’d seen photos before, nothing compares to walking up to it in person. The sun filtered softly through the tall canopy above, lighting up the forest floor with a gentle glow.

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

Through the Congress Trail

Trail View

We continued along the Congress Trail, marveling at the towering trees named after historical groups—The Senate, The House, and The President.

Overlook

The massive trunks and dense groves created a cathedral-like stillness, broken only by the occasional birdcall or the crunch of pine needles underfoot.

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Birdsong in the Sequoias

Dark-eyed Junco

It didn’t take long before we started noticing some feathered companions. Dark-eyed Juncos were everywhere, flitting across the trail and rustling in the underbrush. Their cheerful movements added a lively rhythm to our walk. Higher up in the branches, we spotted a few Red-breasted Nuthatches, busily foraging along the tree bark.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

A Splash of Yellow

MacGillivray’s Warbler

The highlight of our birdwatching came when we saw a MacGillivray’s Warbler. Its yellow belly and bold eye-ring stood out beautifully among the shadows of the trees.

Trail View

It moved quickly and was tricky to follow, but we managed to watch it long enough to appreciate its vibrant presence.

Overlook

A Woodland Bath

Fox Sparrow

One of the more endearing sights came when we spotted a Fox Sparrow taking a bath in a small puddle near the trail. The little bird splashed around with enthusiasm, fluffing its feathers and sending droplets into the air.

Trail View

We paused for a while just to enjoy the moment—it was simple and delightful.

Trail View

Onward to Tharp’s Log

Trail View

As we made our way toward Tharp’s Log, we marveled at how quiet and peaceful the forest had become. When we reached the historic cabin carved into a fallen sequoia, we took a short break.

Chipmunk

The story of Hale Tharp living inside this log in the 1800s never fails to capture the imagination.

Overlook

A Woodpecker’s Call

White-headed Woodpecker

As we began our return loop, we heard the sharp, rhythmic tapping of a White-headed Woodpecker. We spotted it high up on a tree trunk, moving vertically as it searched for insects. It was our first time seeing this striking bird with its black body and bright white head—a perfect way to wrap up our list of wildlife sightings for the day.

Trail View

A Trail Full of Wonder

Overlook

The loop back toward the trailhead gave us one last sweeping view of the forest and its incredible trees. Between the massive sequoias and the lively birds that kept us company, this hike was packed with beauty and variety.

Overlook

The Sherman Tree and Trail of the Sequoias Loop was a perfect way to spend our morning—quiet, awe-inspiring, and filled with nature’s surprises.

Mountain pink currant