Tall Trees Grove Trailhead Parking

Great experience with lots of beautiful trees and views. About 1/2 mile in you will get to the carved out passage through a tree. There is some downed trees you will have to navigate through. The initial descent is about 800 + feet for about the 1 1/2 miles before you get to the actual loop at the bottom. The trial is moderated in difficulty, but mostly on the way back up. The trial is very worth going to. You do need to have a permit prior to your visit, where they will provide you with the gate code.

The Tall Trees Trail is an unforgettable experience and one of the crown jewels of Redwood National and State Parks. If you’re looking for a quieter, more immersive redwood hike away from the crowds, this is the one. Permit Required (But Worth It) Because it’s a protected area, you need a free permit in advance from the park service. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s 100% worth it. The permit system keeps the trail uncrowded and peaceful you often feel like you have the whole forest to yourself. Very limited parking space is another reason for permit. The hike is about 4 miles round-trip, with a descent of about 800 feet down to the grove and then a steady climb back up. The trail goes through stunning redwood forest the entire way. It’s not overly difficult, but you’ll feel the incline on the way back so make sure to bring water and pace yourself. Once you reach the bottom, you enter the Tall Trees Grove, and it truly lives up to the name. The trees are humongous, ancient, and awe-inspiring. The light filtering through the canopy is magical, and the atmosphere is very meditative. Tips: Get your permit online in advance (especially during busy seasons). The drive to the trailhead includes a steep gravel road. A standard vehicle is fine, but take it slow. Bring layers as it can be cool and damp even in summer. Start early in the day to take your time and beat the fog. Don’t rush because this trail is more about the experience than the destination.

Parking area is plentiful, even with the limited passes. There’s a bathroom, trail information and the drive down here was on a dirt road and does take a bit of time. Just plan ahead and be prepared for the hike up the trail as it does get a bit tough at some points. The bottom around the trees is worth it and very beautiful! Definitely felt like i was in a Jurassic park scene!

It’s a 4.5-mile lollypop hike. Tall Trees Trail is a permitted hike. Only 65 permits are available each day. A hike filled with stunning views and scenery. Highlighted trees: The Paul Zahl Tree (2nd tallest tree in the grove and 17th tallest in the world). The Melkor Tree, the largest tree in Redwood National Forest by volume, as well as the 8th tallest along this hike. The Redwood Creek Giant is the 2nd largest and 4th tallest in the grove, this tree is truly unique in that it has 148 reiterated trunks. The Nugget Tree. Named after the acronym NGT (National Geographic Tree), this 643 year old giant is over 373 feet tall, making it the tallest in the grove, the 3rd tallest in the world, and the 5th fastest growing redwood on record.

Nice but narrow road in. I wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a Sprinter size van. Go slow. Trail was great. Started early in the morning and we're the only ones on the outbound hike. Some ups and downs, might be hard for anyone not able to handle a flights of stairs easily, but there's plenty to look at. The Groves you're looking for are about a mile in although mill trail keeps going beyond that. Great signage, no worries about getting lost. No services other than a pit toilet at Trailhead.

We hike from Tall Trees to Redwood Creek Trailhead, beautiful trail but not a lot of places to camp along the trail between tall trees and the creek bed just near Elam camp. Access to the creek along this section of the trail is out of the question and makes the hike less enjoyable.

Getting here is a bit of a hike, pun intended. But all joke aside this is a marvelous experience for a day trip. You have to drive out of the highway and upper road for about 8 miles and make sure to register online as there is a closed gate that you need a number that changes every day to access. Once you are in, it is a gorgeous hike, but be warned. It will be steep decent and then a steep return to the car so you need to be in decent physical shape probably no young children. You’ll have to see some of the tallest trees in the world and at the bottom there is a loop with a fern forest ferns are more than 7 feet tall. It is incredible. You feel like a tiny insect. Lots of wildlife got to see some elk at the bottom Very much recommend.

My favorite stop from my time in the park! Would highly recommend getting a backpacking permit to camp down in the valley.