Looking for the tallest or largest trees in the world? Then you are looking for sequoia or redwood trees. And for that, you need to visit Sequoia National Park or Redwood National and State Parks. You probably will not have time to visit both parks during your West Coast USA road trip. So which one should you visit? In this blog, you will find all the considerations.
Sorry, the text on the image is in Dutch, from my Dutch website.
Contents
This blog in a nutshell
Where are the parks located?
- Redwood National and State Parks: Northern California, 560 km².
- Sequoia National Park: Southern Sierra Nevada, California, 1,635 km².
How do you choose?
- Depending on your route: Redwood NP is closer to San Francisco, Sequoia NP fits better into a road trip that also includes Yosemite NP.
- Height vs. girth: Redwood trees are taller (up to 115 metres), sequoia trees are broader (with a circumference of up to 31 metres).
- Activities: Redwood NP has beaches, Sequoia NP has caves.
- Nature: Both parks have beautiful forests and hiking trails. Sequoia NP is closer to Yosemite NP.
Similarities:
- Gigantic trees
- Stunning nature
- Scenic roads
- Drive-through trees
Where are Redwood National and State Parks and Sequoia National Park located?
Redwood National and State Parks are located in Northern California and consist of several parks with a total area of 560 km². This park was established in 1968 to protect the remaining coast redwoods and coastal redwood forests. Sequoia National Park is located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada in California and, with an area of 1,635 km², is the second-oldest national park in the United States.
As the map above already shows, the rest of your road trip largely determines which park you will visit.
How far is Sequoia National Park from the redwoods?
Approximately a 5-hour drive. If you start in Sequoia National Park and drive northwest, the closest redwood park (Muir Woods) is located just north of San Francisco.
Are you doing the classic West Coast USA road trip with San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and all the beautiful national parks? Then Sequoia National Park is the easiest to include in your itinerary.
Tall vs. thick: what do you find more impressive?
Okay, let’s talk about the real reason we are here: the tallest trees in the world. Both parks have incredible biodiversity and are home to the tallest trees on earth. Redwood National and State Parks have gigantic coast redwoods that can grow up to 115 metres tall with a circumference of more than 20 metres. In general, redwood trees are easier to see. They are easier to reach by car than sequoia trees, as those are much better protected.
Sequoia National Park has its own gems as well, such as the General Sherman Tree. This tree is 83 metres tall and has a circumference of no less than 31 metres. Although it is not as tall as the coast redwoods in Redwood National and State Parks, it is the thickest tree in the world. And secretly, that is even more impressive to see than the height. On the other hand, there are fewer sequoia trees than redwoods.
Are sequoias and redwoods the same?
The only similarity is that they are both gigantic trees, but there are major differences. Sequoia trees are broader, while redwood trees are slimmer, although they can grow taller.
The biggest trees in America: what redwoods and sequoias have in common
- Of course, they are both gigantic trees.
- Both areas in which they grow are beautiful.
- Both have very scenic roads that are wonderful to drive.
- Both areas with sequoia and redwood trees have several places where you can drive your car through one of the huge trees.
What else can you do around Redwood National and State Parks?
Now it is time to talk about activities and sights. Both parks offer plenty of awesome things to do and see. Redwood National and State Parks have beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the coastline and the ocean. There are also hiking trails such as the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail and the Tall Trees Grove Trail, where you can enjoy the majestic trees and the stunning surroundings.
Are you planning to travel along the coast? Then Redwood National and State Parks is a wonderful park to visit.
What are the highlights of Sequoia National Park?
Sequoia National Park also has fantastic hiking trails, such as the Congress Trail and the Moro Rock Trail, which take you past the giant sequoias and other sights. There is also the option to visit Crystal Cave, where you can enjoy the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites.
You will also find the world-famous General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. This tree is the largest living organism on earth. It is 83.8 metres tall and has a circumference of 31 metres.
For nature lovers, Sequoia is ideal, as it borders Yosemite National Park. This park is world-famous for its breathtaking scenery.
Wildfires: unfortunately, an increasing problem
In recent years, wildfires in the western United States have threatened both redwood and sequoia trees. These trees have developed adaptations to withstand fire, such as thick bark and resistance to flames. However, the recent wildfires have been so intense that some of these trees have still been damaged. In 2020, for example, wildfires in California threatened thousands of sequoias and redwoods. It is heartbreaking to see these magnificent trees, some of which are thousands of years old, threatened by devastating wildfires. Fortunately, a great deal of effort is being made to protect these trees and preserve them for future generations.
Both parks are amazing: which one fits your route?
Both parks are absolutely amazing, with unique biodiversity and gigantic trees. Do you want tall trees and beautiful beaches? Then Redwood National and State Parks is your match. Would you rather experience a combination of giant sequoias and underground wonders? Then you should go to Sequoia National Park. There is plenty to see and do in both parks, so you do not have to choose based on that alone. Above all, choose the park that fits best into your West Coast USA road trip!
Bonus tip: take the breathtaking Tioga Pass Road near Yosemite
Planning your trip to Yosemite National Park? Or are you already there? Then you definitely should drive the Tioga Pass. Tioga Pass Road, also known as Highway 120, is a scenic road that runs straight through Yosemite National Park. This road is approximately 95 kilometres long and connects the western and eastern entrances of the park.
Not only is this route shorter than the alternative, it is also more beautiful! However, be aware that Tioga Pass is not always open. You can read everything about Tioga Pass in the blog post written about it.
