Dead Giant Tunnel Tree, Yosemite Travel Guide

4.7 (105)

Walk through a giant sequoia's heart at Yosemite's Dead Giant Tunnel Tree, a monument to nature and early tourism.

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Dead Giant Tunnel Tree

The Dead Giant Tunnel Tree in Yosemite's Tuolumne Grove is a massive sequoia stump with a tunnel carved through it in 1878 to attract tourists. It offers a unique glimpse into the scale of these ancient giants and the history of early tourism in Yosemite.

A brief summary to Dead Giant Tunnel Tree

Old Big Oak Flt Rd Trl, California, 95389, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dead Giant Tunnel Tree.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and find parking.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail involves a moderate hike.
Bring water, as there are no water sources along the trail.
Check the weather forecast before your visit.
Be prepared for a strenuous uphill return hike.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Tuolumne Grove parking area off Tioga Road, follow the Old Big Oak Flat Road. The trail descends steadily for about a mile to the Tuolumne Grove. The Dead Giant Tunnel Tree is located along the Grove Loop trail. Be prepared for a moderate uphill hike on the return.
Public Transport

YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) provides bus service to Yosemite National Park from various gateway communities. From Yosemite Valley, take the free park shuttle to Crane Flat. From Crane Flat, it is a short walk to the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead. Check the YARTS schedule for specific routes and times. Park entrance fees apply.

Discover more about Dead Giant Tunnel Tree

The Dead Giant Tunnel Tree, located in the Tuolumne Grove of Yosemite National Park, is a testament to both the grandeur of nature and the ingenuity of early park promoters. Carved in 1878 from a dead sequoia already bearing fire caves, the tunnel was intended to draw visitors traveling the Big Oak Flat Road, which had opened eight years prior.Standing at a circumference of 120 feet, the Dead Giant was a 200-foot tall snag when the tunnel was cut. The opening was large enough for horse-drawn carriages and, later, automobiles to pass through. While visitors could drive through it until 1993, the road was closed due to disrepair and hazardous conditions.Today, the Dead Giant Tunnel Tree remains a popular destination, offering a unique perspective on the size and majesty of giant sequoias. The surrounding Tuolumne Grove, though smaller than the more famous Mariposa Grove, provides a tranquil setting to appreciate these ancient trees. The hike to the tree is considered moderate, following a portion of the Old Big Oak Flat Road.