Tunnel Log Drive Through Tree in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is known for its incredible sequoia trees, and this week we’re taking an in-depth look at one of the park’s most famous sequoia spots. Join me as we explore the Tunnel Log Drive Through Tree.
Tunnel Log drive though tree, Sequoia National Park
Location & History
Tunnel Log is located in the Giant Forest area along Crescent Meadow Road just half a mile past another famous Sequoia National Park feature — Moro Rock. This unnamed giant sequoia tree is believed to have been well over 2,000 years old when it fell on December 4, 1937. It was said that the fall was due to natural causes, and when this tree fell it measured over 275 feet tall and 21 feet in diameter at the base.
Tunnel Log built by CCC, Sequoia National Park
CCC & The Creation of the Tunnel Log Drive Through Tree
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt’s New Deal offered nearly 3,000,000 men employment by working for the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC was active in many projects inside Sequoia National Park in the 1930s, and when this giant sequoia tree fell across the road, CCC surveyor, Roy DeVoe and his crew suggested cutting out a tunnel for cars to drive through rather than removing the tree entirely, perhaps in reference to when park workers banked earth against a fallen sequoia to create Sequoia’s Auto Log in 1917. Interestingly, another impressive work by the Civilian Conservation Corps here inside Sequoia National Park is located just 15 miles south of this spot — Tunnel Rock was dug out by the CCC for the original Generals Highway in 1932.
Deer crossing under Tunnel Log, Sequoia National Park
Visiting For Yourself
If you’d like to drive through this tunnel log for yourself, it measures in at 8 feet tall and 17 feet wide, accommodating most cars and jeeps, but there is also a bypass road just off to the side for larger vehicles that cannot clearly make it through this “tree tunnel”. The roadway can be closed here due to snow during the winter months, so consider planning your visit between late spring and late fall to fully enjoy this area. If you want to see more giant sequoias that are still standing tall, just 5 miles from Tunnel Log you can visit the world’s largest living tree, General Sherman.
Fallen Sequoia, Tunnel Log
Sequoia National Park, Fallen Tunnel Log Sequoia Tree
Know Before You Go
• Tunnel Log is one of the more popular stops for park visitors because no hiking is required. During the summer months (and weekends) this area can get busy and crowded but if you visit on a weekday during the quieter spring or fall months this spot is often empty before sunrise and you can enjoy the beauty of nature here in solitude before the morning park visitors arrive.
• Wildlife is abundant here – from birds, deer, yellow-bellied marmots, and black bears…so please drive safely, never approach or feed wildlife and never leave food out or unattended.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place wild and wonderful. You can get close enough to nearly touch some of the giants along the trail, but please don’t wander off or leave the designated path to “hug” these trees and stand up on the base of their roots. The roots systems are very shallow and can be easily damaged.
• Restrooms, picnic tables and water can be found nearby at the top of the General Sherman Trail just past the parking lot, at the Giant Forest Museum, and at the Big Trees Trailhead
Top 10 Sequoia Highlights
Tunnel Log
Crystal Cave
Paradise Creek Trail
Beetle Rock
Sitting on Tunnel Log in the Giant Forest
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Sequoia National Park. For a virtual visit through Tunnel Log, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video linked at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Walking under Tunnel Log, Sequoia National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Located inside Sequoia National Park directly off Generals Highway, Hazelwood Nature Loop is an easy, family friendly hike that comes in at under 1.5 miles with 50 feet in elevation change. The trail begins past a fallen sequoia tunnel log and it circles for just over half a mile with minimal elevation gain through one of the most lush yet intimate trails in the Giant Forest.