Redwoods are massive coniferous trees known for their immense size and exceptional longevity, often living for thousands of years. Their natural habitat is confined to specific regions of California and a small part of Oregon. This guide provides an overview of the two primary types of redwoods and directs travelers to the specific locations where these natural wonders can be experienced.
Understanding the Two Primary Types
The term “redwood” generally refers to two distinct species: the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Both are members of the cypress family and share a reddish, fibrous bark, but their growth habits and preferred habitats are fundamentally different.
The Coast Redwood is the tallest tree species in the world, with some specimens soaring over 370 feet high. These trees have a slender profile where height vastly exceeds circumference.
In contrast, the Giant Sequoia holds the title for the largest tree by volume, possessing the greatest overall mass. While they rarely exceed 320 feet, their trunks are significantly wider, with diameters that can reach up to 40 feet.
Where to Find the Coast Redwoods
The Coast Redwood is found in a narrow range along the Pacific coast, stretching from southwestern Oregon down to the Big Sur area of Central California. This species depends on the cool, moisture-laden air and fog from the Pacific Ocean, which minimizes water loss during dry summers. Their habitat extends only about 45 miles inland, where the coastal fog can penetrate the valleys.
The most spectacular groves are protected within Redwood National and State Parks, a co-managed area including Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek, and Humboldt Redwoods State Parks. A popular scenic route is the Avenue of the Giants, a 32-mile stretch in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Further south, accessible groves can be found in Muir Woods National Monument, just north of San Francisco.
Where to Find the Giant Sequoias
The Giant Sequoia’s native range is separate from the coastal species, confined to scattered groves along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. These inland giants thrive at higher elevations, typically between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, where they receive significant winter snowpack. Their resilience is due to their thick, fire-resistant bark, which allows them to withstand the periodic dry heat of the mountains.
The largest and most famous groves are concentrated in a few national parks. Sequoia National Park is home to the Giant Forest, which contains the General Sherman Tree, the largest single-stem tree by volume in the world. Adjacent Kings Canyon National Park features the Grant Grove, home to the General Grant Tree. Yosemite National Park also contains three groves, including the popular Mariposa Grove near the park’s south entrance.
Preparing for Your Redwood Visit
For both coastal and mountain parks, reliable cell service is often limited, so download maps and check current conditions before arriving. Many popular areas, such as Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park, require free but limited permits that must be reserved online in advance.
Visitors should be aware that large vehicles, like RVs, may be restricted on narrow, winding scenic roads, such as Howland Hill Road in the coast redwood parks. In the Sierra Nevada parks, winter conditions heavily impact accessibility, often closing higher elevation roads and requiring chains on tires. For any location, a reservation is strongly recommended for all in-park campgrounds, which fill up quickly during the summer months.