When many people think of planning a trip to see the giant sequoias in California, most people think of Yosemite or Sequoia National Forests. Nelder Grove is a hidden gem of Sequoia's just inside the Sierra National Forest. This grove of redwoods isn't as well known as the nearby (six miles away) and often crowded Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite, yet it offers some truly peaceful walks among giants with very few people to disturb the serenity of this magical place.
The road up to Nelder Grove and the trail we chose, the shadow of the giants, is really a bumpy winding gravel trail through the woods. It may appear a bit rough but there were all sorts of cars at the parking lot, even though we barely saw any people on the trail. The road is in no way treacherous and it is easily traversable.
The parking lot at the shadow of the giants trailhead is of course shaded by the immense trees which call this portion of Sierra National Forest home.
The trail is exactly 1 mile long, it also happens to be easy enough for kids as young as two to walk the trail and enjoy the reality of being in the shadow of giants.
Mel, Jake and Grandpa Matt pose for a photo with Nelder Grove behind them.
Jake was very excited to hit the trail. I think he had too much time pent up in his car seat due to the long drive from Riverside, CA to Oakhurst, CA.
Along the trail, several of the trees are hallowed out enough to stand in . In this photo you can see the true resilience of redwood trees.They are resistant to fire and can live for hundreds of years.
Wilderness is one of the first words that comes to mind while walking along the trail. You truly feel in the wilderness while hiking through this portion of Nelder Grove.
Jake literally could not keep himself from following the trees up to their towering heights. The scenery is truly something to behold, as well as something very hard to ever forget.
After going in and out of several of the larger trees, Jake wanted to try some of the smaller remnants of trees lost to the logging era. As you can see, he found out pretty quick he couldn't hang out in this one.
Beautiful colors and textures abound amongst the trees. Just keep your eyes open and you will find endless compositions to practice your photography skills.
It also helps to look up sometimes when taking photographs. I have found that some of my best compositions in the forest, just seemed to come together when I looked up. Nelder Grove is a prime place to look up and admire these trees glory.
Mel and Jake posing for a photo inside one of the large redwood trees along the trail.
The above image is what it looks like inside some of the more hallowed out trees.
As you end your hike on the Shadow of the giants trailhead there is a bridge which crosses over a small brook, just before the bridge there is a small placard with a dedication to America's first great naturalist John Muir.
The plaque reads "Walk in the sequoia woods at any time of year and you will say they are the most beautiful and majestic thing on earth." John Muir, Turn-of-the-century, Conservationist. Muir spent days among these giants and played a significant role in their preservation. We hope you have felt the beauty and majesty of Nelder Grove. Soon you will be back at the trail head. Thank you for helping us preserve the natural beauty of this area.
Obviously Jake loved our little adventure through one of the most peaceful trails in the Sierra Nevada.We think anyone who loves a leisurely stroll among giants, will love this trail. For more info visit Yosemitehikes.com.
