Sentinel

Sentinel is a giant sequoia located near the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park. A ruler marked into the plaza pavement allows visitors to stand alongside the tree's actual width and understand its scale.

The tree grew for centuries within the Giant Forest before the area became a protected reserve in the late 1800s. This early conservation effort helped preserve the giant sequoia groves for future generations.

Educational exhibits surrounding the Sentinel Tree teach visitors about the ecological role of giant sequoias in California's natural heritage.

Access is via paved pathways at the plaza, with ample parking available and informational signs throughout. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience with better light for photographs.

The sidewalk ruler embedded in the plaza surface allows visitors to physically measure themselves against the actual dimensions of this giant sequoia.

GPS coordinates: 36.56486,-118.77306

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08