Shadow of the Giants

There’s nothing in this world that compares to walking among giant redwood trees. Your pup will be pawsitively amazed as they wander along this Sierra National Forest trail. Tucked away in the Nelder Grove, Shadow of the Giants is an experience unlike any other.

People come from far and wide to wander around these giant sequoia trees, and as you begin the trail, you’ll understand why. The trail guides you through a lush forest of firs and cedars. During May and June, the dogwoods are in full bloom and add to the trail's beauty. Once you’re on the loop, it doesn’t take long to reach the first mature sequoia. Marvel at its majestic height before continuing on up the trail to a fallen sequoia. Reach out and feel the trunk’s smooth bark. Fun fact- the bark not only insulates the tree, it also protects it from wildfire.

The trail passes a few more redwoods before crossing Nelder Creek. It then loops around a small ravine and gets you up close and personal to even more pawrific sequoias. Interpretive signs inform visitors about the leafy giants and the other plants and animals in the forest. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a photo or to let your furry BFF sit and commune with Mother Nature.

Since Shadow of the Giants isn’t very long, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the other furrific trails in Nelder Grove, which is home to over 100 redwood trees. It’s a less crowded version of the nearby Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park. Primitive restrooms are located at the trailhead and Nelder Campground. Across the street from the parking lot is a picnic table. Bring a sandwich and some biscuits for your pooch and enjoy eating lunch with the Giants. This is one trail you pal won’t fur-get any time soon.