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Grove of Titans

The Grove of Titans stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.The trail itself, considered an easy-to-moderate challenge, is a 1.7-mile out-and-back journey that winds its way through the heart of this primeval forest.

The trail partially travels along an elevated boardwalk. As visitors traverse the trail, they'll encounter a series of interpretive signs, offering insights into the ecology and history of the redwoods, as well as the ancestral placenames of the Tolowa people who have occupied this land for thousands of years.

The undisputed highlight of the hike is the grove itself, a cluster of massive redwoods, some of them the largest in the world by volume including three of the top ten. Among the most notable are the Lost Monarch, estimated to be over 1,500 years old, El Viejo del Norte, and the Del Norte Titan, a towering specimen with a massive burl at its base.

Prior to the creation of the official trail, the Grove of Titans was a hidden gem known only to a few, but as its location became more widely known, an influx of visitors began to cause damage. Hikers created unofficial paths, which trampled the delicate understory, compacted soil around the roots of the ancient redwoods, and caused erosion, threatening the health of these massive trees.

Since then, the Grove of Titans has become an increasingly popular destination for hikers since the trail's official opening in 2021. It is estimated that tens of thousands of visitors hike to the grove annually, with numbers likely continuing to rise due to increased awareness of the site. However, exact figures may vary as the park's visitation statistics are regularly updated based on yearly trends and improvements to infrastructure.

The official trail allows for managed and sustainable access to the grove. By providing a designated path, visitors can experience the beauty of the grove without harming the trees or their environment, balancing conservation with recreation. Elevated walkways were constructed to minimize foot traffic on the forest floor, ensuring that the trees' root systems and the surrounding ecosystem remain intact.

A hike through the Grove of Titans is an experience that will linger in the memory long after the trail ends. The majesty of the redwoods, the tranquility of the forest, and the sense of wonder inspired by these ancient giants create a lasting impression on all who venture into their domain.

Redwood Hikes
Visit Del Norte County

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Grove of Titans

The grove, located on Mill Creek, was accidentally discovered by a botanist and a "big-tree tracker" in 1998 while researching in the park.

Attraction Advice



National Park Service

The Grove of Titans is home to some of the largest and oldest coast redwoods in the world, including trees that are over 300 feet tall and more than 1,000 years old.
Visit Del Norte County

A boardwalk allows visitors to hike through the grove without damaging the forest floor, preserving the habitat while providing an up-close view of the towering redwoods.
Save the Redwood League

Due to the sensitivity of the grove, visitors are required to stay on the designated paths and respect the protective measures in place to preserve the ancient trees.
National Park Service

For years, the location of the Grove of Titans was a secret, but it is now accessible to the public through a carefully designed trail that protects the sensitive ecosystem.

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