Bull Buck Trailhead

The Bull Buck Trailhead sits in Nelder Grove, a 1,540-acre stand of giant sequoias in Sierra National Forest a few miles south of Fish Camp, just outside Yosemite's boundary. It's the access point for the Bull Buck Tree, one of the largest giant sequoias standing anywhere — 246 feet tall with a base circumference of roughly 99 feet, putting it in the same league as Yosemite's famous Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove.

The Trail

From the trailhead, at roughly 5,380 feet elevation, a loop well under a mile long winds through the grove with minimal elevation gain — an easy walk for most visitors, not a strenuous hike. Along the way you'll pass other mature sequoias, including the Wolf Stump, before the loop reaches the Bull Buck Tree itself. The route is open to hikers only; expect a quiet trail with far fewer people than Yosemite's Mariposa Grove.

Getting There

Sky Ranch Road (Forest Road 632) turns off Highway 41 a few miles south of Fish Camp. Follow it several miles until the pavement ends, then continue on the dirt forest road, bearing right at the fork for the final stretch to the Bull Buck parking area. The unpaved section can be muddy or rutted after rain and may be inaccessible in winter snow — check conditions before you go if the weather's been rough.

Good to Know

• Managed by the Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest — (559) 877-2218
• Nelder Grove is outside Yosemite National Park, so park entrance passes don't apply here
• The Chimney Tree and Graveyard of the Giants trailheads sit within a few hundred yards, if you want to extend the visit