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Granddad Tree
An ancient sequoia with fire scars, a legendary branch, and real solitude.
About
The Granddad Tree is one of the last mature giant sequoias standing along the Graveyard of the Giants Trail in Nelder Grove, a quiet, uncrowded sequoia grove in the Sierra National Forest just south of Fish Camp. Unlike the crowds at Mariposa Grove, you'll likely have this ancient tree to yourself — it's known for one huge, asymmetric branch that juts out from its upper trunk like an outstretched arm, plus a scatter of young sequoia seedlings growing at its base.
A Tree Marked by Time
Pre-fire surveys measured the Granddad Tree's trunk at roughly 53 feet in circumference at chest height. The tree carries visible fire scars, a hollowed-out upper trunk, and several "volunteer" leader tops that grew back after its original crown died — a living record of centuries of wildfire cycling through this forest. The 2017 Railroad Fire burned through Nelder Grove and killed dozens of the grove's mature sequoias, making surviving giants like this one worth seeking out.
Getting There
Nelder Grove sits off Sky Ranch Road, a turn from Highway 41 near Fish Camp, within Sierra National Forest rather than Yosemite National Park itself. The grove was closed through 2025 for a large fuels-reduction project and reopened to the public on January 1, 2026. Roads into the grove can be rough and are best suited to a high-clearance vehicle, and access can be seasonally limited by weather — check current conditions with the Bass Lake Ranger District before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Granddad Tree inside Yosemite National Park?
No. It's in Nelder Grove, part of the Sierra National Forest, just south of Yosemite near Fish Camp on Highway 41 — a different agency and a much quieter setting than the park's Mariposa Grove.
Is Nelder Grove open right now?
Yes. The grove was closed through 2025 for a wildfire-fuels-reduction project and reopened to the public on January 1, 2026, though it's worth checking current road and trail conditions with the Bass Lake Ranger District before visiting.
What makes the Granddad Tree distinctive?
Its massive, asymmetric branch and its visible scars from repeated wildfires — a hollow upper trunk and regrown leader tops — make it a striking example of how giant sequoias survive fire over centuries.
Do I need a high-clearance vehicle to reach it?
The access roads into Nelder Grove off Sky Ranch Road are rough in places, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Winter weather can also close the road seasonally.
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