EUREKA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Descend into the Tall Trees Grove — home to some of the planet’s tallest redwoods
A guided, moderately challenging 3.9-mile hike led by Bigfoot Adventure Academy that drops 800 feet into an old-growth floodplain and offers up-close views of record-holding coastal redwoods.
Descend into the Tall Trees Grove — home to some of the planet’s tallest redwoods.
The GMG Tall Trees Grove Guided Hike delivers a rare, cathedral-like encounter with old-growth coastal redwoods. Over a moderately challenging 3.9-mile route, the trail drops roughly 800 feet to the alluvial floodplain of Redwood Creek, threading visitors among trees that once held — and still hold — global records for height and volume. It’s a landscape shaped by scale: trunks and canopies so vast they rewrite any casual ideas of how tall a tree can be.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Former and current record-holders up close
Tall Trees Grove is the site where National Geographic explorers discovered the 'Tall Tree' in 1969. The grove contains former world’s tallest specimens (including Howard Libby and Nugget) and multiple trees that rank among the tallest and largest on Earth — with several exceeding 350 feet and at least one surpassing 30,000 cubic feet in volume.
An 800-foot descent to a creek-side floodplain
The Tall Trees Trail descends about 800 feet to the alluvial floodplain of Redwood Creek; the route’s elevation profile means most of the climbing happens on the return, making the outward leg a sustained descent through increasingly towering trees and riparian forest.
A pivotal grove in the birth of Redwood National Park
This grove played a central role in establishing Redwood National Park and remains a living archive of discovery and conservation: it contains multiple top-ranked trees by height and volume and still rewards visitors with the visceral sense of old-growth scale that helped catalyze protection efforts.
What the day feels like
What the hike feels like
You’ll start above the creek and work your way down through a layered forest where trunks widen and the air cools; the outward leg is mostly downhill, unfolding over roughly 3.9 miles, and the hike culminates on a flat alluvial plain beside Redwood Creek before the steady, sustained climb back to the trailhead. Expect a moderately strenuous rhythm — the return packs the elevation gain.
THE GIANTS
Former and current record-holders up close
Tall Trees Grove is the site where National Geographic explorers discovered the 'Tall Tree' in 1969. The grove contains former world’s tallest specimens (including Howard Libby and Nugget) and multiple trees that rank among the tallest and largest on Earth — with several exceeding 350 feet and at least one surpassing 30,000 cubic feet in volume.
THE ROUTE
An 800-foot descent to a creek-side floodplain
The Tall Trees Trail descends about 800 feet to the alluvial floodplain of Redwood Creek; the route’s elevation profile means most of the climbing happens on the return, making the outward leg a sustained descent through increasingly towering trees and riparian forest.
THE LEGACY
A pivotal grove in the birth of Redwood National Park
This grove played a central role in establishing Redwood National Park and remains a living archive of discovery and conservation: it contains multiple top-ranked trees by height and volume and still rewards visitors with the visceral sense of old-growth scale that helped catalyze protection efforts.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, and optionally a lunch, camera, and hiking poles. Guides recommend layering so you can add or remove a light jacket depending on conditions.
Wear comfortable hiking apparel with layers, including a light jacket or rain jacket as conditions warrant, and durable hiking shoes.
Allow up to 6 hours for the activity; your guide will call ahead to confirm your start time and the exact meeting spot at the trailhead.
The hike is led by Bigfoot Adventure Academy. For questions you can email [email protected] or call (844)-926-6566.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When should I arrive at the trailhead?
Your guide will call ahead to confirm your start time and coordinate the meeting spot; plan to arrive at the trailhead at the scheduled time.
How long does the hike take?
Plan on up to 6 hours for the guided hike.
Is gratuity included in the cost?
No — gratuity is not included; a typical range is 15–25% to acknowledge your guide’s service.
What should I wear for the hike?
Wear comfortable hiking clothes in layers, a light jacket or rain jacket as needed, and durable hiking shoes.
What should I bring on the trail?
Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and optionally lunch, a camera, and hiking poles.
Who operates the guided hike and how can I get more information?
The hike is operated by Bigfoot Adventure Academy; contact [email protected] or call (844)-926-6566 with questions.