The Redwood Trail

Stately trees
standing tall
ever growing
yet never changing
reaching endlessly upward
Living forever


Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest state park (est in 1902). The Redwood Loop Trail is easily the most explored, and perhaps most celebrated, trail in Big Basin. I walked this trail as a kid, with my kids, and now with my granddaughter .. full circle!

The roots of a coast redwood are very shallow, growing only four to six feet deep, but spread out from the tree as far as 125 feet. This isn’t much support for a tall, heavy tree. But the roots of individual redwoods frequently grow intertwined with those of their neighbors. By "holding hands" underground, the roots form a network that allows the trees to withstand even great storms. Redwoods will sprout from their stumps or roots, usually in response to some sort of trauma When the original tree dies, the surrounding shoots may develop into mature trees, growing in a circle around the parent. These groups of trees are known as "fairy rings."

Anyone can read up on these magnificent trees: the facts, how they came to be; but there's nothing like the wonder one feels standing next to a tree so old, so big, some damaged but still alive; and knowing the insignificance of our time here on Earth.

Treehugger HUGS to everyone!