Many visitors flock to the Mariposa Grove to see its famous giant sequoia trees. Of the more than 500 mature giant sequoia trees in the grove, there is one straight and proud tree with a story that touches the very heart of Yosemite’s history: the Galen Clark Tree. This magnificent sequoia honors the man who became Yosemite’s first official guardian and played a pivotal role in protecting these ancient wonders for all of us to enjoy today.
Ironically, but maybe not surprisingly, this wasn’t the name that Galen Clark himself gave the tree. He called it Forest Queen, and even supposedly removed the first sign that renamed it in his honor.
However, regardless of the name, the Galen Clark Tree is a true marvel of the forest. Standing as the 11th largest tree in the Mariposa Grove and the 12th largest in the entire park, it reaches a height of about 239 feet (72.8 meters) and remarkably spans over 16 feet (5 meters) in diameter – the same width as two parking spaces side by side.
Who Was Galen Clark?
“Galen Clark was the best mountaineer I ever met, and one of the kindest and most amiable of all my mountain friends.” -John Muir in The Yosemite.
Galen Clark standing in front of a giant sequoia tree in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Galen Clark’s journey to Yosemite began under difficult circumstances. In 1857, at age 43, Clark was diagnosed with a severe lung infection and given only six months to live. Seeking rest and fresh air, he moved to Wawona to be close to the giant sequoia trees, famously saying, “I went to the mountains to take my chances of dying or growing better, which I thought were about even.”
Fortunately, the Yosemite air worked its magic, and Clark was given a second chance at life.
He built a cabin in what is now Wawona, living year-round among the Southern Sierra Miwok people and advocating for the protection of the sequoias in the Yosemite area.
His passion helped lead to the signing of the Yosemite Grant by Abraham Lincoln in 1864, which protected both Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove. As a result of that conservation effort, he was appointed the first guardian of Yosemite, and he served in that position for a total of 24 years.
He also offered hospitality to travelers on their way to see Yosemite Valley and his beloved sequoias. His warmth and generosity were legendary, and Clark’s Station became a renowned stop for Yosemite visitors. Today, The Redwoods In Yosemite cabins are located in the same historic area, allowing you to stay right where Yosemite’s guardianship and distinguished hospitality began.
The Redwoods In Yosemite carries on the tradition of hospitality in Wawona pioneered by Galen Clark.
When you visit the grove, take a moment at the Galen Clark Tree to appreciate the man who helped protect this forest. And if you find yourself in the Yosemite Cemetery, you can visit his final resting place, which he chose himself, now shaded by the beloved sequoias he planted and nurtured as seedlings.
Close Calls with Fire – 2022 Washburn Fire
Although ancient, the fate of giant sequoias is more fragile than we might think. Many of these ancient trees, including the Galen Clark tree, were directly threatened during the 2022 Washburn Fire.
Fire is a natural part of the life cycle of a sequoia tree. In fact, the sequoia cones need fire in order to germinate properly, and many mature sequoias bear the marks of fire scars on their trunks. However, thanks to a history of fire suppression, many forests have become unnaturally dense. These tightly packed trees contribute to fires so hot that they can kill even these fire-adapted giants.
In 2021, two major wildfires swept through Sequoia National Park, killing roughly 1,330 to 2,380 mature sequoias (more than 4 feet/1.2 m in diameter) there.
So, you can imagine that when a fire started near the Mariposa Grove just a year after those devastating losses, some feared the worst for these sequoias as well. The fire burned so close to the Galen Clark tree that flames were licking at the main trunk.
Fortunately, in Yosemite, fire managers have been conducting prescribed burns to reintroduce fire to the landscape and reduce fuel density in a more controlled way since the 1970s.
Thanks to these programs and the mighty efforts of firefighters, who set up a temporary sprinkler system to shield it, the Galen Clark tree survived this recent fire. When you visit, keep your eyes open for the new burn marks along this majestic tree. They are a testament to natural resilience and a reminder that we need to continue to protect and advocate for these majestic trees.
How to Get to the Galen Clark Tree
If you’re looking for a peaceful adventure beyond the busiest paths, and a window into Yosemite’s history, a visit to the Galen Clark Tree is well worth the walk. Located at the top of the upper grove, it sits just north of the Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree and close to the junction of the spur trail leading to Wawona Point.
- Getting to the Arrival Area Trailhead: Hop on the free shuttle or enjoy a scenic 2-mile (3 km) stroll along the Washburn Trail from the parking area to the Arrival Area trailhead.
- The Lower Grove: Follow the main boardwalk past the Fallen Monarch and continue uphill past the Bachelor & Three Graces toward the legendary Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Trees. Be sure to walk right through the center of the California Tunnel Tree—just because you can!
- To the Upper Grove and Mariposa Grove Cabin: From there, follow the Mariposa Grove Trail toward the Faithful Couple and Clothespin Trees. Take an unnamed connector trail to the Guardians Loop Trail, which will lead you past a replica of the original cabin Galen Clark built on this spot in 1857.
- The last leg: The Guardians Loop Trail rejoins the Mariposa Grove Trail just past the Mariposa Grove cabin. Continue up and to the right until the two trails once again diverge. But instead of taking either of the main trails to the left or right, choose a smaller trail that goes straight ahead to the Galen Clark Tree.
This route is roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) and just over 500 feet of elevation gain, one way, from the Arrival Area Trailhead.
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Theresa moved to Yosemite on a rock climbing sabbatical in April 2003 and has been living full-time in Yosemite ever since. Currently, when not working as a marketing freelancer, you’ll find Theresa hiking, climbing, and skiing through Yosemite’s beautiful landscapes or nature journaling with art supplies in hand.
