Fallen Monarch (S3) in Yosemite National Park

Fallen Monarch (S3)

Biologists suspect that this giant sequoia, 26 feet in diameter and 285 feet long, fell centuries ago.

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Fallen Monarch (S3) Details

You'll find this landmark on your right as you start into the grove on the main trail. Biologists believe that this tree has been down for centuries. Tannic acid in the wood suppresses the initial growth of fungi and bacteria, essentially arresting decay of a fallen sequoia. Only when rain and melting snow have leached the tannin from the wood can decay begin. For your safety and to help preserve what remains of the Fallen Monarch, please do not climb on the tree. Notice the roots of this tree. Sequoias do not have deep tap roots. Instead, the roots spread out near the surface to capture water. While the roots are usually no deeper than six feet (2 meters), they can fan out more than 150 feet (45 meters), providing a stable base to balance the massive trunk. When visitors stay on the road and trails, it minimizes soil compaction that damages these surface roots. Source: NPS/Jon Kinney

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Fallen Monarch (S3)

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Fallen Monarch (S3) while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Big Trees Gift Shop

This quaint little shop offers books, postcards, and gifts.

0.1 mi away

Mariposa Grove Parking Lot (S2)

The parking lot fills up early, so your best bet may be to take the free shuttle.

0.1 mi away

Mariposa Grove (S1)

A grove of more than 500 giant sequoias, some of them up to 3,000 years old.

0.1 mi away

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Various trails exist throughout the Mariposa Grove.

0.3 mi away

Bachelor and Three Graces

Four giant sequoia trees that have grown very close together in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite.