This tree is often referred to as a redwood tree, but it’s actually a giant sequoia tree (Species: Sequoia Dendron Giganteum) and is approximately 108 ft tall and 11.25 ft in circumference.
Location:
On the east slope of Pine Valley Mountain just in back of the abandoned Browse Guard Station. Take Interstate 15 to Exit 30, Browse exit, and go 7.5 miles towards Pine Valley Mountain on the dirt road. I would strongly recommend an ATV on this trail, as it’s really rough. We took our side by side and it was a blast! The trail has some amazing mountain views! The road ends at the Ranger Station, so you can only go back the way you came.
Buddy enjoyed the ride!
History
As awesome as it would be, this tree did not naturally grow on its own. It was planted in the 1930’s as part of the Browse Experiment Station. It is said that many of these trees were actually planted, but only this one survived.
If you haven’t noticed, it’s nearly impossible to take a photo without the mutt being in there, so I try to embrace it.
There’s a beautiful stream and scenery to explore around the area as well!
I have to admit, I had an image of the Redwoods in California, so I was a little disappointed at the size in person, but it’s a super fun little day trip with beautiful scenery!
19 Responses
Insightful, and amazing photography! Like going on a mini nature tour. Didn’t even know these kinds of trees were outside of California.
Thank you so much! Southern Utah is full of surprises ?
Loved seeing the sequoia tree! That would be a fun detour! I’ve never seen a hantavirus contamination warning sign before. Had to look that one up.
Ah yes…the mouse disease lol Growing up, my neighbor had a dog with that name. They called him “Hunta” for short. Not sure why you’d name your dog after that, but what do I know ?
That´s funny! Only on sequoia! Seems there is anything special to this one when it is the only survivor! I believe that it´s a great day trip being out in nature and enjoy the journey and the views! Thanks for sharing that!
I know, it’s pretty crazy! It’s pretty far off the beating path, too! Interesting little gem to discover!
I had never heard of this place! How do you find all these little gems! Your adventures are always fun to follow! Love your blog!
Yay! Thank you! Word of mouth or google usually haha! Thanks so much for taking the time to read!
This place looks amazing! What a great and big tree. Nature sure is amazing sometimes.
It definitely is amazing! Thanks for reading!
You said the trail is pretty rough, could you bike or walk this trail? Is it very steep? Thanks for your insight!
You could walk it but that would be a very very long walk! It’s not ideal for a biking trail as it is rough and pretty steep in some areas. With other roads I’ve been on recently, I’d assume this road is in pretty horrible shape right now with all the rain we have had! It’s best used with a side by side, four wheeler, or other four-wheel-drive. Sorry! Hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram if you want to chat more! (@theramblingraccoon)
Giant sequoias are redwoods. I’m an arborist. 3 trees belong to the redwood sub-family of the larger cypress family – Coastal redwood, dawn redwood, and giant sequoia. Referring to it as a redwood is entirely correct.
I didn’t know that! Thank you for the correction!
You would think as an “arborist’ that you would know the difference between the two. The National Park, who should know better, says between the two on their official page: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/cook/sec2.htm
Happily, this isn’t the only giant sequoia in southern Utah. I know of 3 in the town of Springdale, the gateway town to Zion National Park. One is in the courtyard of the Driftwood Lodge, another is in the parking strip on the main road in front of Frontier Plunder Antiques (just north of the Bit & Spur restaurant), and the third is in the side yard of the first house on the right side of Canyon View Drive, right off the main road (first street on the right, north of the Post Office). All 3 trees are doing very well the last time I checked! I’m sure there are other giant sequoias in southern Utah where people have planted them and they have a good source of water. They are such a beautiful tree and are pretty popular for landscaping. Salt Lake City has lots of sequoias planted in yards, parks, along streets and so on. Both the Grand and Little America hotels have sequoias planted all over their grounds (they are used as a hedgerow surrounding the Little America hotel!). Coolest of all, Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah (about 15 minutes north of Salt Lake City) has 2 BLUE giant sequoias planted on the north side of their carriage house in the Pioneer Village section of the park! They’re only about 20-25 feet tall,but they’re gorgeous! Think giant sequoia with the blue foliage color of a blue spruce. A wonderful cultivar of a fantastic tree! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw them; I literally stopped dead in my tracks and said out loud “you’ve got to be kidding!” They are truly breathtaking!
Oh wow, that is awesome! I had no idea! Thanks so much for sharing, I really appreciate it! I’ll have to check out the other ones you mentioned!
The tree viewed was a sapling that was a give away at a St George hardware store during the depression. the ranger at the cabin planted it and it grew to the tree pictured above.
Great info!