Standing tall and proud for thousands of years, California’s giant redwoods and sequoias captivate visitors with their sheer size and age.
Some of these incredible trees have stood for over 3,000 years, reaching heights above 300 feet.
Remarkably, a handful of these majestic giants have been hollowed out at their base, large enough for vehicles to pass through, a symbol of human interaction with nature’s wonders.
The first drive-through tree, cut in 1875 in Tuolumne Grove, Yosemite, was a 2,500-year-old sequoia.
Visitors paid to pass under its carved-out trunk, sparking a tourism trend that would create more of these natural tunnels.
While no new trees are hollowed out today due to environmental concerns, these attractions have become timeless symbols of early nature tourism.
The Chandelier Tree, located in Leggett, California, continues to attract visitors with its massive tunnel, carved in 1937.
It stands as a reminder of past times, showcasing nature’s endurance alongside human curiosity. Despite their age and modifications, some of these trees are still thriving, a testament to their resilience.
Visitors can still enjoy preserved drive-through trees in California’s national parks, experiencing a unique connection to both nature and history.