Standing an astounding 116.07 meters (380.8 feet) tall, the coast redwood known as Hyperion remains the world’s tallest known living tree, a majestic titan hidden deep within Redwood National Park in Northern California. This remarkable tree is taller than both the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben, showcasing the incredible scale of the ancient redwood forests.
Hyperion, a member of the Sequoia sempervirens species (coast redwood), was discovered in 2006 by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. The tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, which is relatively young for its species, suggesting it could continue to grow taller.
To safeguard this natural wonder and its delicate surrounding ecosystem from the damage caused by excessive human foot traffic, the National Park Service (NPS) has taken strict measures. The exact location of Hyperion is kept secret and access to the area has been officially closed. Visitors caught trespassing to view the tree face a hefty $5,000 fine and potential jail time.
Park officials stress that Hyperion’s immense height cannot be appreciated from the ground, as it is surrounded by hundreds of other enormous old-growth redwoods. They encourage visitors to explore the readily accessible trails and groves in the park, which feature many other trees that are equally, if not more, visually impressive from the base. The park service emphasizes that preservation of the entire forest is paramount.
Hyperion’s location within the park, just hundreds of feet from a former clear-cut area, highlights the importance of the park’s establishment in protecting these magnificent, centuries-old ecosystems.
