Dotted throughout the northern regions of California lie a handful of the oldest redwoods and giant sequoias in the world, standing tall and majestic as if they were plucked from the pages of Tolkien’s fantastical realm.
These magnificent trees possess an astonishing capacity to soar to heights of 300ft and endure for a remarkable 3,000 years. Thanks to their immense growth potential, ingenious locals have found ingenious methods to harness their potential by skillfully sculpting them into breathtaking drive-through trees.
It is truly fascinating how certain trees have been transformed into tunnels while still maintaining their growth and vitality. The idea of drive-through trees emerged in 1875 with the establishment of the first one in Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Grove. Its creation aimed to boost tourism, and visitors were required to pay in order to drive through it. This particular tree was carved out from a 2,500-year-old giant sequoia that had been struck by lightning. Eventually, it was cut down and had its bark removed. As time went by, more of these unique trees were hollowed out, attracting tourists who would pay to pass through them in their vintage cars. However, due to environmental concerns, the practice of creating drive-through trees has come to an end. Nonetheless, tourists can still appreciate these preserved marvels in California’s national parks, serving as timeless relics from a bygone era of tourism.
To boost tourism, the Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite National Park took a pioneering step in 1875 by creating the world’s inaugural drive-through tree.
The charming Shire drive-through tree found in Myers Flat proudly displays its unique, naturally formed opening, lovingly reinforced and embraced by sturdy cables.
Taken in the 1930s, this captivating image showcases a car leisurely driving through the majestic Wawona tree located within the enchanting Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park.
Drive-through trees have been a beloved attraction for travelers for more than a hundred years. A captivating snapshot from the past, dating back to 1880, displays an enchanting sight of a cart pulled by horses leisurely making its way through the magnificent Wawona tree. Fast forward to 1923, and an equally mesmerizing photograph documents the evolution of transportation as a car confidently traverses the very same natural tunnel.
The Wawona tree had gained significant recognition as a remarkable sight, known to a multitude of individuals. To refresh our perspective, the image on the left features a modified version of President Theodore Roosevelt driving through the captivating tunnel of the tree. In contrast, the photo on the right portrays a gentleman standing beneath the immense tunnel back in 1890.
The majestic Wawona Tree, which now goes by the name of the Fallen Tunnel Tree, gracefully succumbed to the forces of a powerful storm that ravaged the area back in 1969. Thanks to recently captured photographs, both old and new, we can bear witness to the status of this iconic natural wonder as it stands today.
Nestled within the quaint town of Leggett, just a little over 180 miles away from the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, lies the awe-inspiring Chandelier tree. This natural wonder is gracefully tucked away in a privately owned grove, exuding an air of exclusivity and tranquility. Its splendor lies in its colossal presence, boasting an extraordinary tunnel that dates back to the year 1937.
The ancient Chandelier tree, estimated to be about 2,400 years old, earned its distinctive name from its branches that gracefully hang down resembling exquisite chandeliers, as beautifully captured in the accompanying images on both sides.
The Tuolumne Grove’s majestic tree has captured the attention of countless tourists, inspiring various entrepreneurs to jump on the bandwagon and creatively sculpt similar trees.
A brand new photograph captures the enchanting sight of a peculiar set of sightseers huddled together, brimming with excitement, as they eagerly anticipate their turn to navigate through the tunnel ingeniously cut into the colossal trunk of the Wawona tree. One after another, each car proceeds with caution, resulting in an unparalleled and unforgettable encounter that will forever be etched in the memories of all fortunate enough to witness it.
