Visitors to the world’s tallest tree in California could face $5,000 fines, jail

The world’s tallest tree is officially off-limits to visitors. California’s Redwood National Park announced last week that anyone caught near the tree can face a $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

The Guinness Record-breaking coast redwood tree stands about 380 feet tall (115.9 meters) and was named Hyperion, after the Titan that was the father of the sun god Helios and moon goddess Selene in Greek mythology.

Hyperion, the world's tallest living tree. Hyperion is a coast redwood in California that stands 115.92 m (380.3 ft.) tall. pic.twitter.com/3YYdTVqXlB

— Dr. Clayton Forrester (@DrClaytonForre1) July 31, 2022

After the 600 to 800 years old tree was discovered by naturalists in 2006, despite having no trails leading up to it, has faced environmental degradation by visitors seeking it out.

"Hyperion is located off trail through dense vegetation and requires heavy 'bushwhacking' in order to reach the tree," reads a statement by the national park.

"Despite the difficult journey, increased popularity due to bloggers, travel writers, and websites of this off-trail tree has resulted in the devastation of the habitat surrounding Hyperion," the statement says.

"As a visitor, you must decide if you will be part of the preservation of this unique landscape - or will you be part of its destruction?" it continues.

The park’s Chief of Natural Resources, Leonel Arguello, said that people visiting the tree can cause erosion and damage Hyperion’s base.

“Redwood roots are incredibly shallow, reaching down 12 feet on average. Soil compaction due to trampling negatively affects these centuries-old trees,” says the park’s website.

Additionally, the area has limited cellphone service, making it hard to rescue any hikers who might be lost or injured.

Despite the hype around the tree, Arguello argues that if visitors were to see the tree, they might be disappointed because it is not much to look at.

“It’s tall, but it’s not really that impressive to look at from the base because you cannot see the top of the tree. All you can see are the branches of this tall, skinny tree,” Arguello said.