Hyperion is officially the world’s tallest living tree and stands proudly in the Redwood National Park. While obviously, the Guinness World Record-holding tree is something people want to see, the park wants to keep you away. In fact, anyone who risks visiting the iconic Redwood faces a fine of $5,000 for the trouble.

Redwood National Park and Hyperion

Officially certified by the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest living tree, Hyperion is a wonder of nature. The giant coast redwood (sequoia sempervirens) stands 380 feet (115.92 meters) tall. Meanwhile, its trunk diameter measures an amazing 13 feet (4.84 meters).

The tree was honored with the name Hyperion, a name derived from Greek mythology. According to the myths, Hyperion was one of the Titans and the father of sun god Helios and moon goddess Selene.

Hyperion is officially off-limits to visitors

California’s Redwood National Park issued a statement last week that anyone who is caught near the tree can face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Due to the isolated spot in which the redwood stands, surrounded by other mighty trees, Hyperion was only officially found in 2006 by a couple of naturalists. Set deep in the park, the redwood has no trails leading to it. However, since its discovery, the tree has faced serious environmental degradation from thrill-seeking hikers.

According to a statement on the Redwood National Park’s website, Hyperion is located off trail through dense vegetation. In fact, it requires heavy “bushwhacking” in order to reach the tree. The statement stresses:

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.

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?

Dangers of and to humans visiting the giant tree

Speaking to San Francisco Gate, the park’s Chief of Natural Resources, said that the area has limited cell phone and GPS service. Due to this, it can be very challenging to rescue any hikers, lost or injured in the area.

However, besides the damage and erosion at the base of the tree, there are other issues relating to thrill seekers trying to see the tree. Arguello said:

There was trash, and people were creating even more side trails to use the bathroom. They leave used toilet paper and human waste – it’s not a good thing.

Redwood National Park and wildfires

Meanwhile, human visitors are not the only threat to the giant redwood trees, as wildfires are a growing concern throughout California’s national parks. In fact, back in 2021, officials at Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks had to take extreme measures to protect some of the largest trees from fire.

One redwood that was particularly at risk was General Sherman. This massive redwood is considered to be the world’s largest tree, measured by density, not height. Officials wrapped the tree in an “aluminum-based burn-resistant material” to keep it safe during the KNP Complex Fire.

It is tempting to try and find Hyperion in the majestic Redwood National Park. However, don’t take the risk of getting lost or injured while seeking the tree out. Meanwhile, you can face a fine of $5,000 for trying to visit the world’s tallest tree. Rather experience the Grove of Titans on the new boardwalk in Redwood National Park.