Belknap Complex

The Belknap Complex, sometimes referred to as Belknap Grove, is a complex of three giant sequoia List of [giant sequoia groves|groves] located in the Tule River watershed of Giant [Sequoia National Monument], just south of Camp Nelson, California. It is formed from the larger McIntyre Grove and Wheel Meadow Grove, and the smaller Carr Wilson Grove. The grove is home to a rich collection of old-growth giant sequoias spread out over. The grove is fairly easy to reach by car given its close proximity to California [State Route 190|Highway 190]. Forest Trail 31E30 meanders through the heart of the complex.
During the Castle Fire of 2020, approximately 59% of the Belknap Complex was subject to high-intensity fire, which is estimated to kill between 75 and 100% of the giant sequoia in its path.

Noteworthy trees

Some trees of special note found within the complex included:

The Patriarch Tree was the largest tree in the grove with a volume of. The tree was unusually short for a giant sequoia but had a trunk with a diameter of. The Patriarch Tree was destroyed in the Castle Fire.
Near Gutless Tree: Second largest tree in grove with a volume of.
Gutless Goliath: Remnants of a once larger tree, but still in volume.
The Kathryn Tree: a giant sequoia tree with exceptionally large limbs.