Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
This massive 315-foot coast redwood features a carved tunnel wide enough for most standard cars to drive right through. Carved in the 1930s, it remains a quintessential California road trip milestone. The surrounding grove also offers peaceful picnic spots and a vintage gift shop.
- Admission
- $15 per vehicle, $10 for motorcycles, $5 walk-ins
- Hours
- Open daily 8:30 AM to dusk (weather permitting)
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking lot available for oversized vehicles and visitors who wish to walk
- Access
- Gift shop and restrooms are wheelchair accessible; terrain around the tree is gravel and dirt
Read more
The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree is a massive, 315-foot-tall coast redwood located in Leggett, California. Carved in 1937 by Charlie Underwood, this iconic roadside attraction has been welcoming motorists to drive directly through its living trunk for generations.
Visitors can slowly steer their vehicles through the 6-foot-wide by 6-foot-9-inch-high opening, creating a classic American road trip photo opportunity. The surrounding 250-acre park also features a gift shop, picnic areas, and walking trails through the tranquil redwood forest.
Despite the massive opening cut into its base, the tree remains remarkably healthy and continues to grow. It stands as a nostalgic testament to early automobile tourism along northern California's legendary Redwood Highway.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Check your vehicle's dimensions before attempting the drive-through, as larger SUVs, trucks, and vans will not fit.
- ◆ Fold in your side mirrors to gain a few extra inches of clearance as you pass through the trunk.
- ◆ Have a passenger step out of the car beforehand to capture the classic photo or video of your vehicle emerging from the tree.
- ◆ Plan your visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak midday crowds and long vehicle queues.
Heads Up
- ◆ Vehicles wider than 6 feet or taller than 6 feet 9 inches cannot fit through the tree and will damage their vehicle or the tree if attempted.
- ◆ There is a modest admission fee per vehicle to enter the park grounds.
- ◆ Watch for pedestrians, especially children, who frequently walk around the base of the tree for photos.
Common questions
What size cars can fit through the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree?
The opening of the tree is 6 feet wide by 6 feet 9 inches high, which accommodates most standard cars, minivans, and small SUVs. Large trucks, large SUVs, and vehicles with roof racks or trailers will not fit.
Can you walk through the tree if your vehicle is too big?
Yes, visitors with oversized vehicles can park in the adjacent lot and walk through the tree on foot. A bypass road is provided so you can drive around the tree to reach the parking area.
Are dogs allowed at the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed in the park and around the tree. They are welcome to walk through the tree opening with you as long as they remain on a leash.
More Drive-Through Attractions
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- Shrine Drive-Thru Tree · Myers Flat, California