1. We start with the problem: Calculate the value of $-7^2$. 2. Important rule: Exponentiation has higher precedence than negation, so $-7^2$ means $-(7^2)$, not $(-7)^2$. 3. Calculate $7^2$: $$7^2 = 7 \times 7 = 49$$ 4. Apply the negation: $$-7^2 = -49$$ 5. Final answer: $$\boxed{-49}$$