Hikes

Sequoia National Park

Tokopah Falls

This trail follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River up to a magnificent cascade called Tokopah Falls. This stunning hike will leave you memorized by the huge granite cliffs that flank you, diversity of trees and abundance of water all around. You will learn about glacial valleys, the flora and fauna of Sequoia National Park and indigenous cultures that frequented the area. Enjoy natural foot bridges, unique lookouts and beautiful river spots all along the way.

length

4.2 Miles

elev. gain

430 ft

level

moderate

time

3 hr

Big Trees Trail (Round Meadow)

Saunter through a beautiful meadow surrounded by Giant Sequoias. Located near the General Sherman and the Congress Trail this can be a great addition to any experience you may want to have in Sequoia National Park. Live your dream of hugging a humongous tree that’s over a thousand years old! Learn about what makes meadows special in the Sierras, recent wildfires in the area and their impact on the environment and Redwoods, and the beautiful flora and fauna in the area.

length

0.7 Miles

elev. gain

<50 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

moro rock

This is a must visit when going to Sequoia National Park and one of our most popular hikes. Climb 350 stairs up a giant granite rock and experience one of the greatest views you’ll ever see. At the top you will be standing on over 1000 ft of exposed rock that lead to outstanding 360 degree views. Sunsets are incredible on the Great Western Divide and nearby peaks which are among the highest in the lower 48 states. Condors and eagles also can be spotted from this vantage point. Peregrine Falcons nest on the side of Moro Rock and can be seen zipping by at 200 MPH! On a clear day you will be able to see across the San Joaquin Valley over 100 miles to the coastal range.

length

400 stairs

elev. gain

300 ft

level

moderate

time

1 hr

Marble Falls

Located at a lower elevation in Sequoia National Park, this trail can be accessed year round. The well maintained path traverses back towards the valley that makes up the Marble Fork watershed. After hiking 4 miles a magnificent cascade appears on giant slabs of white marble. The pools are fit for a king! Learn about the geology of Sequoia National Park, the history of local indigenous people and later settlers, ranchers, and farmers, the diverse lower elevation flora and fauna such as buckeye trees, salamanders, chaparral and much more.

length

8 Miles

elev. gain

1,500 ft

level

hard

time

4 hr

Congress Trail (General Sherman)

This is the most popular hike in Sequoia National Park and for good reason. The largest living thing in the world can be found in the heart of this Giant Sequoia grove. Moreover there are abundant Redwoods everywhere you look, some almost as big as the General Sherman. A paved trail takes you in and out of impressive stands of these massive trees with ease. Enjoy being surrounded by trees that are thousands of years old! Learn all about the creation Sequoia National Park in 1890, the life and characteristics of Giant Sequoias, what makes the General Sherman so unique and the impacts recent wildfires and floods have had on this special forest.

length

2.9 Miles

elev. gain

462 ft

level

moderate

time

2 hr

Crescent Meadow

On this popular hike you'll pass the famous Cleveland Tree, and other ancient sequoias on your trip. Crescent Meadow provides food for grazing wildlife, so keep your eyes out for bear and deer on your hike as well!

length

1.3 Miles

elev. gain

131 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

Muir Grove

A hidden sequoia grove named for the famous naturalist and writer John Muir. This hidden-gem hike begins in the Dorst Campground at the Muir Grove Trailhead. There is a granite dome at the halfway point of the trail that offers beautiful views of nearby Big Baldy and Chimney Rocks. You'll also be able to see Muir Grove in the distance from the dome. Keep your eye out for wildflowers such as lupines blooming here in the middle of the summer.

length

4.2 Miles

elev. gain

482 ft

level

moderate

time

2 hr

Beetle Rock

This paved trail to Beetle Rock vista is great for the whole family and has great views from the top of Beetle Rock. Because Giant Forest Museum is maintained year-round, the trail is almost always open and passable.

length

0.3 Miles

elev. gain

6 ft

level

easy

time

0.5 hr

Sunset Rock

The trail to Sunset Rock is a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. It is a great trip for the whole family, with beautiful views in every direction from the top! The route begins at the Giant Forest Museum, with stops along the way to offer a place to relax. At Sunset Rock, you will be able to see views that stretch from the foothills into the surrounding mountains. This rock slab is an interesting feature at the end of your hike. Much of the forest surrounding this trail was burned in the 2021 fires.

length

1.6 Miles

elev. gain

147 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

Kings Canyon National Park

Grant Grove

Take a paved walk amongst some of the biggest living trees in the world including the General Grant, the 3rd largest living thing in the world, also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree. You will learn about the history of Kings Canyon National Park, the life of redwoods and animals in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Explore the inside of naturally downed Giant Sequoia, visit a historic cabin, and discover some of your own favorites trees intertwined with idyllic creeks on this gentle hike.

length

0.7 Miles

elev. gain

<50 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

Zumwalt Meadow

Explore an absolutely hidden gem deep in the Sierras. Cross the Kings Rivers over a suspension bridge and walk around a pristine meadow flanked by stunning granite faces. The smell of Cedar trees will give you all the feels in this picturesque setting. Learn about the creation of Kings Canyon over millennia by glaciers, its addition to the National Park family in 1940 and much more history throughout the hike. In addition the flora and fauna will be explained and what makes Kings Canyon so special. Trails along the mighty Kings River can take you up river to Roads End or down river to Roaring River Falls. This creates many more possibilities for exploration. Epic views of the canyon and river abound where you hike. Anticipate wildlife too as animals frequent these areas. Expect additional miles and added hours to the adventure as well a higher rating of moderate difficulty.

length

1.6 Miles

elev. gain

<50 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

Big Stump Trail

The trail around the "Big Stump" tells the story of some of the park's history. The Mark Twain Tree was the name of the sequoia that used to stand in the place of the Big Stump. It grew to be 16 feet in diameter! In 1891, the US Army cut down the Mark Twain Tree so that it could be displayed as a spectacle to crowds all over the world. This gentle loop is a great hike for families, and is a great way for kids to learn about the importance of trees.

length

1.7 miles

elev. gain

196 ft

level

easy

time

1 hr

Buena Vista Trail

This trail is a short but rewarding hike to the summit of Buena Vista Peak. The trail takes you through forests and open rock slabs with boulders. The summit provides panoramic views of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks.

length

2 Miles

elev. gain

393 ft

level

moderate

time

1.5 hr

Big Baldy Trail

On this trail, you will follow a gentle ridge where you can see great views of Kings Canyon and into nearby Redwood Canyon. The summit of Big Baldy is over 8,000 feet. Even in the summer months, the summit of Big Baldy can be cool and windy. It's a good idea to bring an extra layer for the top, and plenty of water!