California is a great place to hike due to the varied landscapes, climates, and vast amount of trails. Check out these scenic Sequoia National Park hikes.
Sequoia National Park is located in California near Death Valley National Park. What makes it stand out from other parks is that it includes the Giant Forest, which is home to half of the world’s largest and longest-living trees. In fact, the world’s largest living tree, known as General Sherman, is found within the park.
During your trip to the park, you will be surrounded by California coastal redwood trees as well as sequoias. These tree species are unique, as they can live to be thousands of years in age, and reach heights of 300 meters. The beautiful old-growth forests will make an incredible backdrop as you explore these Sequoia National Park hikes.
1. Big Trees Trail
This Sequoia National Park hike is one of the most accessible, making it ideal for families or those with limited mobility. It is both flat and paved, and has plenty of benches along the trail. This trail circles Big Meadow, where wildlife such as bears and yellow-bellied marmots have been spotted.
- Length: 1.2 mile loop
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Trailhead: Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot
2. North Grove Trail
The North Grove Trail is easy loop trail for beginners, and is even suitable for hiking in winter. The North Grove tends to be much quieter than other areas of the park, which allows you to take in the sequoias, ponderosa and sugar pines in a peaceful setting. If you wish to extend your hike even further, this trail meets up with the Dead Giant Loop to create a 3.25 mile hike.
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 350 feet
- Trailhead: General Grant Tree Parking Lot
3. Congress Trail
Idea for first-time visitors to the park, this paved hiking path loop provides easy access to the heart of the sequoia grove. It starts off with a visit to the world’s largest tree, and continues through the stunning old-growth forest.
- Length: 2 miles
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Trailhead: General Sherman Tree
4. High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow
Also known as Day One of the High Sierra Trail (HST), this hike is not for the faint of heart. This trail includes water crossings, and a strenuous last mile to reach Bearpaw Meadow. There are several camping sites along the way, so there’s no pressure to complete it all in one day. Just make sure you are prepared, as bear sightings are common along the trail.
- Length: 11.5 miles, one way
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Trailhead: Crescent Meadow
5. Tokopah Falls Trail
This moderately challenging hike follows along the Kaweah River, and leads to a stunning 1,200 foot waterfall. To catch this trail at its best, visit in spring or early summer – the water flows best at this time of year.
- Length: 3.4 miles
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Trailhead: Lodgepole Campground – Log Bridge
6. Moro Rock Trail
Don’t let the short distance of this hike fool you, as the climb to the summit is not an easy one. This trail includes over 400 stairs, but the view at the top makes it all worth it. You will have spectacular views over Sequoia National Park and the Great Western Divide.
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Time: 45 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Trailhead: Moro Rock Parking Lot
7. Hazelwood Nature Trail
This gentle hike is suitable especially suitable for families, or those looking for an informative Sequoia National Park hike. You will get to experience the wonders of the giant sequoias and enjoy trailside exhibits which explain how the parks came to be, and give more information about the people who helped create them.
- Length: 1 mile, round trip
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Trailhead: Trail Center near Giant Forest Museum
8. Alta Peak Trail
For those looking for a challenge, this hike will provide plenty of reward for your effort. Once you reach the summit of Alta Peak (11,204 feet), you will have views over the Great Western Divide and the High Sierra. This trail is open year-round, but dogs aren’t allowed, so leave the pups at home.
- Length: 7 miles one way
- Time: 7-8 hours round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
- Trailhead: Wolverton
9. Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
Explore the scenic Crescent Meadow with an easy loop trail. For an extra special treat, plan to come in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. One of the attractions on this hike is Tharp’s Log, a cabin built by Hale Tharp out of a downed giant sequoia log in 1861.
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Trailhead: Crescent Meadow Parking Lot
10. Giant Forest Loop
If you want to see some of the most popular attractions within the park, skip the collection of short trails and see the highlights with this 7 mile trail instead. You’ll be able to escape the crowds, and spend more time within the forest surrounded by giant trees.
- Length: 7 miles
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,272 feet
- Trailhead: General Sherman Tree Parking Lot
11. Little Baldy
This Sequoia National Park hike is short but steep, and consists of switchbacks all the way up to the peak of Little Baldy. Once you’ve reached the top, you can enjoy views of the Great Western Divide. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and see if you can spot some of the other famous rock formations along the way.
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 793 feet
- Trailhead: South of Dorst Campground
Tips for Visiting National Parks Responsibly
Wanting to spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature is an admirable thing, and there are countless benefits of doing so. That being said, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to make your visit to the park as eco-friendly as possible:
- Carpool with friends: Hiking is more fun when you share the experience with others, so invite some friends along to save on gas and make it stretch further.
- Go off season: Summer is the most popular time to get outdoors and be active, but in order to alleviate additional strain on the natural ecosystems, aim to go during off-peak times, such as early spring or late fall.
- Stick to the trails: Trails have been created for a purpose – they are there to protect the delicate ecosystems that surround them, and for the safety of those who use them.
- Stay away from wildlife: It’s tempting to try to get as close as possible to animals out in their natural habitat, but that’s the opposite of what you should do. Keep a respectable distance, and don’t try and feed them.
- Leave no trace: Make sure that you take home anything that you took out on the trail with you, including garbage and “green waste” like fruit peels or cores.
Read more:
- 7 Don’t-Miss Hiking Trails in Big Bear
- 20 Great Camping Tips to Maximize Your Fun
- 8 Tips That Make Hiking With a Baby Easy & Fun
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