Hikes and walks (27)
| Hike | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise Creek | Explore Paradise Canyon in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. This gentle trail parallels Paradise Creek, taking you past waterfalls and pools. | 1 to 2 Hours · All year · No pets |
| Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove | Take a hike to a sequoia grove that is tucked away from the road. Muir Grove provides a quiet experience among these giant trees. If you find other sequoia groves to be a bit crowded, take a walk to experience Muir Grove. | 2 to 3 Hours · No pets |
| Monarch Lake | Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet. | No pets |
| Eagle and Mosquito Lakes | Both Eagle and Mosquito lakes offer beautiful views of Mineral Kings alpine landscape. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. The trail for both is 10 miles out and back with over 3,000 feet of elevation change. | No pets |
| Cold Springs Nature Trail | The Cold Springs Nature Trail is a great option for visitors looking for an easier trail and staying at the Cold Springs Campground. Many of the hikes in the Mineral King area are long and steep. This route is a gentle hike 3 mile (4.8 km) hike with a 500-foot elevation gain and offers a taste of the Mineral King area. | No pets |
| Roaring River Falls | This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off. | No pets |
| Road's End | Road's End is the last stop in the Cedar Grove area, at the literal end of Highway 180. This area is the jumping off point for many high Sierra hiking trails, but also is an access point for easy trails in the valley. | No pets |
| Mist Falls | An 8-mile round-trip walk to this spectacular cascade makes a great all-day walk. The first miles are relatively flat and open; in the last mile the wooded trail gains 600' in elevation. Be careful once there: Mist and spray make the surrounding rocks slippery and treacherous. Too often people have slipped and fallen i | No pets |
| Zumwalt Meadow | Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore a 1 - 3 mile trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside. | No pets |
| Big Stump | The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180, this picnic area makes this a perfect stop to get your bearings after the drive from the San Joaquin Valley. From here, you will find the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, which leads to the Mark Twain Stump via a 2-mile (3.2-km) hike. | No pets |
| Panoramic Point | Look outward from Panoramic Point across hundreds of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands | No pets |
| General Grant Tree | The General Grant Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile loop through the Grant Grove of sequoias. The General Grant Tree is not one of the oldest, but it has the advantage of growing in a spot with bright sunlight and plenty of water, so it grew larger quickly. It holds two additional titles: the Nation's Christmas Tree (not the | No pets |
| Moro Rock | A stone and concrete stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, a granite dome that towers over the Generals Highway. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the hills below and the wilderness to the east. | 30 to 120 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Crescent Meadow | The Crescent Meadow Trail is an ideal place for photography and a relaxing walk. Follow the flat, 1.5-mile (2.4-km) loop trail around Crescent Meadow, where bright green vegetation contrasts with the red bark of giant sequoias. | Spring, Summer, Fall · No pets |
| The General Sherman Tree | The General Sherman Tree is a must-see while visiting the Giant Forest. It is the largest tree in the world by volume. | All year · No pets |
| Sequoia Historic Entrance Sign | Stop by this historic entrance sign to take pictures and learn about its unique significance to Sequoia National Park. | 1 to 15 Minutes · Pets OK |
| Grant Grove Loop Winter Trail | Visit one of the world's largest living trees. President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant tree the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926, making it the perfect place to visit for the winter. | 30 to 60 Minutes · Winter · No pets |
| Take a Short Hike to Buena Vista Peak | Would you like to hike, but don’t have a lot of time? Head to Buena Vista Peak, which is only a 1-mile hike to a spectacular viewpoint. You’ll be rewarded with views of Redwood Canyon and the Kings Canyon high country. | 1 to 2 Hours · Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Hike to a Bird's Eye View | Take a short hike to little-known viewpoint, called Eagle View. This vista is just as spectacular as Moro Rock, but with fewer people. Enjoy the bird's-eye view of the Sequoia Kings Wilderness and the High Sierra. | 1 to 2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Discover Tokopah Valley and Falls | The Tokopah Falls Trail is great place to see the “classic” Sierra Nevada landscape. Sheer granite cliffs, a dense conifer forest, and a rushing river create a peaceful mountain scene. | Spring, Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Discover Sheep Creek Cascade | Visit Cedar Grove, in the heart of Kings Canyon. Once there, take a hike through a forested ravine to a shady glen and a small cascading waterfall called Sheep Creek Cascade. You’ll also see views of the Monarch Divide. | 1 to 2 Hours · Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Hike the Wuksachi Trail | Head out on the Wuksachi Trail to Lodgepole for a walk through fir forests, meadows, and creeks. Venture into the wilderness by connecting to the Twin Lakes Trail for Cahoon Meadow, or continue to Lodgepole, where you can catch the Purple Route 2 shuttle back to Wuksachi Lodge (summer only). | 1 to 6 Hours · All year · No pets |
| Hike Among the Giants | There is no better way to explore the Giant Forest than by going out on the trails. Try a stroll on the Congress Trail, a 2-mile (3.2-km) loop that starts from the General Sherman Tree and takes you into the heart of a sequoia grove. | All year · No pets |
| Discover the Lodgepole-Sherman Tree Trail | Explore the Giant Forest on your way to the General Sherman Tree. Take the 2.8 mile Lodgepole-Sherman Tree Trail from the Lodgepole Campground, then catch the Green Route 1 shuttle back to the parking lot. | 2 to 5 Hours · Summer · No pets |
| Enjoy a 360-Degree View at Little Baldy Dome | Hike on a lesser-known trail in Sequoia National Park. The Little Baldy trail takes you through a mixed-conifer forest to the top of a granite dome. Once there, you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view. | 2 to 3 Hours · Summer, Fall · No pets |
| View Sunset from Sunset Rock | Are you looking for the perfect spot for sunset? Head to Sunset Rock in the Giant Forest. This less trafficked trail is a great option for escaping the crowds and enjoying the colorful sunset. | 1 to 2 Hours · Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Explore Sub-Alpine Landscapes at Mineral King | In Sequoia National Park visit Mineral King, a beautiful valley at 7,500 feet. This area can be used as a basecamp for day hikes to lakes and alpine wonderlands. | 1 to 3 Days · Summer, Fall · Pets with limits |
Other things to do (33)
| Activity | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverton Winter Trail | This short trail connects the Old Lodgepole Road with the Wolverton Parking area. This steep hillside route requires considerable control for downhill travel when skiing away from Wolverton. | 1 to 2 Hours · No pets |
| Visit the Foothills Visitor Center | This visitor center is one mile past the Ash Mountain entrance station along the Generals Highway. Stop here for information, maps, books, gifts, and restrooms. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history of the foothills, and join a free ranger-led program. | 5 to 75 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| See the General Sherman Tree in Snow | Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth. | 15 to 60 Minutes · Winter · No pets |
| Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center | At the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, learn about three regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials. | 5 to 75 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Crystal Cave | A tour through Crystal Cave will give you an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic features and animal creatures found within the cave. | Summer · No pets · Reservation needed · Fee |
| Tunnel Log | Since 1935, people have been driving through Tunnel Log. You too can join in on the novelty of driving through a fallen Sequoia. | 5 to 10 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall · Pets with limits |
| Clover Creek Winter Trail | This one-way trail is currently marked to the Twin Lakes hiking trail junction. Return to Wuksachi on the same trail. | 2 to 4 Hours · No pets |
| Panther Winter Trail | Taking its name from Panther Gap (8,600 feet), the Panther Trail is part of a difficult loop for experienced skiers. Steep grades and dense forests guard the great views from Panther Gap. | 4 to 6 Hours · No pets |
| Trail of the Sequoias Winter Trail | A challenging alternative to the Crescent Trail, the Trail of the Sequoias explores the eastern edge of the Giant Forest. This trail is not for novice skiers. | 4 to 6 Hours · No pets |
| Crescent Winter Trail | The trail connects the General Sherman Tree with the end of Crescent Meadow Road (see Crescent Meadow Road Trail). The trail passes through the heart of the Giant Forest. The skiing is mostly easy, but has several short grades that require turning through the thick forest. | 4 to 6 Hours · No pets |
| Old Lodgepole Road Winter Trail | This old road connects the Lodgepole Visitor Center with the General Sherman Tree. The skiing is easy, except for a steep grade as the trail approaches the General Sherman Tree. | 3 to 4 Hours · No pets |
| Bear Hill Winter Trail | The trail follows the old Bear Hill Road and travels under the shade of giant sequoias and mixed conifers. Bear Hill Road is wide and easy to follow with a moderate grade. | 1 to 2 Hours · No pets |
| Pear Lake Winter Trail | The Pear Lake Trail is the most challenging of the marked ski trails in Sequoia National Park. The trail climbs steeply through dense fir forest, then ends at the Pear Lake Winter Hut. | 6 to 8 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Alta Winter Trail | The Alta Trail descends nearly 1,000 feet from Wolverton to Giant Forest and connects with several other trails. This is a difficult ski with steep terrain and many trees. | 6 to 8 Hours · No pets |
| Crescent Meadow Road Winter Trail | The most popular of the Giant Forest’s ski trails, Crescent Meadow Road begins at the west end of the Giant Forest Museum Plaza. The entire route is an unplowed road with gentle to moderate grades and lots of giant sequoias. | 2 to 3 Hours · No pets |
| Sunset Rock Winter Trail | This easy trail leads through a mixed-conifer forest of red firs, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, and incense cedars to a large granite dome. Once there, take a seat on the dome and enjoy the sweeping views of a deep canyon that was carved by the Kaweah River. If you're there for sunset, sit back and enjoy the colorful sho | 1 to 2 Hours · No pets |
| Panoramic Point and Park Ridge Winter Trail | One of the most popular winter trails in this area begins at the village and follows the unplowed road to the top of Park Ridge. Panoramic Point offers spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains in Kings Canyon. | 6 to 8 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| North Grove Loop Winter Trail | The North Grove Loop travels through a magnificent grove of giant sequoias. Skiers will find it easier to follow this loop trail counterclockwise to avoid some of the sharper downhill curves in the road. | 1 to 3 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Big Trees Trail Wildlife | Park wildlife are often seen along the Big Trees Trail, an easy and accessible path that starts at Giant Forest Museum and takes you around a meadow lined with mature sequoias. | 1 to 2 Hours · All year · No pets |
| Learn about Giant Sequoias | Before you investigate the area, stop here at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about giant sequoias and area history. | All year · No pets |
| Snowshoe with a Ranger | Our popular ranger-guided snowshoe walks are a great way to explore snowy trails. Snowshoe programs are usually offered from December through March, as long as there is at least 8 inches of snow on the ground. | 2 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Bike the River Road | Explore this little-known dirt road in Kings Canyon National Park: the River Road in Cedar Grove. The traffic on the road is light, so it is good for biking, walking, running, or walking your dog. And it's a great place to escape the busier spots in the park. | 1 to 5 Hours · Summer, Fall · Pets with limits |
| Crescent Meadow Wildlife | Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Crescent Meadow in trail Sequoia's Giant Forest. | 1 to 3 Hours · No pets |
| Tokopah Falls Wildlife | Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Tokopah Falls trail. | 3 to 5 Hours · No pets |
| Visit the Lodgepole Visitor Center | With brand new museum exhibits, a Park Store, and a wilderness information counter, the Lodgepole Visitor Center is the place to be. | 5 to 120 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Explore the Winter Forest by Foot | There is no better way to see the snow covered Giant Forest than to get out on the trails and walk around. Whether you rent snowshoes or bring your own, snowshoeing around a sequoia grove is a fun experience for people who are well-prepared. | 1 to 4 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Play in the Snow at Wolverton | Sitting at 7,250 feet (2,160 m) above sea level, snow transforms Wolverton Meadow into a winter wonderland. This is a great place for people of all ages and abilities to play in the snow. | Winter · No pets |
| Ski Through the Sequoias | For skiers with more experience, the Trail of the Sequoias is a great opportunity to find some solitude among the big trees. | 3 to 6 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Discover a Winter Meadow | With easy access from Giant Forest Museum, this trail goes along the Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow Road. This gentle sloping trail will take you by dozens of sequoia trees, including the famous Tunnel Log. At the end of the trail, enjoy the serenity of Crescent Meadow. | 2 to 4 Hours · Winter · No pets |
| Winter Driving and Snow Chains in Sequoia National Park | In winter, you must be prepared for snowy or icy mountain roads and cold temperatures. Tire chains can be required on any park road at any time from fall through late spring. | Winter, Spring, Fall · Pets OK |
| Learn the Inside Story at a Ranger Program | Discover the parks with an expert! Learn more at an all ages ranger program. | 15 to 60 Minutes · Summer · No pets |
| Become a Junior Ranger | Become a Junior Ranger! | No pets |
| Picnic Among the Giants | Gather around a picnic at these spots from Giant Forest to Grant Grove. | Pets OK |
Before you set out
Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Kings Canyon National Park (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.