8 Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park offers some of California’s most awe-inspiring hiking trails, leading adventurers through ancient forests, across granite ridges, and to crystal-clear alpine lakes. Here’s a detailed guide to the best hikes in the park, complete with expanded highlights to help you plan your trip! Let’s start with the trail names:
- Congress Trail
- Moro Rock Trail
- High Sierra Trail
- Crescent Meadow Loop
- Tokopah Falls Trail
- General Sherman Tree Trail
- Lakes Trail to Pear Lake
- Big Trees Trail
Photos:
1. Congress Trail
- Distance: 2 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: As you walk this paved loop, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the largest trees on Earth. The trail begins near the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume. Along the route, you’ll pass through awe-inspiring sequoia groves, including the President Tree and the unique clusters known as the Senate and House Groups. Interpretive signs provide historical and ecological insights, helping you appreciate the grandeur of these ancient giants. The shaded path and relatively flat terrain make it an excellent choice for families and casual hikers.
2. Moro Rock Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Though short, this trail is not for the faint of heart. The 350-step climb winds up the side of a granite dome via steep stairs and narrow paths, with railings for safety. Each turn offers increasingly dramatic views, culminating in a 360-degree panorama at the summit. From here, you can see the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Kaweah River, and, on clear days, as far as the San Joaquin Valley. Sunrise and sunset hikes are particularly stunning, with the light casting golden hues over the surrounding landscapes.
3. High Sierra Trail
- Distance: Varies (up to 72 miles for the full route)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Starting at Crescent Meadow, this trail offers a gateway to the remote wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. Shorter sections are ideal for day hikes, featuring lush meadows, granite outcroppings, and expansive views. The full trail is a multi-day backpacking adventure leading to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Along the way, hikers encounter rushing rivers, pristine alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas from high mountain passes. Camping permits are required for overnight trips, but the reward is an unmatched immersion in Sequoia’s rugged backcountry.
4. Crescent Meadow Loop
- Distance: 1.7 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This tranquil trail meanders around Crescent Meadow, known for its vibrant greenery and wildflower displays in the spring and summer. The meadow is often called the “Gem of the Sierra” due to its picturesque beauty. Towering sequoias frame the meadow, creating an enchanting setting. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer grazing at the meadow’s edge and black bears foraging for berries. Along the loop, you’ll also see Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin carved from a fallen sequoia that once housed early settlers.
5. Tokopah Falls Trail
- Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Following the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, this trail leads you through a scenic valley framed by towering granite cliffs. The sound of rushing water accompanies you along the way, culminating in the dramatic 1,200-foot Tokopah Falls. In spring and early summer, the waterfall is at its most powerful, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. The trail offers plenty of shady spots for rest and photo opportunities, and it’s a popular choice for families looking for an accessible yet rewarding hike.
6. General Sherman Tree Trail
- Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail offers a direct route to the General Sherman Tree, a living monument estimated to be over 2,200 years old. At 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter at its base, this massive tree is the centerpiece of the park. The paved path includes benches and interpretive signs explaining the unique adaptations of giant sequoias. In winter, the trail is often dusted with snow, adding a magical touch to the already majestic scene.
7. Lakes Trail to Pear Lake
- Distance: 12 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: For those seeking an alpine adventure, the Lakes Trail delivers. Starting near Wolverton, the trail ascends through fragrant pine forests to a series of glacial lakes. Heather Lake and Emerald Lake offer serene spots to rest, while Pear Lake, the final destination, is surrounded by granite cliffs and sparkling waters. This trail offers a true escape into the wilderness, with wildflowers blooming in summer and golden foliage in fall. The elevation gain can be challenging, but the stunning scenery makes every step worthwhile.
8. Big Trees Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This educational loop circles Round Meadow, providing an intimate look at the ecosystem of the Giant Forest. Informational plaques along the way explain the symbiotic relationships between sequoias, wildlife, and the environment. You’ll pass by some particularly photogenic sequoias, many of which bear the scars of past fires an essential part of their lifecycle. The meadow itself is a vibrant habitat, home to birds, insects, and small mammals. This trail is especially popular with families and nature enthusiasts looking to learn more about the park’s unique flora and fauna.
9. General Grant Grove Trail (bonus)
- Distance: 1 mile (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail is actually on the border of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. It features more Sequoia Groves you can hike through including tree tunnel made from a Sequoia Tree that’s over 50 feet long.
Tips for Exploring These Hikes:
- Start early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by hitting the trails in the morning.
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a map. Cell service is unreliable in the park.
- Respect nature: Stay on marked trails and practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Check conditions: Some trails may be closed seasonally or require permits for access.
- Wear sturdy footwear: Trails can be rocky or slippery, especially after rain or snow.
Gear Recommendations:
- Best rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Best rated hiking backpack for day hikes
- Best rated hiking pole for day hikes
Final Things to Know:
With this list and what to expect, you can choose the best hikes for your adventure and fully appreciate the beauty of Sequoia National Park. From serene meadows to dramatic mountain views, each trail promises an unforgettable experience!
