Hiking is one of the top things to do in Sequoia National Park. This land of big trees, about forty-five minutes east of Visalia, is named after the giant sequoias that only grow here.
Some of these trees are as tall as a 26-story building and have a base wider than most city streets. And they are not only massive; some are older than the USA by at least two millennia!
This list of the best hikes in Sequoia National Park covers the top trails for getting up close and personal with these titans. We’ve covered everything from easy Sequoia hikes for families to adventurous, harder hikes and everything in between.
The post ends with a guide on what to pack for Sequoia National Park trails, where to stay, and tips for a successful hike.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30+ minutes
Pets: No
Trailhead: General Sherman Tree Car Park/Generals Highway Accessible Parking
The General Sherman Tree is renowned as the largest tree on earth. The trail leading to this 275-foot-tall, 2,100-year-old giant often tops the list of Sequoia National Park hikes.
At 1.2 miles, this is a short, family-friendly trail with lots of photo opportunities. Though the hike down to the General Sherman Tree is easy, climbing back to the parking lot will make your legs burn due to the elevation and thin air.
The main parking lot for the General Sherman Trail is accessed via Wolverton Road, which branches off Generals Highway. This is a large parking lot with restrooms. There is another accessible parking lot along Generals Highway for visitors with mobility issues. The hike from the accessible parking lot is 0.25 miles (round trip), and it’s all paved.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 2.7 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: General Sherman Tree
Want a longer Sequoia National Park hike near General Sherman Tree? Consider the Congress Trail. This popular 2.7-mile all-paved trail starts at General Sherman Tree.
The lollipop-shaped hike takes you deeper into the park, where you discover hundreds of mature sequoias. The highlight of this park is the President Tree and unusual clusters of sequoias dubbed the House and Senate Groups.
The Congress Trail is rated easy. It takes 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on how long you take to admire the gentle giants.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 0.25 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Pets: No
Trailhead: Crescent Meadow Road
The Moro Rock trail is for those interested in moderate-to-challenging hikes in Sequoia National Park. This is one of the shortest hikes at 0.25 miles (out and back).
However, the 300 feet of elevation gain from the base of Moro Rock to the top will definitely leave your heart pumping. The key charm of this hike is the 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and valleys surrounding this granite rock.
The Moro Rock trailhead is on Crescent Meadow Road, about 1.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum. The small park, which opens to private cars only on weekdays during summer, fills fast, so arrive early.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30+ minutes
Pets: No
Trailhead: High Sierra Trailhead
The Crescent Meadow Loop trail is one of Sequoia National Park's best hikes for families when it comes to wildlife viewing. It helps that this 1.4-mile hike is less busy than other hikes in Giant Forest, like the Moro Rock and the Congress trails.
This is an easy and mostly flat hike following Crescent Meadow's edge. In the late evening, Crescent Meadow is a popular hangout spot for wildlife, including bears, marmots, and deer, among other Sequoia National Park dwellers.
The Crescent Meadow Loop Trail parking is at the High Sierra Trailhead at the end of Crescent Meadow Road. This road starts at the Giant Forest Museum and passes near Moro Rock.
Trail type: Out-and-back
Distance: 6.2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: near Potwisha Campground
The Marble Falls meanders 3.1 miles (one way) through a dense community of chaparral and past looming granite monoliths before spitting you out at a waterfall cascade. This is a popular Sequoia National Park hiking route for nature lovers thanks to its diversity of scenery, ranging from carpets of wildflowers to rocky canyons. If you’re lucky, you may spot wildlife like bears, deer, and lizards.
The Marble Falls trail is a tough hike owing to its elevation gain of 1534 feet. Bring lots of water, especially if hiking during the summer months.
Access to the Marble Falls trailhead is via a dirt road that starts at Potwisha Campground. You can park at site #14 or the day-use parking area across Generals Highway.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 3.3 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: 7 miles north of Lodgepole Visitor Center
Little Baldy is a granite dome with spectacular views of Sequoia National Park, like Moro Rock. The only difference is that the Little Baldy Trail is less popular and, therefore, less crowded.
Plus, it’s longer. It will easily be among your best trails in Sequoia National Park if you prefer breaking a sweat for the views. Little Baldy Trail has an elevation gain of 790 feet. It’s moderately challenging but doable by most hikers, including beginners and kiddos 5+ years.
The Little Baldy trailhead is right off Generals Highway, approximately seven miles north of Lodgepole Visitor Center.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Pets: No
Trailhead: Giant Forest Museum
The Big Trees Trail is one of the best hikes Sequoia National Park has to offer near the Giant Forest Museum because it starts around there. This is a 1.5-mile (round trip) short, easy loop trail surrounding Round Meadow.
The meadow is often visited by various wildlife, including bears and yellow-bellied marmots. The trail is mostly flat, paved, and well-maintained. There are benches along the path and plaques enlightening visitors on what they see.
There is an accessible parking lot for those with disability placards. Otherwise, you should park at the Giant Forest Museum.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 5.7 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3-5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Mineral King Road near Atwell Ranger Station
For a less-traveled Sequoia National Park backpacking hike, consider the Paradise Ridge trail. This 5.7-mile (out and back) trek starts along Mineral King Road about 0.1 miles east of Atwell Mill Ranger Station.
From the trailhead, the hike climbs into the woodlands, taking you through what seems like endless switchbacks before culminating at a fire lookout. This is a moderately challenging hike, but the inspiring panoramas of the mountainous landscape and the solitude at the Paradise Ridge summit are totally worth the effort.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 21.4 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 12+ hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Atwell Mill Campground
This scenic route is for those searching for long backpacking Sequoia National Park hikes. It covers a distance of 21.4 miles (out and back) and gains 4500 feet of elevation.
The Atwell-Hockett Trail departs from Atwell Mill Campground and ends at Hockett Meadow. You’ll pass through sparse Sequoia forests, a bridge from which you’ll see a thundering cascade and a canyon.
If you're planning an overnight trip, there are three campsites along this hike: Clover Creek (six miles), Horse Creek, and Hockett Meadow.
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3-4.5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: High Sierra Trailhead (end of Crescent Meadow Road)
The Giant Forest Loop combines six of the best Sequoia National Park hiking trails into one relatively easy but long hike.
Starting at the Crescent Meadow Road parking and picnic area, this route merges Crescent Meadow, Circle Meadow, Congress Trail, General Sherman, Trail of the Sequoias, and Tharp’s Log into an amazing 7-mile adventure.
You’ll get an up close and personal experience with this park’s renowned sequoias, including General Sherman, the President’s Tree, the McKinley Tree, and the Chimney Tree. It also takes you past Tharp’s Log- a must-see cabin built in a downed, giant sequoia.
This Sequoia National Forest hiking trail is among the busiest in the park. If you prefer a less crowded experience, your best bet is to arrive between 7 and 8 AM or in the off-season.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Cave Road Parking Lot
Hiking in Sequoia National Park takes another approach, using the Crystal Cave Trail. This is a fun and family-friendly hike into a mesmerizing marble cavern. This cave enchants both first-time and repeat visitors with its shimmering surface, stunning formations, and interesting facts about its formation.
Note that a guided tour is the only way to explore the Crystal Cave. Tickets must be bought at least 36 hours before the tour here. The hike involves a steep 0.5-mile trail to and from the parking area and another 0.5-mile loop trail inside the cave.
This trailhead is right at the end of Cave Road, some 6.5 miles from Generals Highway.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 13.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Very challenging
Duration: 12+ hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: End of Wolverton Road (1.5 miles from Generals Highway)
The Alta Peak Trail is among the most sought-after hikes for backpacking in Sequoia National Park, California. This is a 13.5-mile high country route to the sixth-highest peak in the Western Sequoia-Kings Canyon area.
While the trail is well-marked and easy to follow, its 6000-foot elevation gain makes it one of the top hikes in Sequoia National Park in terms of difficulty. Experienced hikers can complete it in a day. However, most people make it a leisurely overnight expedition, choosing to camp at Panther Gap, Mehrten Meador, or Alta Meadow backcountry sites.
The Alta Peak Trailhead is at the Wolverton Picnic Area, at the end of Wolverton Road, about 1.5 miles from Generals Highway.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 3.4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Lodgepole Campground
One of the best day hikes in Sequoia National Park, the Tokopah Falls Trail, is a relatively easy hike leading to a 1200-ft cascading waterfall. The 3.4-mile trail (round trip) has ~ a 600-ft elevation gain, which makes it doable by almost anyone.
There are no sequoias along this trail. On the upside, it takes you through a scenic glacially carved granite canyon lined with impressive forest meadows, tall pines, and several streams. It’s also hard to miss the Watchtower Peak, a striking spire standing 1600 feet above the valley below.
The trailhead and parking for Tokopah Trails are within Lodgepole Campground near Lodgepole Visitor Center.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 12 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 7.5+ hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: End of Wolverton Road
Lakes Trail is one of the best Sequoia National Park hikes for escaping the Congress and General Sherman Trails crowds. This trail is named after the four beautiful lakes it leads to.
Heather Lake is 4.2 miles from the trailhead, followed by Aster Lake (5.2 miles) and Emerald Lake (6 miles). Adventurous hikers can continue to Pear Lake, which is 12.8 miles from the trailhead.
This trail is rated strenuous due to its length and elevation gain (2625 feet). There are overnight camping sites at Emerald Lake and Pear Lake. The trailhead for Lakes Trail in Sequoia is at the end of Wolverton Road.
Trail type: Out and back
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead: Giant Forest Museum
Sunset Rock is a popular destination for experiencing idyllic sunsets at Sequoia National Park. The trail that leads to this spot is a short and easy two-mile path that starts at the Giant Forest Museum.
The Sunset Rock Trail is well-maintained and great for all hikers. You’ll be walking in a mixed forestland of red firs, sugar pines, Jeffrey Pines, and incense cedars along a meandering stream. Also, keep your eyes peeled and camera-ready for wildlife along this route, including bears and deer. Plan to spend 1-2 hours on this trail, taking in the dumbfounding views of the High Sierra and listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
Here’s what to include in your Sequoia National Park camping checklist:
Sequoia National Park weather varies significantly between higher and lower elevations. Use a layering system to stay prepared for any weather conditions on the trails.
Your layers should include:
Head over to our women’s hiking clothing or men’s outdoor wear for clothes that straddle the line between functionality and style.
Bring sturdy boots with adequate grip for traction on wet surfaces and protection from rocks.
Pack a brimmed hat or baseball cap for sun protection and a beanie hat for colder evenings.
Refer to this backpacking checklist for a detailed guide and tips for a multi-day hiking trip.
You haven’t experienced Sequoia National Park yet if you haven’t explored it on foot! Replete with 1500 miles of hiking trails, four visitor centers, a museum, and seven campgrounds, we can verify that this is a gift to hikers of all ages.
Its towering sequoia trees are stunning, as are its majestic waterfalls, granite rock, canyons, and mountain peaks! If you’re looking to unplug and connect with nature, hiking Sequoia trails is a worthy consideration!
Featured image by: Maygutyak.
Sequoia National Park is a safe hiking destination for all hikers. Car crashes and drowning are the major causes of death.
Hiking permits in Sequoia National Park are required only for overnight hiking adventures.
You need at least two days to hike a variety of popular Sequoia National Park trails. However, if you’re hoping to hit strenuous backpacking trails like the Lakes Trail and Alta Peaks Trail, you’ll want to plan 3 to 5 days.
Yes- you can get altitude sickness in Sequoia National Park if you visit attractions above 8000 ft.
Wuksachi Lodge is a central location for hiking trails around the Giant Forest area. The park also has seven campgrounds, most of which are minutes away from Generals Highway.
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