Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Things to Do

Cedar Grove Lodge is in Kings Canyon at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1402 m). Granite cliffs, the Kings River, and hiking trails are nearby. The lodge offers 21 hotel rooms, a counter-service restaurant, a market, and a gift shop. The lodge is also within walking distance of Cedar Grove's visitor center.Seasonally available. Please visit https://www.visitsequoia.com/ for more information.

A vault toilet is available at this trailhead.

Located along the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and the Giant Forest Museum, Eleven Range Overlook features an outdoor exhibit and a spectacular vista overlooking the Kaweah Canyon toward the San Joaquin Valley.

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the area around Farewell Gap Trail and Franklin Lakes Trail.

This wayside exhibit discusses the ways that changing temperatures could affect food chains in the foothills.

Foothills Picnic Area is across the highway from Foothills Visitor Center. In winter and spring, this is a comfortable place to stop on the way up into the mountains, or on the return trip. In summer, the foothills are hot and dry, and fire restrictions may be in effect.

This wayside exhibit, titled "For the Good of the Giants," shows what the Giant Forest area looked like in the 1950s.

Dramatic, ancient trees such as sequoias are often thought of as Trees of Life. People tend to perceive them as eternal, or even magical. They are not eternal, of course, but evolve with natural systems that they need to thrive and regenerate. If we can care for those systems, the forest can go on as it has for thousands of years.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Frequent Fire," shows how fire can affect sequoia growth.

This wayside exhibit, titled "From Hurt to Healing," shows the importance of preservation in Round Meadow.

Imagine life in a cabin like this in the shadow of trees like these. What would you come to value most about this place and the sequoias?

If you'd like to experience a remote sequoia grove, consider the Garfield-Hockett Trail. It's a relatively steep 5-mile one-way climb to the Garfield Sequoia Grove, then levels out beyond the grove as it approaches the Hockett Plateau. The first campsite along the trail is 4 miles from the trailhead at Snowslide. As you hike, look for views of Homer's Nose, a prominent granite dome that can be seen from Visalia.

Before you stands the second-largest tree in the world. 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 National Christmas Tree, which gets decorated in Washington, D.C.) and the country's only living national shrine. Sequoia FactsSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to seven of th

You are about to travel among some of the giants of the world. The General Grant Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile loop through the Grant Grove of sequoias.The grove's namesake, the General Grant Tree, is the second-largest tree by volume in the world. (The largest is the General Sherman Tree, also in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks.) President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant Tree as the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926. You can also visit the historic Gamlin Cabin here.

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail area.You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world. This trail runs from the accessible parking lot to the General Sherman Tree. If you do not have a disability plate or placard to park here, please park at the Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot and take the shuttle to this trailhead.

This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the accessible parking area for the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world! From here is the shortest walking distance to General Sherman, 500ft (150m). This parking lot is for vehicles with accessibility placards only. All other vehicles can park at the main General Sherman Parking Area, and walk 0.5 miles (0.8km) to the tree from there, or ride the shuttle back to this lot for a shorter hike.

You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world. As you walk the 0.8 miles to it, you'll pass many other spectacular giants as well. At the bottom of the trail, you can stand by a cross section of a sequoia trunk that was cut years ago. Because this trail goes downhill to where the giant grows, your walk offers the unique experience of seeing the Sherman Tree from top to bottom.

This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the main parking area for the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world! From here it is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) walk down a paved path with stairs to General Sherman. For a shorter walk, take the shuttle to the General Sherman Accessible Trailhead, which is a 500ft (150 m) distance. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Halfway Point," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Bottom," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Top", shows your location in relationship to the height of The General Sherman Tree.

This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the Giant Forest Museum, which is an excellent entry point to learning about the giant sequoias and surrounding ecosystem. The museum is surrounded by a series of easy trails by which to explore the sequoias. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited.

Trails from here can lead you past the giant trees and lush meadows in this sequoia grove, whether you are an experienced hiker who wants to see miles of the parks or you would just like a gentle half-hour walk. Trails in this area can be confusing. We recommend purchasing a trail map at the museum for all but the shortest hikes.

The Grant Grove Cabins are in the Grant Grove Village area of Kings Canyon National Park. Guests can choose from six types of cabins, some of which are available year-round. At an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m), this area is snowy in winter and tire chains may be needed during winter storms.

Due to COVID-19, this facility may have modified services. Please consult https://www.visitsequoia.com for more information. This new restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, meadow views, and a beautiful building that meets the highest standards for environmental sustainability. The menu features locally grown ingredients.

Grizzly Falls and its picnic area are located in the Sequoia National Forest, 4.6 miles (7.4 km) from the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. No grills or water are available at this site. From the picnic area, follow a short walk to Grizzly Falls, an 80 foot waterfall that swells in early spring.

Next to a restored meadow, Halstead Meadow Picnic Area is four miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

The Hazelwood Nature Trail features a 0.5-mile (0.8-km) loop trail. Along the Hazelwood Nature Trail you will walk through a mixed-fir forest with towering giant sequoias, and encounter a meadow. Along the trail, several exhibit signs provide information about the plants and and how they survive the seasons.

This trailhead sign includes a map indicating the junction of the Hazelwood Nature Trail Loop with the Alta Trail, which heads west towards the Giant Forest Museum.

Picnic in an oak woodland near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax. While you're here, browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area, and continue to visit this area today.

This place was once a vibrant village inhabited by Native Americans. Learn more about their relationship with this area. Experience these exhibits, along with accompanying tactile and audio components, in person, or learn more below.

Note, this is a sacred area, please be respectful. Hundreds of years ago, people who came here drew these pictographs. Their meaning is unknown, but local tribe members explain that they serve as a history for the people who once lived here and area a reminder of how important this place is to them today.

A short steep downhill climb will lead you to the Kaweah River, which is one of the most scenic spots in all of the foothill region of the park.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Hot Spots," shows how fire helps trees grow.

This wayside exhibit, titled "How's the View?," shows the weather patterns that cause pollution in the valley.

Please consult the USFS on facility availability- https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=79563&actid=29Hume Lake Campground is within the Sequoia National Forest, and within minutes walking distance from Hume Lake. Hume Lake is a popular destination year-round, with a full range of recreational activity.Campground Information- Open mid-May to mid-September- 74 sites open to tents, trailers, and RVs- Campsite fees are $25

Hume Lake Village and Camp is on national forest land on the shore of a small, man-made lake open to hiking, boating, and fishing. While some services are only available to Hume Lake Camp guests, a gas station, general store with gifts, cafe, and picnic area are available to the public.

Trees throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are named for a variety of extraordinary people. The Clara Barton Tree, near the beginning of the Big Trees Trail, honors this Civil War nurse, a teacher, and patent clerk and the founder of the American Red Cross, who lived from 1821 to 1912. It is one of only two trees named for women. The other, the Susan B. Anthony Tree, can be seen from this trail if you know where to look. Clara Barton's contemporary, Susan B.

Convict Flat Campground is in Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It features stunning views of granite cliffs.

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Copper Creek Trail area.Copper Creek Trail is 10 miles one-way (20 miles round-trip) at a difficult incline. The trail travels through several aspen forests and meadows, ending at Granite Lake, a stop that offers beautiful vistas of Mount Hutchings, Goat Mountain, and Comb Spur. The first campsite along the trail is at 4 miles at Lower Tent Meadow. This is a hot, steep climb, so you may want to plan your hiking fo

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the area around Eagle Trail and Mosquito Trail. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. At Eagle Basin, Eagle Lake Trail travels to the left for 3.4 miles one way. Mosquito Lake Trail travels right 3.6 miles to Mosquito Lake #1. The first campsite along the trail is 4 miles from the junction (6 miles from the trailhead) at Mosquito Lake #2. Both trails are moderately strenuous and

This wayside exhibit, titled "Even in Good Habitat," shows why sequoias fall.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Expanding Park Horizons," identifies the mountain peaks that you can see from this location.

Wilderness permit stations are closed until further notice due to COVID-19. To request a reservation, email an application to seki wilderness reservations@nps.gov at least two weeks in advance of the wilderness entry date. Visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm for additional information. Get wilderness permits here for overnight backpacking trips for foothills trails, and also the South Fork and North Fork areas.

Before you is a low-profile wayside that is 36 X 24 inches. It has two rectangular pillars supporting the panel. The panel is made from oxidized metal. The sign is located next to Tharp's Log: a historic cabin near Crescent Meadow. Layout: The main image is a sepia-toned photograph of the cabin and corrals. The main text of the wayside blends into the top of the photograph. In a column to the right, there is text above a second, smaller, photograph. Title: Tharp's Log Main photo, description: a photo taken from far enough away to show the log, cabin, and corral. Two men stand next to the corral. Photo caption: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) completed the restoration of corrals and cleanup of Tharp's Log in 1936. Main Text: Hale Tharp’s arrival in the southern Sierra Nevada range marked the earliest documented settlement of European Americans in the area. Looking for economic opportunity and accompanied by two Monache/Yokuts Indians, Tharp first visited the Giant Forest in 1858. A stockman by trade, Tharp used nearby Log Meadow as a seasonal grazing pasture and lived in this tiny rustic cabin until the creation of Sequoia National Park in 1890. His goal was to raise cattle and sell beef to an expanding local population. Tharp adapted this 70-foot hollow sequoia log as the structure for his summer cabin. A fire had burned inside the tree, lining its interior with charcoal. He carved a window and made a shutter with horseshoe hinges. Tharp enclosed the open end of his log home with a shingled building and added a fireplace and chimney made from granite boulders. Tharp had limited resources to create this cabin among the trees, but the details really made this place his home. What is your favorite detail that he added? Text, right-hand column, first section titled "Travelers and Friends": A local tribal chief, Chief Chappo, invited Hale Tharp to visit the village of Pah-din, now called Hospital Rock. Tharp recounted that he and Chief Chappo were “the very best of friends,” and that he felt welcome as Chief Chappo introduced him to more than 600 local California Indians at the village. In the summer, Tharp and two Monache/Yokuts Indians traveled together along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, past Moro Rock, and through nearby Log Meadow to a place they called the “big tree forest.” Chief Chappo’s descendants believe that guides accompanied Tharp for his safety along the treacherous, higher-elevation routes and that Tharp must have earned their trust for them to share this valued place. Text, right-hand column, second section titled "New Arrivals": Early settlers arriving here in the Giant Forest came with a wide array of motivations. What they all shared, however, was their pursuit of a question—what can the mountains provide? Right-hand column, photo description: A group of about twenty-five people in early-twentieth century dress stand in front of the cabin. Photo caption: An interpretive tour of Tharp's Log in 1929 conducted by Lead Naturalist Frank Been.

This wayside exhibit, titled "A Changed Scene," shows how the Giant Forest Museum area has changed over the years.

Some national parks exist to commemorate battles. No known battle took place here, yet this giant tree inspires us to consider the inner strength and endurance of this country and those who have fought for it. What do you feel about the unusual move of designating a tree as a national shrine?

This exhibit, titled "A Natural Process," shows how fire plays a part of sequoia growth.

Located on the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock Picnic Area and the Giant Forest Museum, this viewpoint offers stunning views of Moro Rock and the steep elevation change from the foothills to granite peaks. The foothills are an often overlooked area of the park, but they are a vital and diverse landscape. During the cooler months, deer and bears often move downhill to find food. Reptiles, birds, and small mammals live there year round. It is not uncommon to spot foxes i

Known as the Mark Twain Tree, this Giant Sequoia reached 16 feet (4.8 meters) in diameter. Even after the national park was established, travel to the sequoia groves was difficult, and many people simply didn't believe trees could grow so large. In 1891, the Army cut down this sequoia so it could be displayed to astonished crowds in New York and London.

Big Trees Trail circles Round Meadow in a 0.7 mile loop. It is flat, paved, and has benches along the way. Informational displays offer insight into what you are experiencing. Watch for yellow-bellied marmots, bears, and other wildlife. After taking this trail, consider walking the Hazelwood Meadow Trail on the other side of the road; it leads through another part of the grove.

There are taller trees, and wider trees, but the General Sherman Tree contains more wood (volume) in its trunk than any other tree on Earth. Behind the Sherman Tree are the General Grant, President, Lincoln, and Stagg trees. Another measure of tree volume is the total biomass of the tree-trunk, branches, roots, and foliage. If we measure the biomass, the Sherman Tree still ranks at #1, but the General Grant Tree loses second place to the President Tree.

Find snacks, campfire foods, and some prepared foods here. The post office is open Monday-Friday except Federal holidays. Grant Grove Village also includes parking, restrooms, a visitor center and food service.

The historic High Sierra Trail is a marvel of engineering that stays relatively level for its first portion, offering views of wilderness without the steep climbs of other park trails. Hike 11 miles one-way (22 miles round-trip) to Bearpaw Meadow, where you can camp in designated sites or, with reservations, enjoy the luxury of Bearpaw High SIerra Camp. The trail travels through forests and oaks, along canyons, and reaches subalpine meadows.

The 6.9 mile (11.1 KM) loop Hotel Creek Trail has a steep incline. The trail was iburned over during the 2015 Rough Fire but is recovering. It climbs through a ponderosa pine forest to views of Monarch Divide and other peaks. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Alternative parking is available at Cedar Grove Lodge, which adds 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the trip.

This tactile exhibit shows the size of the General Grant Tree compared to a person, and discusses its significance.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, A Forest from Fire," shows photos about the importance of fire.

This wayside exhibit, titled "A Giant's Footprint", shows the size of a mature sequoia tree's cross section.

This wayside exhibit, titled "A Graceful Grouping", shows three sequoia trees.

Visitors pay the entrance fee or use an interagency pass at the station. Entrances station staff provide a park newspaper and other orientation materials.

Please consult the USFS on facility availability- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79580.Aspen Hollow Group Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is one mile from Hume Lake, an 87-acre man-made lake in the Kings River Watershed. The campground accommodates up to 100 people and has back-in spaces for 35 vehicles. Vault toilets, drinking water, laundr

Atwell-Hockett Trail leads 10 miles one-way (20 miles round-trip) at a moderate slope through sequoia trees and up to Hockett Meadow. The first campsite along the trail is at 6 miles at Clover Creek. Other wilderness destinations include Evelyn Lake, Cahoon Rock, and the Golden Trout Wilderness, which is outside national park boundaries in Golden Trout Wilderness.

Once you could drive a car onto this fallen giant, but rot in the log put an end to the tradition. As you walk on it, consider these massive trees that dwarf modern vehicles and can support their weight. Be sure to read see the wayside exhibit here about the nearby Booker T. Washington and Col. Young trees, named for two giants in history.

A short walk from the Giant Forest Museum, Beetle Rock offers a view of the western edge of the park and the San Joaquin Valley below. While this view can be beautiful at sunset, you are also likely to witness the smog that people are surprised to find here. A wayside exhibit (to the right as you approach the rock) explains the source of pollution.

This wayside at the far end of the Big Stump Picnic Area gives insight into an important food plant here, the manzanita. How might climate change affect the bees and snow this shrub relies on? How might climate change affect the manzanita berries that other animals rely on?

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Big Baldy Trail area.The Big Baldy Trail leads 2.2 miles one-way (4.4 miles round-trip) at a gentle slope along a ridge toward panoramic views of Kings Canyon and the Great Western Divide. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is not allowed.

On Forest Service land between the park areas of Grant Grove and Lodgepole, this road accesses primitive campgrounds, the Big Meadows Pack Station, and Buck Rock Fire Lookout.This road can close, especially in the winter when conditions are snowy or muddy.

This entrance station is probably your first stop within the parks if you are coming from Fresno. On Highway 180, this is where you pay the entrance fee to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest.

The first rest area after the park entrance station on Highway 180, makes this a perfect spot to get your bearings after the drive up from the San Joaquin Valley. It includes the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, which leads to the Mark Twain Stump via a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike. A small staircase on the stump lets you climb onto it.

Join a ranger at this outdoor theater for programs on a wide variety of park topics. It is wheelchair accessible, and the visitor center has assistive-listening devices. Check local bulletin boards and the visitor center for schedules.

A giant sequoia dedicated to the memory of Booker T. Washington-a leader in the African-American community during the late 18th and early 19th centuries-stands before you.Colonel Charles Young-a commissioned officer in the US Army who served as the first superintendent of Sequoia National Park, dedicated this tree in honor of a man he deeply admired.

This 2.5-mile trail in the national forest outside the park leads to the magnificent Boole Tree, one of the few monarch sequoias spared by 19th-century logging. It also offers great views over and across the Kings River country. Take Highway 180 2.5 miles north of Grant Grove, and turn onto the dirt road. In about 2 miles, you pass through aptly named Stump Meadow, the remnants left by an 1800s logging operation.

Take a guided, 50-minute walking tour through this cavern, located below the towering 2,000 foot marble walls of the Kings Gates. A short but very steep trail leads to the cave, traveling under and around rock formations. Tours are appropriate for all ages and are offered by a U.S. Forest Service partner, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour operators recommend you wear hiking boots and a light jacket.

This soft, moist, open pocket of soil contrasts with the surrounding forest and granite bedrock near the ground's surface. Enjoy the sounds of birds and insects that rely on the meadow for food, lodging, and hiding places. Relatively uncommon here, meadows provide critical habitat to many species.

In the fall of 1903, the Buffalo Soldiers who oversaw these parks that year held an end-of-season picnic. A local resident who attended, Phil Winser, wrote the following about Captain Charles Young, the leader of this contingent and the first African American superintendent of any national park: "They wanted to name a tree for our captain but he refused, saying they could do so if they felt the same way, twenty years hence..." He chose instead to name a sequoia for educator B

From here hike up to Buena Vista Peak and its 360-degree view of park, forest, and California's huge Central Valley. It's a two-mile round-trip hike, making it one of the most easily accessible peaks in the park. This uphill walk is fairly gentle.

The Buttress Tree fell without warning on June 3, 1959. Its roots, like all sequoias, grew in a shallow, matted maze. Although sequoia roots can extend as much as 300 feet outwards, they rarely grow deeper than 12 feet. This leaves the trees vulnerable to erosion and changing soil conditions.

This wayside exhibit, titled, "Call the Cavalry," shows photos and text about the U. S. Cavalry and The Parker Group.

This pullout is located near Moraine Campground, along Highway 180 ( Kings Canyon Scenic Byway). It provides an excellent view east of the U-shaped, glacial canyon. The flat bottom of the canyon supports meadows and forests that could not be supported in the V-shaped, water-carved canyon further west. From here you can see canyon walls that were ground flat by the glacier, with scars where boulders trapped in the ice were dragged across the granite. John Muir, a proponent of

Open year-round, this gift shop offers souvenirs, clothing items, gifts, and crafts.

Due to COVID-19, this facility is closed until further notice.Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are for lodge guests as well as campers, backpackers, and other travelers.

You may hear Peregrine falcons, birds that nest on this rock. A peregrine falcon's call sounds like "key, key, key, key". This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Changing Scenes, Changing Sounds," discusses human-caused sounds and their effects on humans and wildlife.

This Forest Service area 3 miles (4.8 kilometer) north of Grant Grove is part of the Converse Basin sequoia grove. From Cherry Gap, you can take roads to the Chicago Stump.

This sequoia burned in 1914. For over a century, the remaining trunk has slowly weathered but remains in remarkably good condition. What do you think it will look like in another hundred years?

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of Cold Springs Nature Trail.Cold Springs Nature Trail is 2.0 miles round-trip (3.2 kilometer) at an easy incline. It travels through meadows and aspen groves to the site of the former mining town of Beulah. The trail features interpretive panels, which give more information about your surroundings. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is available at the Cold Springs Campground.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Shaping a Park, Colonel Young: A Buffalo Soldier," shows photos and text about Colonel Charles Young.

This picnic spot near the Grant Grove campgrounds and Visitor Center offer a good slope for sledding in the winter.

Sequoia groves grow within the larger conifer--or conebearing--forest. Their neighbors are as important, fascinating, and beautiful as sequoias -- just not as big!This wayside exhibit, titled "Community", shows four different types of conifer trees.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Community Kitchen," shows how American Indian women prepared acorns.

This outdoor exhibit, titled “Competition,“ shares information about giant sequoia ecology.

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Congress Trail. Congress Trail is a 2.7 mile round-trip lollipop-shaped trail on a gentle, paved incline. It begins near the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth. Along the path, you'll also see excellent examples of mature sequoias, including the House and Senate groups, and the President Tree.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Correct Climate," shows how temperature changes can affect sequoia growth.

The Crescent Meadow Picnic Area is 2.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum, near Moro Rock and several trailheads. The picnic area rests at the edge of a lush meadow.

This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at Crescent Meadow, one of the larger meadows in these parks and the starting point for several hikes. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited. It also reduces air pollution within our parks. Shuttles within the park are free; round-trip shuttles from Visalia are $20, which includes the park entrance fee.

This wayside exhibit, titled "Cross Section Story" provides information about the tree section in front of you.

Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a marble cavern. There is a moderately steep (but paved) half-mile trail from the parking area to the cave entrance. The trail through the cave is also one half mile. Because of fragile formations, the only way to visit the cave is on a guided tour.

Here, you will find an expansive parking lot, restrooms, and an orientation panel that shows a map and images of Crystal Cave. The Crystal Cave Trail descends 0.5 miles at a moderately steep incline to Crystal Cave.

A portal to learn about current conditions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

The 4.4 mile one-way (8.8 mile round-trip) Don Cecil Trail is a steep climb along the north-facing slope of Kings Canyon. If you're looking for a shorter hike, Sheep Creek Cascade is about a mile up the trail and offers a shady spot to sit and relax. This historic trail was the major access route to Cedar Grove prior to the completion of Highway 180 in 1939. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is not allowed.

Evening programs are offered here in summer. Check campground bulletin boards for schedules.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in here.

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.

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.

Look outward from Panoramic Point across hundreds of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands

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 National Christmas Tree, which gets decorated in Washington, D.C.) and the country's only living national shrine.

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.

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.

Since 1935, people have been driving through Tunnel Log. You too can join in on the novelty of driving through a fallen Sequoia.

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.

The General Sherman Tree is a must-see while visiting the Giant Forest. It is the largest tree in the world by volume.

Stop by this historic entrance sign to take pictures and learn about its unique significance to Sequoia National Park.

This one-way trail is currently marked to the Twin Lakes hiking trail junction. Return to Wuksachi on the same 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 show! When finished, return on the same trail back to the Giant Forest Museum.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before you investigate the area, stop here at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about giant sequoias and area history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth.

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.

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.

Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Crescent Meadow in trail Sequoia's Giant Forest.

Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Tokopah Falls trail.

With brand new museum exhibits, a Park Store, and a wilderness information counter, the Lodgepole Visitor Center is the place to be.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.