Sequoia National Park: Giant Forest
The Foothills
Big Trees Trail
A level, 2/3-mile (1km) loop with colorful trail-side panels describing sequoia ecology.
General Sherman Tree
Two trails run to the world's largest tree. Main trail at Upper Sherman (with a large parking lot that closes with the first snow), runs 1/2 mile down to the tree and has some stairs, it is an uphill walk back to your car. Drive 2 miles (3-2 km) north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small Sherman Tree parking lot for those with disabled placards only) to Wolverton road turn right then follow the signs. Wheelchair accessible trail at lower Sherman has parking for those with disabled placards only.
Morro Rock
A granite dome with a steep 1/4 mile (.4 km) staircase to the summit (300 foot/91m elevation gain). A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. Two miles (3-2 km) from the Generals Highway.
Tunnel Log
A fallen sequoia that has been tunneled through, and the only "tree you can drive through" in these parks! There is a by-pass for larger vehicle about 2.7 miles ( 4-3 km) from the museum.
Crescent Meadow
Towering sequoias around a fragile meadow. Stay on designated trails, use only fallen logs to walk into meadows. Several trails start here. Try the 1 mile (1.6 km) route to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia, or the High Sierra Trail (71 miles/114 km to Mt. Whitney, at 14494 feet/4417 m, the highest peak in the lower 48 states!
Hospital Rock
Exhibits about the western Mono people who once lived here and a very short trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps lead to a waterfall.
Marble Falls Trail
This trail climbs 3.9 miles (6km) through chaparral to a lovely cascade. Park near site #14 at Potwisha Campground. Take the dirt road across the concrete ditch.
A level, 2/3-mile (1km) loop with colorful trail-side panels describing sequoia ecology.
General Sherman Tree
Two trails run to the world's largest tree. Main trail at Upper Sherman (with a large parking lot that closes with the first snow), runs 1/2 mile down to the tree and has some stairs, it is an uphill walk back to your car. Drive 2 miles (3-2 km) north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small Sherman Tree parking lot for those with disabled placards only) to Wolverton road turn right then follow the signs. Wheelchair accessible trail at lower Sherman has parking for those with disabled placards only.
Morro Rock
A granite dome with a steep 1/4 mile (.4 km) staircase to the summit (300 foot/91m elevation gain). A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. Two miles (3-2 km) from the Generals Highway.
Tunnel Log
A fallen sequoia that has been tunneled through, and the only "tree you can drive through" in these parks! There is a by-pass for larger vehicle about 2.7 miles ( 4-3 km) from the museum.
Crescent Meadow
Towering sequoias around a fragile meadow. Stay on designated trails, use only fallen logs to walk into meadows. Several trails start here. Try the 1 mile (1.6 km) route to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia, or the High Sierra Trail (71 miles/114 km to Mt. Whitney, at 14494 feet/4417 m, the highest peak in the lower 48 states!
Hospital Rock
Exhibits about the western Mono people who once lived here and a very short trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps lead to a waterfall.
Marble Falls Trail
This trail climbs 3.9 miles (6km) through chaparral to a lovely cascade. Park near site #14 at Potwisha Campground. Take the dirt road across the concrete ditch.
Kings Canyon National Park
General Grant Tree
One of the world's largest living trees. President Coolidge proclaimed it the Nation's Christmas Tree in 1926. It is also a national shrine, the only living memorial to those who died in war.
North Grove Loop
Lightly traveled, 1-1/2 mile (2.4km) trail provides a close look at the Big Trees and a quiet walk through conifer forest. Starts at lower Grant Tree Parking area.
Dead Giant Loop
Speculate on what killed this sequoia, and enjoy a picturesque view of a historic mill pond. Follow the old road from the lower Grant Tree parking area for about a mile. The trail branches off, creating a 1-1/2 mile (2.4km) round trip.
Canyon View
The "U" shape of this canyon reveals its glacial history. 1 mile (1.6km) east of Cedar Grove Village road.
Knapps Cabin
During the "roaring 1920s", Santa Barbara businessman George Knapp hosted lavish expeditions here, using this small cabin to store gear. A short walk from a turnout 2 miles (3.2km0 east of Cedar Grove Village road.
Roaring River Falls
A shady 5-minute walk to a powerful waterfall rushing through a narrow granite chute. 3 miles (4.8km) east of the Village road. Paved, relatively accessible.
Zumwalt Meadow
This 1.5-mile (2.4km) trail offers high granite walls, lush meadows, and the winding Kings River. Parking is 4-1/2 miles (7.2km) east of the Cedar Grove Village Road. Purchase a trail guide at the vistors center. Allow 1 hour.
Road End
Here, where the pavement ends, are high granite walls and trails to the river, Muir Rock, and the High Sierra. No road continues across the Sierra.
For more information on hiking areas visit: http://www.kaweahcommonwealth.com/hiking.html