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Best trails in Sequoia National Park

Best trails in Sequoia National Park

4.5(67,536 reviews)

·

United States
#22 of 60 national parks

Sequoia National Park is home to the largest tree in the world, and groves of many more that are almost as big! Giant sequoias even outgrow the massive coast redwood trees native to Northern California. These giants are only found within a very small natural range along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. There are about 40 groves of them within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park and its neighbor, Kings Canyon. Sequoia offers more than just tall trees! Other amazing features include towering granite domes like Moro Rock, and amazing waterfall hikes created by the Kaweah River as it carves through the park.

Sequoia National Park has 3 areas: Giant Forest, Mineral King, and the Foothills. You'll find most of the popular trails among the big trees in Giant Forest. Mineral King sits at higher elevation. The area's rugged day hikes and backpacking trips feature striking mountains and lakes. The lower elevation of the Foothills area makes its scenic, wildflower-studded trails accessible year-round.

Fire and wildlife are both important to Sequoia's ecosystem. You may encounter fire scars on older trees, or even a closure for a prescribed burn. If you're visiting during the summer fire season, check for wildfires or fire restrictions before your visit. Wildlife is abundant in the park, including black bears. The park requires proper food storage, and many trailheads and wilderness campsites have bear-proof bins available. If you plan to leave your car at a trailhead for an extended period, review precautions to keep yourself and wildlife safe.

You can visit Sequoia National Park year-round. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do and what part of the park you want to visit. The Giant Forest area, the most popular part of the park, is great to visit year-round. During the busy summer months, it's a good idea to take advantage of the park's free shuttle system to help you avoid traffic and parking issues.

Many visitors come to the park during the winter months to enjoy snow and solitude. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and photographing snow-covered sequoias. Winter is a wonderful time to visit the park, but keep in mind that park roads can close depending on conditions.

There is an entrance fee to visit Sequoia National Park. You can purchase a pass online in advance or in person at any entrance station.

Some areas of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National park remain closed or inaccessible due to winter storm damage. Check the trail page for alerts and closures as well as the park's current conditions page while planning your trip and before heading out.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $20
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(559) 565-3341
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling on a motorcycle, scooter, or similar motorized vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

$30
Purchase pass
Non-commercial Groups

Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of up to 15 passengers pay a $35 vehicle entrance fee or use a park pass. Groups traveling in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $20 per person, up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($100 or $200). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.

$20
Per Person

This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

$20
Private Vehicle

This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

$35
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

This pass is valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits all passengers in a private vehicle and is non-transferable.

$70
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Foothills, Lodgepole, and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers, and the Giant Forest Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Loaner wheelchairs are available at the Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole Visitor Center, or Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.

Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call (559) 565-3729 or email seki_information@nps.gov at least 1-2 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.

Additional information about accessibility at Sequoia National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Transportation

The shuttle buses in the park's Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are wheelchair accessible, and drivers announce each stop.

Temporary parking placards for those driving personal vehicles without DMV-issued parking placards are available at any visitor center. No documentation is required for a temporary parking placard.

For more information on shuttles, visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm.

Facilities

The Foothills, Lodgepole, and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers, and Giant Forest Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park and John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park have wheelchair accessible rooms.

Camping

Wheelchair accessible sites are available in most campgrounds, with extended picnic tables, raised grills, and generally packed, level ground.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Parks

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Sequoia National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Sequoia National Park is General Sherman Tree Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 5,238 reviews. This trail is 1.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 190 ft.

What is the longest trail in Sequoia National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Sequoia National Park is Big SEKI Loop. This trail is estimated to be 154.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Sequoia National Park?

There are 136 trails in Sequoia National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 67,536 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Sequoia National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Sequoia National Park has you covered. Big SEKI Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 36,013 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mt. Whitney via Bubbs Creek, PCT, High Sierra, Avalanche Pass Loop, which will get you 21,555 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Sequoia National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 86 camping trails in Sequoia National Park and the most popular is Tokopah Falls with an average 4.8 star rating from 8,797 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Sequoia National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 65 running trails in Sequoia National Park and the most popular is Tokopah Falls with an average 4.8 star rating from 8,797 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Sequoia National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Sequoia National Park which is Generals Highway Scenic Drive with an average 4.7 star rating from 77 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Sequoia National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Sequoia National Park are Tokopah Falls, Congress Trail, General Sherman Tree Trail, Moro Rock, and Big Trees Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Sequoia National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Sequoia National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Sequoia National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Sequoia National Park, including White Chief Trail and Old Colony Mill Road to Admiration Point.

Are there any trails with dams in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with dams in Sequoia National Park, including Eagle Lake Trail, Monarch Lakes Trail, Crystal Lake, and Eagle and Mosquito Lakes.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with picnic areas in Sequoia National Park, including Rimrock, Alta, Congress, Trail of the Sequoias, and Tharp's Log Loop and Potwisha - Hospital Rock Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cave in Sequoia National Park: Crystal Cave Trail.

Are there any trails with rivers in Sequoia National Park?