Watchtower Trail

Nice trip through forest and pretty good lookout at top.

Gorgeous hike! went on (10/25/20) if you’re someone that’s a little nervous when it comes to heights would recommend taking the hump trail as an alternate route to get to the lakes rather than the watchtower trail. The watchtower trail will give you gorgeous views of the enormous mountains that touch the sky and give you a thrill as you can see how close you are to the edge as you walk the trail. Have fun and be safe. :) Also keep in mind that if conditions are icy or snow is present this trail will be closed.

The first part of trail is not much to look at. However, the view at the to is breathtaking. We were so excited we pushed all the way through to Heather Lake and Emerald Lake. Many obstacles to be aware of. Little Rock’s and pine cones make for unstable surface at times a lot of wash out exposed tree roots and large rocks. A bit of a challenge stepping up and down for someone with short legs. If you choose to head towards Heather Lake expect narrow trails and cliffs. Trail there is all up hill with various elevations. Coming down a rough of you have bad knees. We hit trail at 645 am and it didn’t get over 75 degrees but still bring plenty of water and snacks. We will be taking this trail again soon

My First hike in Sequoia National Forest, this trail will take you to heather lake and this trail is more easier than hump trail. I used this map to guide me but coming back I used the hump trail. Overall the lake is so beautiful, the views are so amazing. Take extra water and bring snacks. Accomplish on 8/1/20.

07/18/20 The beginning of the trail isn't all that but the view gets better as you keep going. If you follow it all the way, you get to the different lakes. I would say this is an easy trail for anyone, if you want a challenge, take the neighboring trail, Hump trail.

Super nice trail. Well marked and everything. Easiest place to get into the Sierra Nevadas near Sequoia - I got to the point in about 1 hour and climbed the Watchtower in less than 5 minutes. Easy class 2 or something - no risk involved really.

This peak is not marked because technically the trail continues on to a lake. So if you’re not careful, you “miss” the peak. However, you won’t miss the stunning view!

Watchtower was definitely more enjoyable route for me than the Hump trail to get to the lakes. The view is great once you get up there!

Great easy-moderate hike for altitude training. Lots of shade, great views. Saw a bear close by but it walked away after it saw our group. We went on 8/3/19 and there were some mosquitos, we used natural bug repellent and they left us alone. Took us 4 hours at an average pace with a few breaks in between.

beautiful trail! recommend for the payoff view at the end. even cooler if you like the lower Tokopah Falls trail the day before.

I’ve done this hike many time since I was a teen. And I’m reminded every time of how bad my cardio is lol. It’s challenges are out weighed by her beautiful views. This can be done as a day hike no problem! Train and enjoy

We saw a sign near the Wolverton lot that read that the trail was closed due to icy conditions. So we went on The Hump trail to Heather Lake. Another couple on the trail said they came up Watchtower and it was open—so we came back that way. Gorgeous both ways! A little precarious on the Watchtower trail, but the view is unbeatable. An exhausting hike that went about 9miles(half of it uphill) and took us almost 6hours. It was an incredible hike! I’d rate it as very challenging.

I randomly chose this trail because the trail I was wanting to do was a bit farther out. I’m really happy to have done this one. Not difficult at all. The view up top is breathtaking and would recommend to everyone.

Great day hike! My Garmin did read 8 miles and not the 6.6 in the description. Definitely worth the extra though. We came to escape the heat of the valley in June and was able to enjoy the meadows, streams, and the lookout at the 4 mile marker. The trail was well maintained and direction markers easy to understand. Bugs were not a problem as we used repellent before starting. We did encounter a bear, but it was a ways away off the trail as we came through. Views were spectacular and overall a great hike!

Nice view! As of late May, the trail was closed due to snow and ice. Doable, but you have to know what you are doing... Also, it's worth going a bit further to the lake

Hiked this trail again this past weekend and my Apple Watch showed this hike to be approx 8.5 miles round trip. A bit of snow patches in several spots as we hiked. Gorgeous views at the watchtower. Can’t get to pear lake from the watchtower trail but if you’re going to the lakes, take the hump trail. We talked to some nice fellow hikers and found out you can get to heather lake from there. On our way back we spotted a bear near the trailhead so just a heads up, they’re out and about. Definitely worth the beautiful hike!

May 13, 2018, trail marked as “Closed”, we continued anyway, some snow but not enough to slow us down. Definitely worth the hike, great views at the Watchtower!

Did this trail last weekend. I only went up to watchtower. Beautiful views. Lots of snow at the watch point so be careful. Bring layers and be prepared for snow. My feet got wet from the snow. Saw fresh bear tracks so they’re out and about.