Best trails in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park features huge groves of giant sequoias known as monarchs. These monarch trees are the largest trees on the planet. It also shares the tallest peak in the contiguous United States with Inyo National Forest. Covering an impressive 404,063 acres, there is so much to explore! The General Sherman Tree is a must-see. It is the largest tree in the world by volume and also one of the tallest. If you are up for an epic backpacking trip, you can take the High Sierra Trail all the way to the summit of Mount Whitney and back. Aside from beautiful giant forests, you can also explore caves, rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. The park is popular for short day hikes and walks. There are endless multi-day backpacking options as well. Horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and nature photography are also great activities in Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia National Park requires a wilderness permit for overnight camping in the backcountry. For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm
Top trails
- (5167)•Easy•1.1 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world! It is 275 feet tall and a massive 36 feet in diameter at its base. This is the main trail to the General Sherman Tree. It is accessed via the Sherman Tree Trailhead off of Wolverton Road. This trail has a few sets of stairs and is paved. Surrounded by giant sequoia trees for your entire journey, this adventure will leave you awe-struck. If you are looking for a wheelchair - accessible route to the General Sherman Tree, checkout the...
- (8689)•Moderate•4.0 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrLike Yosemite Valley, Tokopah Valley was shaped by a glacier. This trail leads you under the canopy of pines and firs as you pass an occasional meadow and creek-crossings with the rewarding Tokopah Falls at the end. Horseback riding on this trail is not permitted. The trail offers a good diversity of woodlands with the river running next to you and some large boulders made of granite near the end of the trail. The base of the falls from the Kaweah River are a sight to behold. The last...
- (5092)•Moderate•0.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrGet ready for an unforgettable climb to the top of Moro Rock, a giant granite dome that offers some of the most breathtaking views in Sequoia National Park! This isn't a long hike, but it's a steep one, taking you up a remarkable staircase carved right into the rock. As you ascend over 300 feet, you'll have railings to hold onto, but be mindful of the steep drop-offs – it's a good idea to keep a close eye on children. The park service advises not to climb if there's ice, snow, or lightning,...
- (6331)•Easy•2.9 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis popular paved trail first takes you to the General Sherman Tree and then into the heart of the Giant Forest where hundreds of "monarch" giant sequoias stand. No other trail in the park has so many large sequoia clusters in such a short distance. It is also a pleasant snowshoe trip in the less-busy winter months. You can explore the Giant Forest area year-round, however keep in mind that park roads can close for snow and other winter conditions. Tire chains are also required depending...
- (2889)•Moderate•7.0 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis trail will take you through the heart of the giant sequoia forest, which is home to over 8,000 giant sequoias. Giant sequoias are some of the world's largest and longest-living trees. Inside the park itself, over half of the world's sequoias live. This trail will take you on a tour of many of the famous monarch sequoias in the Giant Forest. You'll admire the majestic General Sherman Tree. Dated to be around 2,100 years old, 37 feet wide, and 275 feet tall it is the largest and tallest...
- (1707)•Easy•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis version of the Congress Trail is the most accessible route. To park at this trailhead, a placard is required. You can also take the free park shuttle here. This popular paved trail first takes you to the General Sherman Tree and then into the heart of the Giant Forest where hundreds of "monarch" giant sequoias stand. You'll travel past Lincoln, Washington, General Lee, the President, the Senate, and Congress sequoias. No other trail in the park has so many large sequoia clusters in such...
- (2013)•Easy•3.8 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrAs you drive into Sequoia National Park, you can’t miss the granite dome of Moro Rock looming above you. Moro Rock is an impressive geologic feature that can be viewed from above or below. To reach the top of the dome and the famous viewpoint, you can either take this trail from the Giant Forest Museum parking area, or take a shuttle to the famous 300-foot staircase to the summit. For the much shorter staircase route that is considered to be the main Moro Rock summit route, please visit:...
- (2904)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis paved, family-friendly trail offers several colorful educational displays focusing on the giant sequoia ecosystem. It passes by the Giant Forest Museum, the Clara Barton Tree, Round Meadow, and various Giant Sequoia and young Sequoia groves. You can explore the Giant Forest area year-round, however keep in mind that park roads can close for snow and other winter conditions. Tire chains are also required depending on the season. The Giant Forest area is busiest during the summer months,...
- (2016)•Hard•11.9 mi•Est. 7–7.5 hrThis is stunning hike through beautiful meadows to Heather and Pear Lakes. Emerald and Aster Lake are also close by, and can be accessed by short side trips. This route is a great day trip or overnight backpacking trip. There are great wilderness campsites and bear-proof food storage bins at Pear Lake and around Emerald Lake. This route is not recommended for winter travel. The Watchtower Trail is often closed during the winter months due to dangerous conditions. There is a great winter ski...
- (1492)•Hard•8.3 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis route takes you to a vista point very close to the summit of The Watchtower. The Watchtower Trail officially continues to Heather Lake, so the spur to the actual summit is not marked. You can take a short off-trail scramble adventure to the true summit. The trail will take you on a gentle descent to Heather Lake after the summit spur. This route can be done as a day hike, or as a part of a longer backpacking itinerary. The best time to attempt the summit is during the summer months....
Visitor info
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Wheelchair accessible sites are available in most campgrounds, with extended picnic tables, raised grills, and generally packed, level ground.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Guides
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Sequoia National Park?
What is the longest trail in Sequoia National Park?
How many trails are in Sequoia National Park?
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Sequoia National Park?
Are there camping trails available in Sequoia National Park?
Are there running trails available in Sequoia National Park?
Are there biking trails available in Sequoia National Park?
What are the best summer hikes in Sequoia National Park?
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?
Are there any trails with dams in Sequoia National Park?
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Sequoia National Park?
Are there any trails with caves in Sequoia National Park?
Are there any trails with rivers in Sequoia National Park?
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Sequoia National Park
- Birding trails in Sequoia National Park
- Camping trails in Sequoia National Park
- Cross-country skiing trails in Sequoia National Park
- Fishing trails in Sequoia National Park
- Hiking trails in Sequoia National Park
- Horseback riding trails in Sequoia National Park
- Running trails in Sequoia National Park
- Snowshoeing trails in Sequoia National Park
- Walking trails in Sequoia National Park
Attractions
- Hard trails in Sequoia National Park
- Easy trails in Sequoia National Park
- Forest trails in Sequoia National Park
- Historic site trails in Sequoia National Park
- Lake trails in Sequoia National Park
- Long trails in Sequoia National Park
- Moderate trails in Sequoia National Park
- No dogs trails in Sequoia National Park
- River trails in Sequoia National Park
- Short trails in Sequoia National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Sequoia National Park
- Waterfall trails in Sequoia National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Sequoia National Park
- Wildlife trails in Sequoia National Park
