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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Admire the topographical and ecological diversity of the Sequoia and Kings National Parks by exploring miles of uninterrupted hiking trails through the protected backcountry. Offering countless outdoor opportunities, including canyoning, camping, climbing, and swimming, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are undeniably a hiker’s paradise. Boasting a wealth of hiking routes, there are trails to satisfy all types of adventurers. These parks cater to you, whether you are an adrenaline junky seeking a taxing trek or a novice hiker looking for an easy-going stroll through the forest.

Home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world, and the Giant Forest Grove—where the world’s largest sequoia is found, many hikes within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are through stands of old-growth forests, which boasts an other-worldly ambiance. Most routes through the groves are well-maintained, family-friendly, lined with interpretive signs, and busy. Those seeking a more tranquil hike will have to look elsewhere- but do not fret, there are plenty of secluded and equally scenic trails to choose from within the parks.

Open year-round, 24/7, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks beckon adventurers of all sorts from around the country. Exhibiting a diversity of flora and fauna—including some of the world’s largest trees, these parks offer no shortage of scenery. Indulge in the grandeur and beauty of this rich area of wilderness and enjoy the tranquility of the shadowed natural sanctuary.

The 20 Greatest Hiking Routes in the Sequoia and Kings National Parks

The topographic diversity and abundance of flora and fauna yield amazing hiking opportunities in the Sequoia and Kings National Parks. As self-titled adventure experts, we decided to take it upon ourselves and curate a list of the best hiking trails in the parks. Try them out and let us know what you think—enjoy!

  1. General Sherman Tree Trail - Hike to the world’s largest one-stem tree along the General Sherman Tree Trail. This family-friendly adventure circles around the monstrous sequoia that so famously adorns the Giant Forest Grove.
  2. Emerald Lake Trail - The Emerald Lake Trail boasts an unforgettable journey through the high country to several glacially formed lakes nestled amongst the granite oasis. This taxing trek is a crowd favorite!
  3. Miracle Hot Springs Trail - Indulge yourself in a natural spa treatment in the great outdoors along the Miracle Hot Springs Trail. Unlike most hikes, this walk is about the destination, not the journey. Soak in the warm hot springs above the Kern River and revel in the gorgeous scenery.
  4. Moro Rock Trail - Climb up some 350-steps to the top of the granite monolith that offers awe-inspiring views of the Great Western Divide. The Moro Rock Trail is a high-demand, high-reward type of adventure worth adding to your hiking itinerary.
  5. Heather Lake and Lakes Trail - The Heather Lake and Lakes Trail is another high-country hike that leads intrepid hikers through the granite landscape adorned with picture-perfect glacial lakes anchored by the craggy ridges of the Sierra Nevada.
  6. Remington Hot Springs Trail - Immerse yourself in the natural hot springs that sit above the Kern River along the Remington Hot Springs Trail. This family-friendly adventure is best enjoyed in the fall when the air is cool and crowds are thin.
  7. Hume Lake Loop - The Hume Lake Loop is a scenic trail that traces the shoreline of the shimmering reservoir—which offers plenty of outdoor pursuit opportunities in the summer months!
  8. Trail of 100 Giants - The Trail of 100 Giants travels through Long Grove Meadow, exhibiting the grandeur of some 1,500-year-old behemoth sequoia trees.
  9. Giant Forest Loop Trail - The Giant Forest Loop Trail is a fun family hike that meanders through the famous grove that is home to the world’s largest sequoia tree and the oldest known living sequoia at about 3,200 years old.
  10. Tokopah Falls Hike - The Tokopah Falls Hike demands a modest effort, climbing along the rocky banks of the Mable Fork of Kaweah River to the picturesque waterfalls.
  11. Crystal Cave Trail - Explore the cavern of marble polished by subterranean streams along the Crystal Cave Trail. This exciting adventure can only be enjoyed with a guide due to the area’s fragility.
  12. Heather Lake Trail - The Heather Lake Trail is a remarkable adventure to the glacially formed basin that sits above Tokopah Valley and the Watchtower Monolith. This alpine adventure is unrivaled in its beauty.
  13. Sunset Rock Hike - Just as the name hints, the Sunset Rock Trail boasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sun setting over the granite mountainscape. Short and scenic, this route can be enjoyed by the whole family.
  14. Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike - Adventure to a stunning waterfall cascading through a smoothed canyon along the Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike. This beautiful trail offers a diversity of scenery and is well worth exploring.
  15. Congress Trail - Offering sights of some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, the Congress Trail is unparalleled in its scenery. Stroll through the forest of sequoias decorated with carpets of lupines and ferns in the Giant Forest Grove.
  16. Marble Falls Trail - There is something incomparable to a waterfall hike, right? The Marble Falls Trail is a lovely adventure hidden in the Kaweah River Valley.
  17. Crescent and Log Meadow Trail - Wander alongside lush meadows decorated with a diversity of flora and fauna before escaping into dense communities of giant sequoias along the Crescent and Log Meadow Trail. This fun family hike is well worth a detour into the wilderness.
  18. General Grant Grove Trail - The General Grant Grove Trail is home to the world’s second-largest tree—the General Grant Tree. This loop trail travels through impressive stands of sequoias and redwoods, attracting plenty of visitors.
  19. Bullfrog Lake Trail - The Bullfrog Lake Trail is a challenging hike into the granite paradise adorned with countless alpine lakes. Put your stamina to the test and revel in the beauty of the high country.
  20. Mist Falls Hike - Explore the forested canyon of the South Fork Kings River to Mist Falls. This enchanting adventure exhibits breathtaking scenery of the mountainous landscape.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?

Due to their geographic location, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer adventure pursuits year-round. The winter months see cold conditions, and the areas of high elevation get plenty of snow, wind, and storms. Though off-season excursions are equally as enchanting and far more secluded, there are inherent challenges to consider. Many roads are subject to seasonal closure, and snow chains or tires are required to safely navigate park roads during the snowy months.

On the contrary, summer adventures enjoy warm weather and ideal road conditions, though you can expect crowded trails. We encourage visitors to explore in the spring and autumn for a more tranquil experience with comfortable weather. Whether you head out tomorrow or in two months, we can almost guarantee you will be impressed by the beauty of these national parks located on the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

Other Outdoor Activities in the Sequoia and Kings National Parks

The Sequoia and Kings National Parks are undoubtedly hiker’s oases, though outdoor pursuit experiences are not limited to just treks. With terrain comparable to Yosemite, canyoneering, climbing, and water recreation opportunities are abundant. Enjoy sightseeing from a canyon overlook or from atop a granite monolith, or dive down into a valley where you will likely find anglers, swimmers, or rafters enjoying the water.

Additionally, the soaring crests and craggy canyons offer scrambling, bouldering, and canyoning for intrepid adventurers to enjoy. In the winter months, these parks enjoy snowy conditions—providing the opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The activities and opportunities to explore the great outdoors are limitless in the Sequoia and Kings National Parks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

What is the difference between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park?

The Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 and the Kings Canyon National Park was established in 1940, but the two parks have been jointly administered by the National Parks Service since 1943.

Are the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks separate?

Though technically two separate national parks, both the Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park are jointly administered, and admission to one park grants access to the other.

When are the Sequoia and Kings National Parks open?

The Sequoia and Kings National Parks are open 24/7, year-round. Though it is important to note that there are seasonal road closures due to snow.

What is Kings Canyon National Park known for?

Kings Canyon National Park is most famously known for its similar terrain to Yosemite, and as home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world.

What cities are near the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?

Kings Canyon National Park is near Fresno, California, and Sequoia National Park is near Visalia, CA.

Awesome Adventure Tours in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Check out the Sequoia and Kings Canyon 6-day hiking tour that exhibits the best of what these fantastic national parks have to offer. Perhaps you want to explore another corner of California? Head to our website and scroll through our other amazing California Tours to satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Find Other Amazing Hiking Regions in California

The Sequoia and Kings National Parks are remarkable areas of wilderness full of wonderment and scenery awaiting your exploration. Located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, the parks occupy a landscape similar to that of Yosemite’s— characterized by deep canyons, dense communities of chaparral scrubs, sharp-crested mountains, rushing rivers, towering sequoias, granite monoliths, and rolling foothills, but with a fraction of the crowds.

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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

General Sherman Tree Trail

Indulge yourself in the beauty and grandeur of the world’s largest one-stem tree along the General Sherman Tree Trail. This well-revered route in the Sequoia National Park boasts the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant sequoia that so famously adorns the forest.
Very Easy
1.9 km
60 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Emerald Lake Trail

The Emerald Lake Trail is an incredibly beautiful adventure through California’s high country in the Sequoia & Kings National Parks. Meander through the granite oasis adorned with glacially formed lakes and marvel at the scenes of the craggy ridges of the Sierra Nevada. We love this trek, and so will you!
Moderate
16.6 km
783 m
5-7h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Miracle Hot Springs Trail

The Miracle Hot Springs Trail is a unique adventure in the Sequoia National Park that offers a natural spa treatment. Wander the short trail to the hot baths that sit along the Kern River. Indulge yourself in a soak in the natural hot springs—and if you get too hot, cool off in the refreshing river below.
Very Easy
0.3 km
3 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Moro Rock Trail

The Moro Rock Trail is a wonderful adventure in the Sequoia National Park that boasts incredible views of the Great Western Divide. Climb up a 350-step staircase to the summit of the granite monolith and you will be rewarded for your efforts with the breathtaking alpine scenery.
Easy
0.8 km
54 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Hume Lake Loop

The Hume Lake Loop is a beautiful nature trail that traces the shoreline of the shimmering reservoir. Nestled amongst the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this scenic adventure boasts incredible sightseeing as well as an abundance of outdoor pursuit opportunities. Explore this wonderful natural sanctuary the next time you find yourself in the Sequoia National Park.
Very Easy
4.5 km
48 m
1-1.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Heather Lakes and Lake Trail

The Heather Lake and Lakes Trail is a beautiful adventure unrivaled in its alpine scenery. Beckoning the exploration of experienced hikers and intrepid spirits, this trail travels to not one, not two, but three crystalline lakes framed by the granite ridges of the Sierra Nevada.
Hard
20.8 km
901 m
6-8.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Remington Hot Springs Trail

Indulge yourself with a natural spa treatment in the great outdoors along the Remington Hot Springs Trail. A lovely path leads visitors down through mixed forestlands adorned with vibrant wildflowers to a collection of three sulfuric hot tubs perched above Kern River.
Very Easy
0.6 km
57 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Trail of 100 Giants

Explore a dense collection of old-growth sequoias along the Trail of 100 Giants. This family-friendly hike travels through Long Grove Meadow, boasting an enchanting experience whilst showcasing some 1,500-year-old behemoths.
Very Easy
2.4 km
39 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Giant Forest Loop Trail

The Giant Forest Loop Trail boasts an unrivaled experience, guiding explorers amongst some of the world’s oldest and grandest giant sequoias on the planet! This enchanting adventure will shrink you down to the size of an ant as you wander the path amongst the monstrous old-growth sequoias—hikers of all ages and skill levels can participate.
Easy
11.3 km
388 m
3-4.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Tokopah Falls Hike

The Tokopah Falls Hike is unrivaled in its natural beauty. Wander along the rocky banks of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River amongst towering granite bluffs, including the Watchtower monolith, to the 1200ft waterfall that surges through the canyon.
Easy
6.4 km
195 m
1.5-2.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Crystal Cave Trail

The Crystal Cave is one of some 200 caverns in the Sequoia National Park, though this one is our favorite. Only accessible by guided tour, the Crystal Cave Trail explores the marble karst cavern adorned with icicle-like stalactites and stalagmites. This adventure boasts an other-worldly experience.
Very Easy
1.3 km
89 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Heather Lake Trail

Indulge in breathtaking alpine scenery along the Heather Lake Trail. This lovely path exhibits jaw-dropping views of the bounding granite crests that frame Tokopah Valley in addition to the beautiful glacial lake. This route is awaiting your exploration.
Hard
13.0 km
644 m
4-5.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sunset Rock Hike

The Sunset Rock Hike is an easy-going adventure in the Sequoia National Park that reveals spell-binding panoramas of the High Sierra and Kaweah Valley. Head out in the evening for an unforgettable experience—watching the sunset over the granite mountainscape.
Very Easy
3.2 km
56 m
0.5-1h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike

Seeking a family-friendly adventure in the Kings Canyon National Park? The Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Hike is an easy-going adventure that exhibits a diversity of scenery as it meanders along the South Fork of Kings River through woodlands and lush meadows hidden amongst the towering granite crests of Cedar Grove.
Easy
8.7 km
128 m
2-2.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Congress Trail

The Congress Trail is an amazing adventure in the Sequoia National Park that exhibits some of the world’s most famous sequoias—including The President and the General Sherman Tree. Indulge in the unrivaled scenery of the towering trees, lush meadows, and carpets of lupines and ferns as you travel through the grand forest.
Easy
4.8 km
151 m
1.5-2h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Marble Falls Trail

The Marble Falls Trail is an unassumingly beautiful adventure through the Kaweah River Valley. Hike through the corridor of the craggy canyon through dense communities of oaks, cottonwoods, redbuds, and dogwoods to the mesmerizing cascade. Boasting a great workout and wonderful scenery, this trek is sure to impress.
Moderate
11.9 km
496 m
3.5-5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Crescent and Log Meadows Trail

Saunter through luxuriant meadows abundant with a diversity of flora and fauna and escape into the majestic stands of giant sequoias along the Crescent and Log Meadows Trail. This lovely adventure exhibits the best of both worlds and can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Very Easy
2.9 km
63 m
0.5-1h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

General Grant Grove Trail

Explore the forest that is home to the world’s second-largest tree on the General Grant Grove Trail. One of the main attractions in the Kings Canyon National Park, adventurers from around the globe visit the General Grant Grove to indulge in the beauty and grandeur of the giant-sequoia trees—can you blame them?
Very Easy
1.1 km
10 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Bullfrog Lake Hike

The Bullfrog Lake Hike is a wonderful adventure through the granite oasis adorned with countless glacial lakes framed by the craggy crests of the Sierra Nevada. Get a workout in as you wander through the moonscape above the clouds.
Very Hard
21.1 km
1,115 m
7-9.5h
No Ratings
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Roaring River Falls Trail

The Roaring River Falls Trail is a wonderful adventure in the Kings Canyon National Park that the whole family can enjoy. Wander through the granite oasis adorned with lush conifers to the mesmerizing cascade that surges through the steep-walled canyon.
Very Easy
0.5 km
8 m
0.5h

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