A massive sequoia near the junction with the Alta Trail. This trail will take you through the heart of the giant sequoia forest, which is home to about half of the earth’s largest and longest-living trees with over 8,000 of them. Discover the difference between California coastal redwoods and giant sequoias. When I got back to the trail head around 12:30 it was madness. In a short distance reach a second junction with the Huckleberry Meadow trail. Recreational users can access the trail from the West End Rd. The trailhead at General Sherman Tree parking lot is about 5 minutes away from the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Great 4 hour hike. The Hazelwood Nature Trail is a gentle one-mile loop in Giant Forest, just east of the Giant Forest Museum. For a longer walk, explore the many miles of trails in the area. Truly beautiful and awe inspiring tho. Big Trees Trail offers an easy, educational, and beautiful hike through giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. The path starts at Giant Forest Village and follows the top of a ridge that has great views westwards, over Sequoia Creek and the entrance road. Make sure to down load map before going to the park if you use Verizon little to no reception. 2. I would stop and listen to the silence, so beautiful. Sequoia National Park: Giant Forest Loop This rolling, 7-mile hike travels through some of the largest trees on earth. There was a little snow on the ground and a few spots where the ground was soft and muddy but for the most part is was dry and firm. Plenty of parking when I got to the trailhead at 9am. Along the trail, you'll see impressively large giant sequoia trees, estimated up to 1,500 years old. The “Riesenwald” in Elm – Giant Forest – is an adventure theme trail about the legend of Martin’s Hole, a 22 x 19 metre sun-rock window high above the valley.. The park is open year-round and makes for a spectacular winter destination, though some roads will be closed in the winter time due to snow. About 1.3 miles of paved trail offers several loop options with interpretive signs. Trail of 100 Giants is one of the best examples of Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Forest (outside of the main Sequoia National Park). It is an easy 1.7 mile (2.7 km) one-way walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the impressive granite cliffs and cascading waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. The high altitude definitely made it feel longer than 7 miles. Colorful trailside panels describe sequoia ecology. The Giant Forest is the most accessible of all giant sequoia groves, as it has over 40 miles of hiking trails. The largest of these, the General Sherman tree, measu We came across about 3 other families trying to find their way back to the crescent meadows parking lot on our way back. The trail to the right leads to the Washington Tree and Giant Forest Museum. Get the full giant forest experience and maybe a little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the park. Really nice trail. Beautiful trees and meadows. The trail to Tokopah Falls starts just beyond the Marble Fork Bridge in Lodgepole Campground. The route crosses with other trails along the way so come prepared with navigation. trail head, or from the Diamond Drive or California Avenue entrances to the Arcata Community Forest, or from Trail #5 and Trail #10 in the Forest's trail system. Beautiful scenery. Combine Crescent Meadow, Circle Meadow, Congress Trail, General Sherman, Trail Of The Sequoias, and Tharp's Log into one relatively easy run. The trail is heavily trafficked and a great introductory hike to some of the features that can be seen in this national park. A must trail at Sequoia National Park . From this parking area, the 1/2-mile (.72 km) trail descends and includes some stairs. Trail is easy to walk along and not long, in my opinion. Learn how to identify trees. Amazing views! The centerpiece of Sequoia National Park is the Giant Forest, home to the world’s biggest tree (by volume) and the best sequoia grove, by far, for hiking. We did this trail with the family and enjoyed the giant tree views. This 0.75 mile (1 km) trail circles Round Meadow. Weather was chilly with clear skies at the start but warmed up with the sun breaking through the trees. Otherwise, the hike itself was gorgeous with beautiful giant sequoias everywhere and the meadows were so green and serene. Additionally we did the whole 12.1 miles in hiking sandals which would be fine for the actual hike just not 12 miles! Time: 1 hour round-trip. For accessible parking and an accessible trail, stop at the small parking area along the Generals Highway two miles (3.2 km) north of the Giant Forest Museum. Did this 12/21, snow on the trail with a few slippery spots further in. Just before reaching the meadow pass a junction with the trail to Huckleberry Meadow, branching right. 93271. Didn’t need chains but carried them in the car just in case. Visitors flock to this park institution to: 1. It is a very popular hike in the summertime, so you may need to park your car at the visitor center and hop on the free shuttle to the trailhead lot. Even the drive to the grove from Kernville is … Giant Forest Loop Trail is a 7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Sequoia National Park, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Make sure to take a map with you, and look carefully for the trail continuing on if its paved and then the paving ends. It was definitely an easy stroll through the sequoias! Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. Start at Giant Forest Museum and follow the paved, accessible trail from there. At the last half mile you will be able to admire the majestic General Sherman Tree. The first part is all paved but once we got a little further out it was a dirt path. Make sure to know which way you came from, and follow the signs don’t look at a GPS - it will get you lost. A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park. The story is that the Shepherd Martin drove a giant away and threw him his stick. Trail of 100 Giants offers an easy, accessible walk through the Long Meadow Grove, one of the premier groves of giant sequoias in our area. A decent crowd at General Sherman so I'd suggest knocking that photo opp out ASAP. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Along the trail, you'll see impressively large giant sequoia trees, estimated up to 1,500 years old. We love the new Riesenwald, aka “Giants Forest,” theme trail at Elm, with more than a dozen play stations, including a giant xylophone, an oversized picnic table and forest kitchen, an obstacle course, a suspension bridge, and much more. Ate lunch at Tharp’s cabin which was a great spot. Distance: 1.2 mile self-guided loop trail. This trail starts off in a high traffic area but then branches off into the wilderness. The trail travels towards the center of the Olympic mountains and unlike most rainforest hikes, the end features a hike into the mountains to a spectacular view of the Blue Glacier near Mount Olympus. Trailhead: Giant … If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Long Meadow Grove (341 acres) offers a spectacular hike at the Trail of 100 Giants, a mile-long fully accessible interpretive trail. The grove showcases monarchs estimated to be 1,500 years old. Take an easy one-mile stroll around beautiful Round Meadow. Loved it. It involves a 60 mile trek through mountainous terrain to get the job done. Big Trees Trail, a one-mile (1.6 km) loop around a lush meadow, has interpretive exhibits about the natural history of giant sequoias. On our way back from general sherman tree to the crescent meadows parking lot, it was unclear where the trail continued after its intersection with the Alta trail. The hike is mostly flat and very easy on the legs. Quite a few deer though. excellent hike. The Main Parking and Trailhead are just off Wolverton Road, which leaves the Generals Highway just north of the Sherman Tree area (between Lodgepole and the Sherman Tree). There is also a point where the trail intersects with a sign that says “parking lot” with an arrow in both directions. The earlier the better! Three Rivers, CA Very easy on the legs. I messed up reading my map so got to see a lot more big trees hehe. Beautiful trail with lots of wildlife around. This great loop hike through the heart of the aptly named Giant Forest visits some of the world’s largest trees and traverses amazing groves of … The parking area is two miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Highway. Beautiful trail!!! It amazed me to see such huge, old trees. Throughout our hike we passed several others but they were so spaced out that we felt alone (good). The trail then crosses the Big Prairie - a … Rest on the benches along the trail; don't overexert yourself at this elevation (7000'/175m) if you are not accustomed to it. Nice hike. Even fish nearby. Great hike and great weather. Start at Giant Forest Museum and follow the paved, accessible trail from there. The trail is well marked but some areas are poorly maintained. Recommend using All Trails or a map, but it’s not that hard to navigate. Ask a ranger for more information on trails or purchase a map and/or trail guide at visitor center book stores at Lodgepole, Ash Mountain, Grant Grove, and Cedar Grove. Once you get off the paved path it's quite isolated. Easy walk, best views I have seen so far on my little experience of exploration. When the free park shuttles are running (late May to early September and, some years, Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years), you can park at the main lot, walk down to the tree, then continue towards the Generals Highway to catch a shuttle back to the main parking. The Big Trees Trail Dated to be around 2,100 years old, 100 feet wide, and 275 feet tall it is the largest and tallest living tree in the world! Get here early, Sherman parking lot wasn’t open so you could only park off Generals hwy. The Giant Forest is a great place to visit in order to see many of these giant sequoias! This montane forest, situated at over 6,000 feet above mean sea level in the western Sierra Nevada of California, covers an area of 1,880 acres. Less people. In the woods the whole time with only one vista. Limited spots so people get a little edgy for a spot. The trail starts to the left of a small meadow, surrounded by several mature Giant Sequoia trees, pines and firs, along with small, gentle creek beds. Lots of giant sequoias on this trail. Pack water. The Congress Trail. A 1.3 mile paved trail has several loop options with interpretive signs for some of the highlights. Magical hike off the beaten track among silent giants. Highly recommend! Map of the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park, showing all roads and trails - this is the location of the largest sequoia grove in the Sierra Nevada Hundreds of monarch sequoias grow in the Giant Forest sequoia grove. The Trail of 100 Giants is an easy, accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove, one of the premier groves of giant sequoias in the southern Sierra Nevada. To reach the top of this granite dome, follow a stairway that climbs 300 feet (0.09 km) to the summit. Once you leave the main pavement you’re pretty much to yourself (at least in my experience). Tokopah Falls We downloaded the map which helped a lot. Five of the ten most massive trees on the planet are located within the Giant Forest. One of the best hikes in Sequoia, a museum/art gallery of the incredible sequoia trees. This is just one of the park’s many interpretive forest trails leadin… Huge old trees If you love trees, especially big and old trees, then you walk along this trail. Much of the trail is in the forest, but you still have great views of the surrounding mountains. It shows the extensive network of trails through the Giant Forest, including General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail. Visitors to the Giant Forest use a lot of the same words to describe it, including "awe-inspiring," "amazing" and a "must-see." It was 90+ in Three Rivers but pleasant on the trail. But not too many trail sign so easy to get lost. Look for a small parking area on the right, after passing the museum going east. It is a combination of several trails and I strongly recommend using the app to download before you go. Bring lots of water! The trail descriptions below are only a small sample of the many trails found in this area. Big Trees Trail is a level and paved nature trail circling 0.8 miles beneath towering sequoias along the edges of Round Meadow. It leads from the Visitor Center to see all three of the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest. The stick made a huge hole in the rock wall through which the sun still shines on the church of Elm twice a year. So many huge trees! Home > Sierra Nevada > Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks > Giant Forest. I recommend buying or renting outside of town to save money. Weather was very nice smoke did not really bother us. People started showing up as we were stepping off the paved portion of the trail (perfect timing) . Pick up your trash, and check out Sherman when you finish. 3. One of my all-time favorites. A $10 donation is suggested per car for non-members. Also the bathrooms at the trailhead are open. General Sherman Tree We made a couple of wrong turns so 6.7 miles turned into 12.1 almost killed the wife lol. Moro Rock In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until October. There is a restroom at the parking lot but no water or services, so be sure to pack accordingly. This trail will take you through the heart of the giant sequoia forest, which is home to about half of the earth’s largest and longest-living trees with over 8,000 of them. Trailside exhibits help tell the story of the park. One of the best ways to get to know the Giant Forest and its trees is to visit the Giant Forest Museum. Big Trees Trail. The Giant Logs trail is a short loop in Petrified Forest National Park. Paved trail, fully accessible. Get the full giant forest experience and maybe a little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the park. Make sure to keep an eye on each directory to prevent getting lost. Quintessential hike for Sequoia. Bring water, snacks, and your camera!!! Went around 9 which was already a bit crowded, but once you get off the paved area it’s a lot more isolated. Awesome trail! This Giant Forest trail map (400 kb) is on the wayside sign in front of the Giant Forest Museum. A 1.3 mile paved trail has several loop options with interpretive signs for some of the highlights. In summer, free park shuttles lead to the parking area from Giant Forest Museum. Getting to Mt Whitney via Giant Forest - involves a serious backpack to be sure. You should still be able to access the trailhead, though car chains may be required. Allow 1 hour round trip. Dogs are not allowed on the trail or on any non-paved area (campsites excluded) in the park. Trail of 100 Giants offers an easy, accessible walk through the Long Meadow Grove, one of the premier groves of giant sequoias in our area. First time hiking the trail today, started around 8 am with only a handful of others around. Came on a Friday in December and didn’t see anyone on the trail once we passed the Sherman Tree area. I will say the overlook views were quite diminished due to smoke. Parking for people with disability placards is available at the trailhead. We got there so early we had the General Sherman tree all to ourselves if you can believe it! It has the most singletrack trails of any sequoia grove, it has one of the best collections of really big trees, and it hasn’t been logged. 47050 Generals Highway Allow 1 hour round trip. Half of the trail runs close to a side road; most people prefer to drive, so the walk is pleasingly empty. I consider this a must if you're visiting Sequoia. Across from the Giant Forest Museum is a large parking lot and trails to Sunset Rock and Beetle Rock, two great granite overlooks, along with Big Trees Trail, which offers a beautiful and educational stroll through the sequoias around Round Meadow. Background. I do want people to know that this is not a recognized trail that SNP has signs for. We barely saw anybody on this loop. Beware of bears and other wildlife. The Giant Forest, famed for its giant sequoia trees, is within the United States' Sequoia National Park. For giant tree fans, the best part of the trail is the first 10 miles (one-way) to … Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. The first section is flat and mostly paved following along the Olmsted Ponds. There are a lot of trails in this area and it can be easy to get confused. Crowds on crowds of people, many not wearing masks or respecting distancing, and there was a huge line of cars waiting to get parking. Every giant sequoia is no less impressive than Sherman. This is a Foothills trail map of Sequoia National Park (100 kb). Didn’t complete the whole trail but plan to next time. Giant Logs Loop Trail Hiking Trail Guide The Four Corners region of the United States features some of the most unique landscape in the country. Overview Combine Crescent Meadow, Circle Meadow, Congress Trail, General Sherman, Trail Of The Sequoias, and Tharp's Log into one relatively easy hike. First off make sure you take a map, and plenty of water and snacks. Explore the ecology and natural history of the park through interactive exhibits. A bit buggy but that’s to be expected in the woods. Perfect for my older kids (8+) but not very stroller friendly. Can rent them outside of Sequoia - we got them for $50. However, looking on the bright side, you will be traveling on great trails that will give you access to incredible beauty. The trail now descends on moderate grades to the northern end of Crescent Meadow. 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