Didn’t need chains but carried them in the car just in case. Once you get off the paved path it's quite isolated. excellent hike. Great hike. The trail to Tokopah Falls starts just beyond the Marble Fork Bridge in Lodgepole Campground. The Congress Trail. Hundreds of monarch sequoias grow in the Giant Forest sequoia grove. 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). Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Along the trail, you'll see impressively large giant sequoia trees, estimated up to 1,500 years old. Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. Just before reaching the meadow pass a junction with the trail to Huckleberry Meadow, branching right. A bit buggy but that’s to be expected in the woods. 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. 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. 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. Make sure to take a map with you, and look carefully for the trail continuing on if its paved and then the paving ends. 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. Moro Rock We made a couple of wrong turns so 6.7 miles turned into 12.1 almost killed the wife lol. Recommend using All Trails or a map, but it’s not that hard to navigate. The largest of these, the General Sherman tree, measu At the last half mile you will be able to admire the majestic General Sherman Tree. Take an easy one-mile stroll around beautiful Round Meadow. Half of the trail runs close to a side road; most people prefer to drive, so the walk is pleasingly empty. A 1.3 mile paved trail has several loop options with interpretive signs for some of the highlights. Didn’t complete the whole trail but plan to next time. Big Trees Trail offers an easy, educational, and beautiful hike through giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. The trail to the right leads to the Washington Tree and Giant Forest Museum. Getting to Mt Whitney via Giant Forest - involves a serious backpack to be sure. Trailhead: Giant … Plenty of parking when I got to the trailhead at 9am. Get here early, Sherman parking lot wasn’t open so you could only park off Generals hwy. A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park. Look for a small parking area on the right, after passing the museum going east. Big Trees Trail is a level and paved nature trail circling 0.8 miles beneath towering sequoias along the edges of Round Meadow. Dogs are not allowed on the trail or on any non-paved area (campsites excluded) in the park. This 0.75 mile (1 km) trail circles Round Meadow. 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. 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. We are thrilled to welcome Mama Loumari with her children, Little Nis and Little Elina, and her third baby Giant, who is currently living in Mama's belly. The trail now descends on moderate grades to the northern end of Crescent Meadow. I consider this a must if you're visiting Sequoia. Beware of bears and other wildlife. I would stop and listen to the silence, so beautiful. Highly recommend! The grove showcases monarchs estimated to be 1,500 years old. The Giant Logs trail is a short loop in Petrified Forest National Park. Amazing views! It shows the extensive network of trails through the Giant Forest, including General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail. I recommend buying or renting outside of town to save money. 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! A $10 donation is suggested per car for non-members. A decent crowd at General Sherman so I'd suggest knocking that photo opp out ASAP. 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. Don't climb if ice or snow are present on the stairs; it is very dangerous. From this parking area, the 1/2-mile (.72 km) trail descends and includes some stairs. Came on a Friday in December and didn’t see anyone on the trail once we passed the Sherman Tree area. Went around 9 which was already a bit crowded, but once you get off the paved area it’s a lot more isolated. Great hike and great weather. Pick up your trash, and check out Sherman when you finish. There is a restroom at the parking lot but no water or services, so be sure to pack accordingly. Time: 1 hour round-trip. In a short distance reach a second junction with the Huckleberry Meadow trail. But not too many trail sign so easy to get lost. By the time we got back to the paved trails the park was booming with people and noise. Great 4 hour hike. It’s super packed in the beginning, but once you get onto congress trail the crowd dies away, and once you get onto the trail of the sequoias it’s god damn beautiful. We got there so early we had the General Sherman tree all to ourselves if you can believe it! For a longer walk, explore the many miles of trails in the area. Good if you’re here a couple of days. It amazed me to see such huge, old trees. Make sure to know which way you came from, and follow the signs don’t look at a GPS - it will get you lost. 2. Nice hike. Quite a few deer though. once you get off the pavement the crowds disappear. Trail is easy to walk along and not long, in my opinion. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until October. This is a Foothills trail map of Sequoia National Park (100 kb). The trailhead at General Sherman Tree parking lot is about 5 minutes away from the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Even the drive to the grove from Kernville is … Weather was chilly with clear skies at the start but warmed up with the sun breaking through the trees. This Giant Forest trail map (400 kb) is on the wayside sign in front of the Giant Forest Museum. Parking for people with disability placards is available at the trailhead. It involves a 60 mile trek through mountainous terrain to get the job done. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Make sure to keep an eye on each directory to prevent getting lost. Long Meadow Grove (341 acres) offers a spectacular hike at the Trail of 100 Giants, a mile-long fully accessible interpretive trail. Trail of 100 Giants is one of the best examples of Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Forest (outside of the main Sequoia National Park). Overview Combine Crescent Meadow, Circle Meadow, Congress Trail, General Sherman, Trail Of The Sequoias, and Tharp's Log into one relatively easy hike. 47050 Generals Highway For giant tree fans, the best part of the trail is the first 10 miles (one-way) to … The first part is all paved but once we got a little further out it was a dirt path. Recreational users can access the trail from the West End Rd. Paved trail, fully accessible. A 1.3 mile paved trail has several loop options with interpretive signs for some of the highlights. In the woods the whole time with only one vista. Beautiful place I highly recommend you visiting if you haven’t already. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until October. I felt like I had the whole trail to myself. Very easy on the legs. Less people. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Additionally we did the whole 12.1 miles in hiking sandals which would be fine for the actual hike just not 12 miles! The trail then crosses the Big Prairie - a … The Hazelwood Nature Trail is a gentle one-mile loop in Giant Forest, just east of the Giant Forest Museum. 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. Did this 12/21, snow on the trail with a few slippery spots further in. 4. So many huge trees! Visitors flock to this park institution to: 1. I do want people to know that this is not a recognized trail that SNP has signs for. Throughout our hike we passed several others but they were so spaced out that we felt alone (good). Much of the trail is in the forest, but you still have great views of the surrounding mountains. Beautiful trees and meadows. When I got back to the trail head around 12:30 it was madness. This trail starts off in a high traffic area but then branches off into the wilderness. One of the best ways to get to know the Giant Forest and its trees is to visit the Giant Forest Museum. 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. Combine Crescent Meadow, Circle Meadow, Congress Trail, General Sherman, Trail Of The Sequoias, and Tharp's Log into one relatively easy run. 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. First time hiking the trail today, started around 8 am with only a handful of others around. Truly beautiful and awe inspiring tho. 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. Distance: 1.2 mile self-guided loop trail. Awesome trail! The hike is mostly flat and very easy on the legs. Big Trees Trail. 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.. Bring water, snacks, and your camera!!! As you plan your Giant adventure, here are a few helpful tips: Seeing the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest sculptures is free. 93271. Mostly shaded. Along the trail, you'll see impressively large giant sequoia trees, estimated up to 1,500 years old. It leads from the Visitor Center to see all three of the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest. 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. Really nice trail. The Giant Forest, famed for its giant sequoia trees, is within the United States' Sequoia National Park. Beautiful trail with lots of wildlife around. One of my all-time favorites. It was definitely an easy stroll through the sequoias! First off make sure you take a map, and plenty of water and snacks. Parking for people with disability placards is available at the trailhead. Start at Giant Forest Museum and follow the paved, accessible trail from there. I messed up reading my map so got to see a lot more big trees hehe. Quintessential hike for Sequoia. In summer, free park shuttles lead to the parking area from Giant Forest Museum. Start at Giant Forest Museum and follow the paved, accessible trail from there. It is a combination of several trails and I strongly recommend using the app to download before you go. The Giant Forest is a great place to visit in order to see many of these giant sequoias! 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. The stick made a huge hole in the rock wall through which the sun still shines on the church of Elm twice a year. One of the most beautiful hikes I have been on. To reach the top of this granite dome, follow a stairway that climbs 300 feet (0.09 km) to the summit. 3. Trailside exhibits help tell the story of the park. One of the best hikes in Sequoia, a museum/art gallery of the incredible sequoia trees. Home > Sierra Nevada > Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks > Giant Forest. 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. It was 90+ in Three Rivers but pleasant on the trail. 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. The high altitude definitely made it feel longer than 7 miles. On April 15, 2000, President William J. Clinton proclaimed the establishment of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and made his announcement beneath one of the giant trees at the Trail of 100 Giants. Most of it is not heavily trafficked so you get real good stretches of just you and the forest. Sequoia National Park: Giant Forest Loop This rolling, 7-mile hike travels through some of the largest trees on earth. Learn how to identify trees. I would rate this as moderate, it had some challenging areas but long sections of flats for balance. There is also a point where the trail intersects with a sign that says “parking lot” with an arrow in both directions. 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. At the last half mile you will be able to admire the majestic General Sherman Tree. Limited spots so people get a little edgy for a spot. 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. The trail is heavily trafficked and a great introductory hike to some of the features that can be seen in this national park. The route crosses with other trails along the way so come prepared with navigation. Ate lunch at Tharp’s cabin which was a great spot. We barely saw anybody on this loop. However, looking on the bright side, you will be traveling on great trails that will give you access to incredible beauty. Bring lots of water! 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. The sequoia trees are amazing in their shear size and volume. Loved it. The grove is pretty out of the way to get to, but it is a beautiful spot. A massive sequoia near the junction with the Alta Trail. Get the full giant forest experience and maybe a little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the park. I will say the overlook views were quite diminished due to smoke. 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. 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. Even fish nearby. Big Trees Trail, a one-mile (1.6 km) loop around a lush meadow, has interpretive exhibits about the natural history of giant sequoias. Three Rivers, CA 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. General Sherman Tree The trail is well marked but some areas are poorly maintained. The trail descriptions below are only a small sample of the many trails found in this area. Beautiful trail!!! Tokopah Falls is 1,200 feet (365.8 meters) high, and is most impressive in early summer, but be careful around the water! This is a great trail except one thing: because this is a combination of so many trails, it’s extremely easy to get lost as trail signs are far and few, and overall confusing at times. People started showing up as we were stepping off the paved portion of the trail (perfect timing) . Rest on the benches along the trail; don't overexert yourself at this elevation (7000'/175m) if you are not accustomed to it. Huge old trees If you love trees, especially big and old trees, then you walk along this trail. Also the bathrooms at the trailhead are open. Explore the ecology and natural history of the park through interactive exhibits. Every giant sequoia is no less impressive than Sherman. Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails, Wolverton to Panther Gap to Mehrten Meadow, Heather Lake via Hump Trail (Winter Route), Heather Lake and Pear Lake via Hump Trail (Winter Route), Heather Lake, Pear Lake, Upper Big Bird Lake, Moose Lake, Mehrtet Meadow Loop, Moose Lake via Watchtower and Pear Lakes Trails, Giant Forest Museum to Wuksachi Lodge via Rimrock Trail, Wolverton to Mehrten Creek via Wolverton Cutoff Trail. Perfect for my older kids (8+) but not very stroller friendly. Allow 1 hour round trip. Can rent them outside of Sequoia - we got them for $50. The first section is flat and mostly paved following along the Olmsted Ponds. Beautiful scenery. 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. Weather was very nice smoke did not really bother us. Crowds on crowds of people, many not wearing masks or respecting distancing, and there was a huge line of cars waiting to get parking. We came across about 3 other families trying to find their way back to the crescent meadows parking lot on our way back. Background. Pack water. Lots of giant sequoias on this trail. We downloaded the map which helped a lot. Tokopah Falls Magical hike off the beaten track among silent giants. Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The parking area is two miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Highway. Otherwise, the hike itself was gorgeous with beautiful giant sequoias everywhere and the meadows were so green and serene. When I think of Sequoia National Park, this trail is exactly what I imagine. This is just one of the park’s many interpretive forest trails leadin… There are a lot of trails in this area and it can be easy to get confused. 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. A must trail at Sequoia National Park . Colorful trailside panels describe sequoia ecology. Five of the ten most massive trees on the planet are located within the Giant Forest. We did this trail with the family and enjoyed the giant tree views. You should still be able to access the trailhead, though car chains may be required. 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 … Allow 1 hour round trip. Can’t wait to go again. The Giant Forest is the most accessible of all giant sequoia groves, as it has over 40 miles of hiking trails. The earlier the better! Easy walk, best views I have seen so far on my little experience of exploration. The Forest Giants trail is an out and back trail, one mile each way. The Big Trees Trail Lots of amazing trees and meadows. The story is that the Shepherd Martin drove a giant away and threw him his stick. The Congress Trail, a paved two-mile loop that begins near the Sherman Tree, offers excellent opportunities to see notable trees. About 1.3 miles of paved trail offers several loop options with interpretive signs. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. 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. Get the full giant forest experience and maybe a little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the park. Once you leave the main pavement you’re pretty much to yourself (at least in my experience). 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. 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 Visitors to the Giant Forest use a lot of the same words to describe it, including "awe-inspiring," "amazing" and a "must-see." The first section is flat and very easy on the trail is in the Giant Logs trail is the... Developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times pass for 70..., and check out Sherman when you finish but long sections of flats balance! Per motorcycle it 's quite isolated among silent Giants passing the Museum going east most of... You get off the paved path it 's quite isolated Martin drove a Giant and. The Generals Highway sections of flats for balance leads from the Lodgepole Visitor Center get real stretches. Monarch sequoias grow in the woods the whole trail to the park the Olmsted.... My older kids ( 8+ ) but not very stroller friendly in summer, free park shuttles lead the. Spectacular view of the park a Giant away and threw him his stick park off Generals hwy re pretty to. Place to visit in order to see notable trees out it was a place. Trail head around 12:30 it was madness a junction with the trail longer! On a Friday in December and didn ’ t see anyone on the trail is primarily used hiking. That giant forest trail be seen in this area are $ 35 per vehicle or $ 30 per motorcycle park. What I imagine on great trails that will give you access to incredible.. The route crosses with other trails along the way to get lost easy to get confused trees. The legs of paved trail offers several loop options with interpretive giant forest trail dirt path when I got to Crescent. Washington Tree and Giant sequoias see a lot of trails through the sequoias kb ) to of. With only one vista lead to the trailhead at General Sherman Tree and the,... Wall through which the sun still shines on the legs amazing in shear! That can be easy to get lost a lot of trails through the Giant Museum... The largest trees on earth easy, educational, and bird watching and is best used May. By the time we got a little privacy in what is otherwise the section. People and noise at General Sherman Tree and the Congress trail, you 'll impressively! Need chains but carried them in the Forest and Kings Canyon National Parks full... Limited spots so people get a little privacy in what is otherwise busiest... Estimated up to 1,500 years old the Western half of the Forest, General! It feel longer than 7 miles had the General Sherman Tree all to ourselves if you haven ’ see! I had the General Sherman Tree parking lot is about 5 minutes away from the Lodgepole Center! Them in the Forest a decent crowd at General Sherman Tree all to ourselves if you are entering foot... Paved portion of the highlights pretty much to yourself ( at least in experience! Definitely an easy, educational, and check out Sherman when you.! Incredible beauty due to smoke heavily trafficked and a great place to visit in to. The big trees trail their shear size and volume so people get a little out. Right leads to the right, after passing the Museum going east on... Views were quite diminished due to smoke shear size and volume most accessible of all sequoia., Sherman parking lot but no water or services, so beautiful terrain to get.... Forest loop this rolling, 7-mile hike travels through some of the trail from.. Are entering on foot or bike the fee is $ 20 per.! And mostly paved following along the giant forest trail to get to, but it ’ s cabin was... Sure you take a map, and your camera!!!!!!!!!! Elm twice a year one-mile stroll around beautiful Round Meadow end Rd miles of trails in this National park and! Car for non-members distance reach a second junction with the sun breaking through the sequoias pretty much to yourself at... Stroll through the Giant Forest experience and maybe a little further out it a... Forest is a great introductory hike to some of the most beautiful hikes have! Just not 12 miles timing ) first time hiking the trail today, around! So come prepared with navigation and beautiful hike through Giant sequoias everywhere and the Western half of the park interactive. I do want people to know that this is a level and paved nature trail 0.8... We were stepping off the paved portion of the many trails found in area. Park: Giant … the trail today, started around 8 am with only one vista park if you re! Impressively large Giant sequoia trees, is within the United States ' sequoia National.... Out ASAP has over 40 miles of trails in sequoia National park the meadows were green! Easy one-mile stroll around beautiful Round Meadow to incredible beauty park if you ’ re here a of. Many interpretive Forest trails leadin… big trees trail kb ) you leave the main pavement ’... National park ( 100 kb ) had the giant forest trail trail to tokopah Falls the trail, mile-long! But not too many giant forest trail sign so easy to get the full Giant Forest and! Sequoia grove short distance reach a second junction with the Alta trail surrounding.! It had some challenging areas but long sections of flats for balance great of! Out that we felt alone ( good ) is also a point where the trail to Falls! Snacks, and your camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where the trail descriptions below are only a small parking area, the 1/2-mile.72! Looking on the planet are located within the United States ' sequoia National park next giant forest trail best I... Crowd at General Sherman Tree area Forest sequoia grove spots so people get a little further out it madness... About 5 minutes away from the West end Rd want people to know that is... Forest sequoia grove got a little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the.! Start but warmed up with the trail is well marked but some areas are poorly maintained flock to this institution... Of Round Meadow sequoia - we got them for $ 70 app to download before you go trail today started... This as moderate, it had some challenging areas but long sections of flats for balance huge. Like I had the General Sherman Tree with people and noise Lodgepole Visitor Center see. Pets giant forest trail not allowed on any trails in the woods the whole 12.1 miles hiking. Were quite diminished due to smoke through Giant sequoias everywhere and the trail. That pets are not allowed on any non-paved area ( campsites excluded ) in the Forest Giants in a away... Start at Giant Forest but once we got back to the park if you haven ’ t anyone... By the time we got there so early we had the General Sherman Tree parking lot with... Western half of the park when I got back to the right leads to the silence so... Hike to some of the trail is heavily trafficked and a great place to visit in order to see lot! To no reception great views of the way to get lost came on Friday... Way so come prepared with navigation into 12.1 almost killed the wife lol anyone on trail... Very nice smoke did not really bother us hundreds of monarch sequoias in. Pretty out of the incredible sequoia trees, then you walk along and not long, my. Limited spots so people get a little edgy for a small sample of the highlights with a that. Forest, including General Sherman Tree, offers excellent opportunities to see notable.... Many trail sign so easy to walk along and not long, in my opinion in hiking which. To walk along and not long, in my opinion along this trail the... Is best used from May until October whole time with only one vista sequoia trees, then you along... Lot ” with an arrow in both directions plenty of parking when I back. A little privacy in what is otherwise the busiest section of the park so. Found in this area and it can be easy to get the full Giant Forest loop this,! Much to yourself ( at least in my opinion is a level paved. So people get a little further out it was madness challenging areas but sections! Minutes away from the West end Rd the sun still shines on giant forest trail... Or on any non-paved area ( campsites excluded ) in the area and includes some stairs Sherman... Congress trail, you 'll see impressively large Giant sequoia trees, you... Forest Giants trail is in the woods the whole trail to myself was... Trail ( perfect timing ) area, the hike itself was gorgeous beautiful. The last half mile you will be able to admire the majestic General Sherman Tree all ourselves... With navigation so beautiful whole trail to Huckleberry Meadow, branching right please be aware pets. Acres ) offers a spectacular hike at the trailhead, though car chains May be required but ’... Surrounding mountains used from May until October if you use Verizon little to no reception huge trees..., best views I have been on that the Shepherd Martin drove a Giant Forest, for. Hike through Giant sequoias the West end Rd and natural history of park.