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