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SEQUOIA National Park

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Interesting fact: In 1940, the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt, founded Kings Canyon Park, which was annexed to Sequoia Park during World War II. Since then, the two national parks have been jointly managed, and since 1976 their territory has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Sequoia National Park, home to towering giant sequoias, rugged mountains, deep canyons, and stunning alpine lakes, offers some of the best hiking experiences in California. From short nature walks to challenging mountain treks, the park has a trail for every type of hiker. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Sequoia National Park:

1. General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail

• Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: This trail is a must-do for visitors to Sequoia National Park, as it takes you to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. The easy loop continues through the Congress Grove, where you'll see even more massive sequoias. The trail is mostly flat and perfect for families and those seeking an iconic sequoia experience.

2. Moro Rock Trail

• Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate (steep stairs)

• Highlights: This short but steep climb up a granite dome offers one of the best views in the park. From the top of Moro Rock, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Western Divide, and the Kaweah River Valley. The trail consists of a stone staircase with 400 steps, so it can be a bit of a workout, but the view at the top is well worth it.

3. Tokopah Falls Trail

• Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: This scenic trail follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River through a picturesque canyon and ends at Tokopah Falls, a stunning 1,200-foot waterfall. The trail offers views of towering cliffs and lush meadows, with chances to spot wildlife like marmots and mule deer. The waterfall is most impressive in the spring and early summer when snowmelt increases the water flow.

4. Alta Peak Trail

• Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Highlights: This challenging hike takes you to the summit of Alta Peak, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Great Western Divide and Mount Whitney. The trail gains over 4,000 feet in elevation, making it one of the most strenuous hikes in the park, but the sweeping alpine views at the summit are unforgettable. Best for experienced hikers looking for a rewarding adventure.

5. Lakes Trail to Pear Lake

• Distance: 12.4 miles (20 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Highlights: This beautiful trail passes several stunning alpine lakes, including Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and the pristine Pear Lake. The trail offers a combination of forest, meadows, and rocky terrain, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. It's one of the best day hikes for those seeking alpine scenery and is also popular for overnight backpacking trips.

6. Crescent Meadow and Tharp’s Log

• Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Known as the "Gem of the Sierra," Crescent Meadow is a serene, beautiful spot surrounded by giant sequoias. The easy loop trail takes you through lush meadows, towering trees, and past Tharp’s Log, a hollowed-out sequoia log that served as a summer cabin for early settler Hale Tharp. This is a great family-friendly hike with lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings, especially deer.

7. Big Trees Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: This flat, wheelchair-accessible trail loops around a picturesque meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. Big Trees Trail is ideal for those who want to learn more about sequoias and the park's ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the way explain the life cycle of the sequoias and the role of fire in their growth. It’s a peaceful and educational hike suitable for all ages.

8. High Sierra Trail

• Distance: 72 miles (115.9 km) one way (to Mount Whitney)

• Difficulty: Strenuous (backpacking route)

• Highlights: This epic backpacking trail starts in Sequoia National Park and takes you across the Sierra Nevada to the summit of Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. It’s a multi-day adventure that showcases the incredible diversity of the Sierra’s landscapes, from giant sequoia groves to granite peaks and alpine lakes. While most visitors won’t tackle the entire trail, you can hike shorter sections, like the portion to Bearpaw Meadow (11.4 miles round trip), for a taste of the high Sierra wilderness.

9. Marble Falls Trail

• Distance: 7.4 miles (12 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Starting near the Potwisha Campground, this trail climbs steadily through chaparral and oak forests along the Kaweah River, leading to the beautiful Marble Falls. The trail offers great views of the river and surrounding foothills and is a nice option for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful waterfall hike. It's best in spring when the water is flowing strongly.

10. Little Baldy Trail

• Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: This lesser-known trail leads to the summit of Little Baldy, offering fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding forest. The trail is relatively short but includes a steady climb to the top, making it a great option for a quick hike with a big payoff. The summit provides panoramic views, and it’s often less crowded than some of the more popular trails.

11. Crystal Cave Trail

• Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip

• Difficulty: Easy (guided cave tour required)

• Highlights: While not a traditional hiking trail, the Crystal Cave tour offers a unique underground experience. This marble cavern features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing streams. The trail to the cave entrance is a short, paved path that descends through a shaded canyon. Tickets are required for the guided cave tour, which offers a fascinating look at the park’s geological history.

Additional Tips:

• Altitude: Many of the park’s trails are at high elevations, so be prepared for thinner air and take it slow if you’re not acclimated.

• Bear Safety: Black bears are common in Sequoia, so be sure to store food properly and follow park guidelines.

• Best Time to Hike: Summer and early fall are the best times to hike in Sequoia. Some higher elevation trails may be snow-covered well into early summer.

• Permits: For backpacking trips, including overnight stays at popular locations like Pear Lake and Alta Peak, wilderness permits are required.

From short, easy walks through sequoia groves to strenuous mountain climbs, Sequoia National Park offers an incredible variety of hiking experiences suitable for all levels.