Top Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
This park's main draw, the forest of Giant Sequoias, is home to the largest living things on Earth.
1. Moro Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,545 reviews
A challenging walk up 400 steps to a spectacular view.
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
You'll earn the view...it's 350 steps and takes you to 6725 feet elevation! It's sooo worth it! The climb up is relatively easy, even if you're moderately out of shape like me! There are sections of gradual inclines in between stairs so you get a break. There are plenty of points climbing up where you'll want to stop and take pictures also, so you can catch your breath. There were several families with babies even climbing up. Your reward is an amazing view of the national park and the Great Western Divide! It's a short hike, we were only here about 30-40 minutes. But a definite must-see while you're here!
2. Little Baldy Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By jjo
That's what the ranger who recommended this hike said, and I think she was right. Of course, you have to hike to get here, but it's on the easy side of a moderate trail. Very few people, so we had the 360 viewpoint all to ourselves. Just a breathtaking view.
3. Crescent Meadow Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Easy hiking trail that takes you past the Chimney Tree and Tharp's Log.
Reviewed By roadtrip_ken_2017 - Oakland, United States
The trails around Crescent Meadow are deservedly some of the most popular in Sequoia National Park. I actually started out with a detour to the first portion of the High Sierra Trail, leading to the spectacular Eagle View. This features a great close-up view of the peaks of the Great Western Divide as well as of Moro Rock. For those who may be apprehensive of climbing Moro Rock, this fairly short and easy hike to Eagle View will provide vistas that are nearly as good, and without the Moro Rock crowds. I returned to the main Crescent Meadow trail from there. Both Crescent Meadow and nearby Log Meadow are beautiful, both ringed by large trees. Tharp's Log is near the north end of Log Meadow and is an interesting fallen tree that was turned into a small, primitive dwelling. On the return leg of the walk is Chimney Tree, a very short distance off the main trail and well worth the diversion. There are many giant sequoias along the way, though not generally as large as the ones in the Giant Forest. Besides the High Sierra Trail, the Crescent Meadow Trail connects with other trails, some of which lead to the Giant Forest. Though my hike took only about 90 minutes, you could easily spend an entire day hiking through the area. Highly recommended trail for anyone visiting Sequoia National Park.
4. Roaring River Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
My favorite waterfall out of all we saw in the parks! It’s deep into King’s Canyon National Park, immediately off Generals Highway and impossible to miss. Definitely not about the height as it’s only about 20 ft tall...but it was heavy and thunderous when we visited in June 2020! It empties into a large, beautiful emerald green pool below and carries on into King’s River. If you step to the right a bit and hop out onto the boulders, you can see the top tier of the falls and it makes for some gorgeous photos! The water is so deliciously tempting, but it’s very cold and there are signs around saying it’s deadly, so do your best to resist swimming lol! There is plenty of paved parking. The trail itself is short at 0.3 miles long round-trip! It’s also paved and relatively flat. A very easy, shaded hike with a gorgeous waterfall at the end. Side note: Before exiting the trail, you have an option to carry on hiking all the way to Zumwalt Meadow (see my separate review for this one!) and its about just over 3 miles round trip.
5. Big Stump Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By DrHickenlocher - Irvine, United States
At the bare minimum, parallel park in the little pullout on the side of the road just beyond the Big Stump Entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. A very short hike down the hill will bring you to the Mark Twain Stump, the famous one with the stairs. It's truly incredible to see just how big these things really are! You and twenty of your closest friends (in a non-COVID year) could easily fit on a freakin' tree stump! If you have more time, park at the Big Stump Picnic area and take the trail downhill to the meadow below. When you come to a small fork in the road, take the path to the right, which will bring you to Shattered Log, which is a really cool way to hike across a trail! There are multiple big stumps to climb on, and at the end of the trail you will come to the Mark Twain Stump from this end. I know the trail crosses the road and continues in a big loop around, but we chose to turn around and come back, this time taking the other fork through the "Feather Bed" and looping around on the opposite side of the meadow. Old Adam tree was particularly gnarly and cool. When you get back to Big Stump Picnic Area, there are fairly new concrete tables under covered canopies, and also a fairly new restroom with electricity and running water. A picnic there in the shade was a nice way for us to wrap up our hike. You will see many hikes that show you skyscraper Sequoias, but this was the only one that showed us so many unique and varied stumps. Don't miss it!
6. Zumwalt Meadow Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By roadtrip_ken_2017 - Oakland, United States
As others have mentioned, one portion of the trail has been closed in 2019 due to flood damage but it's still a gorgeous out-and-back hike. It's mostly a very easy trail that goes through a pleasant forest and crosses the South Fork of the Kings River on a sturdy suspension bridge. There are nice views from the bridge looking up and down the river. There's a great spot a short distance past the bridge where I ate my lunch, sitting on a rock and enjoying the view of the tall granite cliffs across the river. There were similar views in the 1/4-mile or so past there, looking across the meadow. The trail did become rockier with more ups and downs farther along, but the views and colorful autumn foliage helped make up for that. Most of the trail is a very easy walk, though, and if you make the drive out to Cedar Grove, then Zumwalt Meadow is a must.
7. Big Trees Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By TNKaz
We parked in the Giant Forest Museum parking area (across the street from the museum) and walked the access trail (5-10 minute walk) along Generals Hwy going north to the start of the Big Trees Trail (two-thirds mile/1 km) which encircles Round Meadow. For people with disability placards there is parking directly at the trailhead. The paved, accessible trail surrounds a scenic meadow with many old giant sequoias. However, we weren't looking much at the sequoias, we were watching 2 large cinnamon colored bears right in the middle of the meadow. We stayed 45 minutes (from 1:00-1:45 p.m.) just enjoying viewing the bears and also taking many pictures with a telephoto lens. What a Treat! Every once and awhile the larger male (we presume) would chase the slightly smaller female one. We had to wait for the bears to move on to be able to continue on the trail. They were actually on the trail for awhile. Of course, some people approached the bears way too close and had to back away quickly when the bears started moving in their direction.
8. Big Baldy
9. Redwood Canyon Trail
10. Grizzly Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By SuzfromTex
Short walk from road to lovely falls. Definitely work stopping for photos. Nice picnic area also with several tables just in front of falls.
