The best walks and hikes in Sequoia National Forest
4.7
(519)
4,891
hikers
53
hikes
Hiking in Sequoia National Forest leads through vast groves of giant sequoia trees, across rugged granite landscapes, and alongside rivers. The region's terrain includes deep canyons and prominent peaks, with elevations varying from 1,000 feet to over 12,000 feet. Hikers can explore glacier-carved terrain, granite monoliths, and dramatic granite domes. The forest features 38 distinct giant sequoia groves and 2,617 rivers and streams.
Best hiking trails in Sequoia National Forest
- The most popular hiking route is Trail Of 100 Giants — Sequoia National Forest, a 1.5 miles (2.5 km) trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. This easy route follows a paved path through the Long Meadow Grove.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Big Baldy Ridge Trail, a moderate 6.8 miles (11.0 km) path. The route features a steady climb to a granite dome with expansive views.
- Local hikers also love the Upper Kern River Trail — Sequoia National Forest, a 5.7 miles (9.2 km) trail leading through the Kern River canyon, often completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Hiking in Sequoia National Forest is defined by its giant sequoia groves, granite domes, and river canyons. The trail network provides options for different ability levels, from short, accessible loops to longer, more strenuous routes.
- The routes in Sequoia National Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 280 reviews. More than 2,600 hikers have used komoot to explore Sequoia National Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.7
(11)
115
hikers
4.30km
01:07
30m
40m
The Hume Lake Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible journey around the picturesque Hume Lake, showcasing diverse terrain from dirt paths to boardwalks. As you hike, you'll be treated to continuous views of the lake, framed by towering pine and cedar forests, with the majestic Sierra Nevada crests providing a stunning backdrop. Keep an eye out for sandy pull-outs and beaches like Sandy Cove, perfect for a quick break, and don't miss the historic Hume Lake Dam, a unique point of interest along the way.
Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, with parking available at multiple points including Sandy Cove and Hume Day Use Areas. The trail is open year-round, offering different experiences from summer strolls to winter snowshoeing, and it's a fantastic option for families as it's one of the few dog-friendly trails in the Sequoia National Park area. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) loop, with a minimal 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes just over an hour to complete, making it a perfect quick escape.
What makes the Hume Lake Loop Trail truly special is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, tracing the shoreline of an alpine reservoir that was once a logging reservoir. Interpretive signs along the route explain the lake's past and ecosystem, adding depth to your experience. The western side of the loop is particularly peaceful, offering shaded, calm stretches with serene lake views, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing.
4.2
(5)
16
hikers
1.70km
00:32
80m
60m
The Coso Mine Loop Trail offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a popular choice for a quick outdoor escape. As you traverse the rocky terrain, you'll be treated to sweeping, 360-degree views of Lake Isabella and the surrounding mountains, with benches strategically placed at viewpoints like the Lake Isabella Overlook for you to pause and soak it all in. This easy 1.1-mile (1.7 km) loop, with its 253 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to experience the region's scenery in about 32 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and open year-round for hiking and mountain biking. You'll find parking available right at the trailhead, conveniently situated near the French Gulch and Hungry Gulch campgrounds. Given that much of the trail is exposed, especially during hotter periods, bringing ample water is a smart move. This route is also known for being family-friendly and dog-friendly, so it's a great option for a group outing.
One of the unique features of this trail is its historical connection to the gold rush era, as it passes by the historic Coso Mine. While the mine entrance is now safely secured, it serves an important ecological role as a habitat for local bats, adding an interesting layer to your hike. The Coso Mine Loop Trail's difficulty nuances make it suitable for beginners, offering a gentle introduction to the area's trails while still providing rewarding vistas.
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4.5
(2)
14
hikers
4.89km
01:30
190m
160m
The Unal Trail offers a refreshing and accessible hiking experience through a vibrant forest in the Sequoia National Forest. This easy 3.0-mile (4.9 km) loop, with its 638 feet (195 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. You'll wander through a mix of Ponderosa, Sugar Pine, and Incense Cedar, enjoying the fresh outdoor scents before reaching the summit for expansive northern views of the High Sierra, including distant Mt. Whitney.
Located at Greenhorn Summit in Alta Sierra, the trailhead has convenient parking near the Forest Service station. While it's a great option for escaping summer heat due to its abundant shade, be prepared for potential snow, mud, and slippery conditions if you visit in winter or early spring. No permits are typically needed for this family-friendly and dog-friendly route.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the Unal Trail is an interpretive route, featuring numbered signposts that tell the story of the Tübatulabal people, whose word for bear, "Unal," gives the trail its name. This historical context, combined with the trail's resilience after the 2021 French Fire, makes it a unique and meaningful outing in the region.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
3.06km
00:49
40m
20m
The Indian Basin Grove Interpretive Trail offers a serene and insightful journey through a recovering giant sequoia forest. You'll wander beneath a beautiful forest canopy, past young giant sequoias, and through a peaceful meadow, discovering the resilience of nature. The path is mostly flat, making it an easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) hike with only 116 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 48 minutes.
To make the most of your visit, aim for the summer months when conditions are ideal. The trail is easily accessible, with a portion of it paved, and is located conveniently near the Princess Campground. Keep in mind that winter can bring challenging snowy and icy road conditions, so plan your trip carefully.
This trail stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical narrative. Informative panels along the route tell the story of the grove's past logging and its remarkable regrowth, offering a quiet escape and a deeper understanding of these magnificent trees. It's a pedestrian-only route, perfect for a leisurely exploration.
4
hikers
3.70km
01:09
200m
40m
The Big Baldy Ridge Trail offers a unique transition from dense conifer forests to high-altitude granite landscapes, culminating in truly expansive panoramic views. As you climb, the path evolves from a shaded dirt trail to rockier terrain, eventually revealing the striking "bald" granite dome of Big Baldy. From the summit, you'll be treated to 360-degree vistas of Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Central Valley, with the Great Western Divide prominently in view.
This easy hiking route covers 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a manageable 671 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hours and 8 minutes to complete. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, making it a great choice for a rewarding outing without an intense time commitment. While specific parking information isn't detailed, arriving early is always a good strategy for popular trailheads, especially during peak seasons.
What makes the Big Baldy Ridge Trail truly notable is its exceptional payoff for a relatively short and easy hike. The "bald" granite dome itself is a significant geological feature, formed nearly 100 million years ago, similar in origin to Yosemite's Half Dome. It provides some of the most accessible and rewarding panoramic views in the region, showcasing the vastness of the Sierra Nevada and offering a less crowded alternative to other popular domes.
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Popular around Sequoia National Forest
Tips from the Community
Although biking directly to Big Baldy isn't possible, the adjacent parking lot offers a secure area to park your bike. From here, you can embark on a scenic four-mile hike, enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Or simply take a break and take in the scenery.
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This is the first overlook along the trail with direct views of the water. There is a nice bench here, perfect for a break to take in the scenery.
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Coso Mine is an old Lake Isabella mine, dating back to the gold rush era, and now serves as a human-made habitat for bats. There is a small opening into a tunnel with metal bars, which is the entrance point for the mine. The bars have been specifically constructed to dissuade humans from entering the area, which is now home to the local bats, a crucial component of the ecosystem.
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Hume Lake sits behind the world's first concrete reinforced multiple arch dam, designed by hydroelectric power pioneer, John S. Eastwood. While originally used as log storage for a nearby mill, the lake is now popular for all sorts of outdoor activities. You'll find a campground, beaches, hiking trails and more dotted around the lake.
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Hume Lake sits behind the world's first concrete reinforced multiple arch dam, designed by hydroelectric power pioneer, John S. Eastwood. While originally used as log storage for a nearby mill the lake is now popular for all sorts of outdoor activities. You'll find campground, beaches, hiking trails and more dotted around the lake.
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Hume Lake sits behind the world's first concrete reinforced multiple arch dam, designed by hydroelectric power pioneer, John S. Eastwood. While originally used as log storage for a nearby mill the lake is now popular for all sorts of outdoor activities. You'll find campground, beaches, hiking trails and more dotted around the lake.
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When you arrive at the summit, you will see breathtaking views over the Sierra foothills. Some trees partially obscure the scenery to the east, with no obstructions to the west, which is an excellent spot to enjoy the preserved Redwood Mountain Grove, home to the largest remaining grove of Giant Sequoias in the world.
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This trailhead provides a nice map and area information. The summit can be cool and windy even in the summer, so bringing an extra layer is ideal to enjoy the views at over 8,000 feet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Sequoia National Forest?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the Sequoia National Forest, but they must be on a leash. This is a key difference from the adjacent National Parks, where pets are much more restricted. Always check specific trail regulations before you go, as rules can vary.
What's the best time of year to hike in Sequoia National Forest?
The best time for hiking is typically from late spring to fall, when most trails are free of snow. Summer offers warm weather perfect for exploring the high-elevation areas and enjoying activities around Hume Lake. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is also an option for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in designated areas, but many roads and trails will be inaccessible.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes to see giant sequoias?
Yes, the forest has several accessible options. A great choice for families is the Isabella Peak Lookout Trail loop. It's a relatively short and easy walk that still provides a rewarding outdoor experience. For a very accessible path specifically designed to showcase the giant trees, the Trail of 100 Giants is a popular, paved interpretive trail.
What are some notable natural features to see besides the giant trees?
Sequoia National Forest is rich with diverse landscapes. You can explore impressive granite domes like Moro Rock, which offers panoramic views from its summit. The region is also defined by its deep river canyons, such as the one carved by the Kern River. For a different kind of natural wonder, Boyden Cavern in the Giant Sequoia National Monument features stunning underground formations.
Are there any good circular hikes in the area?
Yes, there are several loop trails available. The Buena Vista Peak Trail is a fantastic option that forms a loop, leading you to a summit with excellent views without having to backtrack on the same path.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Sequoia National Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the awe-inspiring scale of the giant sequoia groves and the sense of solitude found on less-trafficked trails compared to the nearby national parks. The well-maintained paths and stunning granite vistas are also frequently mentioned.
How many hiking trails are available in Sequoia National Forest?
There are over 30 curated hiking routes available on komoot for Sequoia National Forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. This network covers the region's diverse terrain, from riverside paths to high-elevation vistas, ensuring there's a trail for every skill level.
Can I go swimming or do other water activities?
Yes, the rivers and lakes in the forest are popular spots for water activities. Hume Lake is a hub for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating in the summer. The Kern River also offers opportunities for fishing and enjoying the water, with trails often running alongside it.
What should I pack for a day hike in this region?
For a day hike, it's essential to pack layered clothing as temperatures can change with elevation. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks. Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is crucial. It's also wise to carry a map of the area, as cell service can be unreliable.
How does hiking in Sequoia National Forest differ from Sequoia National Park?
Sequoia National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, generally offers a more rustic experience with fewer crowds and more flexibility for activities like dispersed camping and bringing dogs on trails. The adjacent National Park, managed by the National Park Service, has more developed visitor facilities but also stricter regulations.
Do I need a permit for backpacking in the forest?
Yes, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you will likely need a wilderness permit. These regulations help protect the natural environment. It's best to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the most current permit requirements and information before your trip.
Are there any trails with good views that aren't extremely difficult?
Absolutely. For a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with spectacular panoramic views, consider the Big Baldy Ridge Trail. It involves a steady climb to a granite dome, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.
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