Sequoia National Forest is one of nineteen National Forests in California. Its name comes from the sequoiadendron giganteum, or giant sequoia, the world's largest tree. These trees grow in more than 30 groves in the forest's lower elevation slopes. The Sequoia's landscape is as spectacular as its trees. Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, roaring white water and more await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada's southern end.
Hikers, off-highway vehicle users and horseback riders have over 1,500 miles of maintained roads, 1,000 miles of abandoned roads and 850 miles of trails in the forest available for their use of enjoyment. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs provide the perfect opportunity for boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, whitewater rafting and kayaking. In winter, higher elevations are great for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Located in the northern portion of the Giant Sequoia National Monument is a favorite year-round recreation destination where visitors can enjoy many recreational opportunities. Whether you're out for a scenic drive, off-roading, horseback riding or a day of hiking Sequoia National Forest is a great place to be.
Big Meadow Trailhead: This trailhead is often used for easy to moderate day hikes from the Big Meadow Campgrouds. Make sure to bring water for the 7 mile round trip hike to Weaver Lake that winds through lodgepole pines, red and white firs and ponderosa pines.
Boole Tree Trailhead: This 2.5 mile loop starts uphill through a mixed forest of lodgepole, western white, jeffrey and sugar pines. Boole, the largest giant sequoia on National Forest System Land, is the 8th largest of all known sequoias. This trail offers spectacular views of the Kings River gorge and phenomenal high Sierra Nevada mountain vistas. As you travel along the trail you'll come across remains of sequoias left where they fell in the historic logging days
Chicago Stump Trailhead: A short and easy hike to a very interesting and historical site. The hike weaves through jeffrey pines and shrubs to a verdant meadow ringed by young sequoias, red firs and azaleas. The Chicago Stump was originally known as the General Noble Tree. In 1897, it was cut down into sections and reassembled at the Chicago World's Fair. This magnificent display was referred to as the "California Hoax," because of the widespread skepticism that a species as big as the giant sequoia ever existed. Distance: 0.6 miles round trip.
Hume Lake Trailhead: Travel around Hume Lake's shore and enjoy every angle of the lake's beauty. With 2.6 miles around you're sure to be in for some great photo opportunities.
Indian Basin Trailhead: Enjoy a 1.4 mile loop of wildflowers and view stumps from giant sequoias and other tress that were logged in the early 1900s. Now, the remaining stumps are used by scientists to study climate change throughout their years in existence. Along the way you'll find interpretive signs that describe the history and scenery of the area.
The landscape here is as spectacular as its 20 groves of giant sequoia. Majestic granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, running whitewater and lush meadows await your discovery at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
If the land could speak, it would tell a history of Native American villages, settlers' cabins, redwood logging, mineral springs and much more. The monument is home to rich and varied landscape and a diverse array of scientific and historic resources.
Featured here are three amazing destinations of giant sequoia groves including the Trail of 100 Giants, the Freeman Grove and the Belknap Grove.
Note that some areas of the national forest damages by recent forest fire may be temporarily closed to the public. Winter weather may also impact visitor use. Check before you go: Sequoia National Forest
Bear Creek Trail: Take in the views along Bear Creek Trail. This 7 miles long trail is open for hiking. At a steady climb upwards you''ll reach the Belknap Grove of giant sequoias at about 3.5 miles. As you continue on, you'll find yourself at the junction to Summit Trail around mile eight.
Belknap Trail: The Belknap trail starts in the Belknap Campground and winds its way up about 1 mile or trail before reaching the lower half of Belknap Camp Grove. of sequoias. If you choose to continue on up the hill you'll find Coy Flat and Bear Ridge Trail.
Freeman Creek Trail: An 8.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail. This hike features a waterfall and is rated at moderate. At 4 miles in, expect to see the George Bush tree.
Needles Lookout Trail: A beautiful view of Giant Sequoia National Monument awaits ad the Needles Lookout. The 5 mile round-trip trail boasts a panoramic view from 8,254 feet and well worth the hike.
Trail of 100 Giants: The Most popular trail, by far in the Sequoia National Forest. An easy, accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove will take you on this journey to get to know these giants. In 2000, President William J. Clinton proclaimed the establishment of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and made the announcement under one of the trees. Enjoy this 1.3 mile paved trail with several loop options to choose from.
The hikes listed above barely scratch the surface of available hiking trails in the Sequoia National Forest districts. For lots more great hikes and things to do in the forest visit their website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia/
