Hiking the Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail in Sequoia National Park
Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 km
The Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail in Sequoia National Park is one of my personal favorite day hikes within Giant Forest.
I say this because the short and easy trail is a great day hike to take it slow, enjoy the wildflowers, and look for wildlife, making it one of the best kid-friendly adventures in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park!
On a different note, it’s a little-known secret in Sequoia National Park that bears can best be seen around the meadows, like Hazelwood or Crescent Meadow, during the early and late evening hours of the day.
Therefore, I highly recommend planning your hike here or around similar meadows during these times if you’re interested in experiencing this unique opportunity.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Hazelwood Nature Loop Trailhead Parking
The trailhead parking for the Hazelwood Nature Loop is located directly off Generals Highway in a small pullout adjacent to the start of the hike.
In addition, parking can also be found at the Giant Forest Museum, but this is typically best if you plan on combining both the Big Trees Trail and Hazelwood Nature Loop into one longer adventure utilizing the connector trail shown later in this post.
Google Maps Directions: Hazelwood Nature Loop Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large black bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail
The Hazelwood Nature Loop begins on a short out-and-back trail before the loop splits around the meadow, about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) into the hike.
Hazelwood Nature Loop-Rimrock Junction
Following the trailhead, the Hazelwood Nature Loop splits with the Rimrock Trail, a short 1.2-mile (1.9 km) trail that is commonly used to create longer loops around Giant Forest with other trails, like the Trail of the Sequoias, the Congress Trail, among many others.
Here, go straight (right) to continue toward the Hazelwood Loop.
Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail
This is where the Hazelwood Nature Trail splits into the loop around the Hazelwood Meadow.
I chose to go right around the meadow in the counterclockwise direction.
Hazelwood Nature Loop-Big Trees Connector Junction
After the creek crossing, the short connector leading to the popular Big Trees Trail splits to the right, which begins about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away.
At this split, go straight to continue on the loop around the Hazelwood Meadow.
Read My Separate Post: Big Trees Trail
Not long after beginning the west side of the Hazelwood Loop, I came across this mom and her cubs just off the trail.
That being said, this is really just a reminder about why it is important to be vigilant in Sequoia, as vegetation that’s only a few feet high can hide a bear that may be right next to you on the trail!
Hazelwood Nature Loop-Alta Junction
At the very southern end of the Hazelwood Loop, the Alta Trail branches away.
In short, the Alta Trail is one of Sequoia National Park’s longer adventures, which begins here in Giant Forest and leads out to Alta Peak in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness, about 10 miles (16.1 km) each way from the museum.
In any case, go straight (left) to begin the east side of the Hazelwood Nature Loop.
Hazelwood Nature Loop Junction
This is where the short Hazelwood Nature Trail completes the loop around the meadow.
Here, simply go straight (right) to return back to the trailhead off Generals Highway, about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) away.
More Sequoia-Kings Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Most importantly, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is bear country, and while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less of a risk as opposed to hiking with grizzlies, it‘s important to never get complacent.
That being said, bear spray is not allowed within either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park, but storing your food properly, both on your person and in your vehicle, is not only necessary but required. For this reason, always keep your food and trash with you, and follow these basic rules from the NPS with regards to food in your vehicle.
On a different note, there is one venomous snake found in both parks known as the Western Rattlesnake, and surprisingly, I have encountered it many times, both in dry landscapes and in the meadows of both parks.
Finally, during winter months, you may be required to carry tire chains or have them on your vehicle before entering either park. In addition, micro-spikes may be necessary to stay safe on certain trails, such as Little Baldy and many others during the early and late summer season.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park website.
National Park Service: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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