Hiking the Sunset Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Sunset Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park is a favorite, along with the Hanging Rock and Moro Rock Trail, for being among the best and most beautiful places to catch the sunset within Giant Forest!
That being said, the Sunset Rock Trail is the longest of these three adventures, which is why it’s important to bring a good headlamp if you plan to hike to Sunset Rock at this time of day.
On a different note, the Sunset Rock Trail was one of many areas burned in the 2021 KNP Complex Fire, meaning the trail will look much different than it once did and have less shade for many years to come.
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!
Sunset Rock Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Sunset Rock Trailhead is located at the Giant Forest Museum, also known as the Beetle Rock parking area.
That being said, know that the Giant Forest Museum is one of the most popular trailheads in Sequoia National Park, meaning that it may be easiest to find parking elsewhere and ride the free Sequoia shuttle to the museum to begin the hike to Sunset Rock.
Google Maps Directions: Sunset Rock Trailhead (Giant Forest Museum)
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 Sunset Rock Trail
The Sunset Rock Trail begins at the Giant Forest Museum Trailhead, which is a popular trailhead for a number of amazing day hikes in Sequoia National Park.
Sunset Rock-Big Trees Junction
Following the Giant Forest Museum, go left to begin the Sunset Rock Trail, located across Generals Highway.
With that in mind, the trail to the right is the route that leads to the Big Trees Trail and the alternative route for the Hazelwood Nature Loop.
Read My Separate Posts: Big Trees Trail / Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail
On the far side of Generals Highway, the true Sunset Rock Trailhead can be found, which follows a fairly easy 0.7-mile (1.1 km) trail out to Sunset Rock.
Sunset Rock-Big Trees Connector Junction
At this three-way split, go straight to stay on the Sunset Rock Trail, as the trail to the right simply leads over to the Big Trees Trail, and the trail to the left is a slightly longer route back to the Giant Forest Museum parking lot.
Read My Separate Post: Big Trees Trail
After these initial junctions, there are no more splits on the Sunset Rock Trail.
This is where evidence of the 2021 KNP Complex Fire starts to become evident, which will continue for the rest of the hike out to Sunset Rock.
Sunset Rock
Finally, after just 0.8 miles (1.3 km), the Sunset Rock Trail ends at Sunset Rock, overlooking the expansive Marble Fork Canyon of the Kaweah River.
That being said, I think the difference in vegetation between the sunset photo taken before the 2021 fire and the more recent photos taken after the fires truly shows the expansiveness of this devastating fire and how close it came to some of Giant Forest’s most famed trees, like the General Sherman Tree.
Nevertheless, Sunset Rock is still one of the best places to spend the evening in Sequoia National Park, and I personally recommend packing in some food, as it’s very likely that all restaurants will be closed in Three Rivers if you’re planning on driving down after the hike.
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
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
