Hiking the Trail of the Sequoias in Sequoia National Park
Distance (Trail of the Sequoias Only): 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
The Trail of the Sequoias is a day hike not often seen by most who visit Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.
That being said, the Trail of the Sequoias is one that I recommend to those interested in escaping some of the busier areas within Sequoia National Park and for those interested in creating longer loops out of the many interconnecting trails within Giant Forest.
In any case, this article is solely focused on hiking the Trail of the Sequoias one way via the High Sierra Trail, allowing a number of endless possibilities for how to make your way back, such as utilizing the free Sequoia shuttle as I did.
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!
Trail of the Sequoias Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Trail of the Sequoias is located at either the Sherman Tree Trailhead, to access the Trail of the Sequoias via the Congress Trail, or at Crescent Meadow, beginning on the High Sierra Trail.
Considering these options, the Sherman Tree Trail is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and busy trailheads in Giant Forest, which is why I prefer to begin via Crescent Meadow and ride the free shuttle back from the General Sherman Tree.
Google Maps Directions: High Sierra Trailhead / General Sherman Tree 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 Trail of the Sequoias
As previously mentioned, the Trail of the Sequoias can either begin on the Congress Trail via the Sherman Tree Trail, or here, on the High Sierra Trail at Crescent Meadow.
With that in mind, I chose to begin at Crescent Meadow and ride the free Sequoia shuttle from the General Sherman Tree back, in order to maximize my time in the park.
Initially, the hike to the Trail of the Sequoias follows the High Sierra Trail for the first 0.5 miles (0.8 km) before branching off into its own separate trail.
High Sierra-Crescent Meadow Loop Junction
This is where the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail splits away from the High Sierra Trail, which is also the route that leads to Tharp’s Log.
That being said, go right at this split to continue on the High Sierra Trail toward the Trail of the Sequoias.
Read My Separate Posts: Crescent Meadow Loop Trail / Tharp’s Log Trail
High Sierra-Bobcat Point Junction
Almost immediately after the Crescent Meadow Loop junction, the High Sierra Trail splits once again, with the trail leading to Bobcat Point, a panoramic viewpoint located between this junction and the Sugar Pine Trail from Moro Rock.
High Sierra-Log Meadow-Trail of the Sequoias Junction
This four-way intersection marks the beginning of the Trail of the Sequoias and the point where the High Sierra Trail leaves Giant Forest and heads into the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Area.
That being said, take the middle trail to begin the Trail of the Sequoias, as the path to the left simply leads over to Log Meadow, and the path to the right is where the High Sierra Trail continues toward the Mineral King Loop and Mt. Whitney beyond.
Read My Separate Post: Tharp’s Log Trail (Log Meadow) / Mineral King Loop Trail
Trail of the Sequoias
After leaving behind the High Sierra Trail, the Trail of the Sequoias simply traverses the easternmost portions of Giant Forest, which are often seen as the boundary between what is considered the front and backcountry.
Trail of the Sequoias-Log Meadow Connector Junction
After about 0.4 miles (0.6 km), the Trail of the Sequoias meets the last junction before the trail ends at the Congress Loop, about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) away.
That being said, go right to continue on the Trail of the Sequoias, as the trail going left is nothing more than a short connector between the Trail of the Sequoias and Log Meadow.
Read My Separate Post: Tharp’s Log Trail (Log Meadow)
In my experience, the Trail of the Sequoias can be a great place to look for Black Bears and other wildlife, given that few visitors frequent this section between Log Meadow and the Congress Trail.
These trail markers can be incredibly useful when there is snow on the ground during the off-season months in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
Crescent Creek
This tunnel through the fallen Giant Sequoia at Crescent Creek is a nice mental checkpoint that you’re roughly halfway between the High Sierra Trail and the Congress Trail.
After the tunnel log at Crescent Creek, the Trail of the Sequoias begins climbing up and around this unnamed hill.
This is the most significant elevation change on the entire hike, outside of the optional General Sherman Tree Trail, which can be used to exit the hike at the very end.
Once the Trail of the Sequoias reaches the top of this unnamed hill, the rest of the hike to the Congress Trail and the Sherman Tree Trail becomes much easier, as it is mostly downhill from this point on.
For exposed sections like this and the areas prior, I was very glad to be wearing one of my hooded sun shirts to stay protected at these upper elevations.
When Giant Sequoias begin to become more and more common after Crescent Creek, it’s a good sign that the Congress Trail is getting close!
Chief Sequoyah Tree
Finally, the trail reaches the Chief Sequoyah Tree, marking the end of the Trail of the Sequoias between the High Sierra Trail and the Congress Trail.
That being said, you can almost guarantee that the Congress Trail will be much busier in comparison, as it, second only to the Sherman Tree Trail, is one of the most popular day hikes in Sequoia National Park.
Trail of the Sequoias-Congress Junction
This is where the Trail of the Sequoias ends and the Congress Trail begins.
Here, go right to return on the eastern side of the Congress Loop, finishing either at the main Sherman Tree Trailhead or the Accessible Sherman Tree Trailhead off Generals Highway.
That being said, the fastest way back to Crescent Meadow is the free Sequoia shuttle by way of the Accessible Sherman Tree Trailhead, transferring later at the Giant Forest Museum to get to Crescent Meadow.
Read My Separate Post: Congress Trail
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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