• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

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  • Changes to Some Opening/Closing Dates for Services and Facilities – Check Back for Updates

    Some of the opening/closing dates for facilities and visitor services in the parks have changed due to weather and/or other circumstances. See link for details and match to locations on the park map (under "Park Tools," bottom left, this page). More »

  • Road Conditions (Entire Park) and Road Construction Delays (if Entering/Exiting Hwy. 198)

    Expect 20-minute to 1-hour construction delays on main road through parks (Generals Hwy) until Memorial Day weekend (7 a.m.-6 p.m.). See link for schedule. Call for 24-hour road conditions info: 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1). More »

  • Vehicle Length Limits Have Changed in Sequoia NP (if Entering/Exiting Hwy 198)

    Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, please pay close attention to new vehicle length advisories for your safety and the safety of others. More »

  • You May Have Trouble Calling Us. Use the "Contact Us" Link (Bottom Left) to Send an E-mail.

    We are experiencing technical problems receiving some incoming phone calls at the parks. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please keep trying to reach us or check this website for frequently-asked questions. The search box (top, right) may be helpful.

Trails in the Foothills

Trails in the foothills are are accessible year-round. Fall brings cooler temperatures for hiking in this diverse environment. In winter and spring, the foothills are clothed in a glorious array of wildflowers. Late March through late May are especially colorful. As summer approaches the temperature rises, and so do the rivers. Avoid the dangerous rivers during this time!

For trails within six miles of the Foothills Visitor Center see (PDF, JPEG pg 1, JPEG pg 2) for descriptions and a map. For options in the broader foothills see below.

Please note that pets are not permitted on any of the trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Marble Falls Trail
This trail climbs 3.9 miles (6km) through chaparral to a lovely cascade. Park near site #14 at Potwisha Campground. Follow the dirt road across the concrete ditch. The trail starts along the steep bank to the right.

Middle Fork Trail
Leading through chaparral to highcountry, the first mile offers views of Moro Rock and Castle Rocks. Take the Buckeye Flat Campground road and turn left on the dirt road before the campground. Go 1.3 miles (2 km) to a parking area. Panther Creek Falls is 3 miles (5 km) beyond that. Park at Hospital Rock if Buckeye Flat is closed.

Lady Bug Trail
Hike along the South Fork of the Kaweah in the upper foothills (moderately steep). From South Fork Campground, cross the river via a footbridge. The trail ends 3 miles (5 km) near one of the lowest-elevation sequoia groves.

Garfield Grove Trail
This trail, which also begins at South Fork Campground, is a relatively steep 5-mile (8.3 km) one-way climb to the Garfield Sequoia Grove. Start on the south side of the river in the campground.

North Fork Trail
This trail can be difficult to access. Please check at a visitor center for details.

  • Maps & Guides Maps & Guides

    Get trail maps and guides from the SNHA Bookstore Read More

  • Visitor Centers Visitor Centers

    Fun exhibits, books, maps, and information on activities. Read More

  • Park Newspaper Park Newspaper

    View the latest issue for lots of helpful planning information. Read More

  • Trail Safety Trail Safety

    Learn more about staying safe on trails Read More

  • Keeping Your Food from Bears Keeping Your Food from Bears

    You MUST store your food here. It saves bears. Here's how! Read More

Did You Know?

Loggers pose in front of a mighty felled sequoia.

Sequoia wood proved too brittle for most lumber uses. Some felled sequoias even shattered as they hit the ground. Most lumbered sequoias ended up as fence posts, shingles, and even match sticks!