Paradise Creek Trailhead

Paradise Creek Trailhead

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Starts from Buckeye Flat Campground, Sequoia National Park

Amenities

2 listed

Audio Description, Trailhead

Paradise Creek Trail

Along the gentle climb through the foothills, you'll hike alongside a quiet creek that's shaded by riparian trees and shrubs. You can hike to the end of the trail, or walk as far as you'd like and then turn around. In summer, watch carefully for poison oak and avoid touching its "leaves of three." Many hikers prefer to spend time here in fall, winter, and spring, when temperatures are cool. In spring, wildflowers are varied and lovely. In spring or after storms, take care with creek crossings and turn back if it doesn't seem safe.

The trailhead is in Buckeye Flat Campground. In winter, the road to the campground is closed to vehicles and you can begin your hike at Hospital Rock Picnic Area. Walk along the road to the campground and look for the trailhead as you enter.

Education Programs

The Sierra Newt, a native Californian amphibian, calls the foothills home. Newts descend from the hillsides throughout the winter and early spring to reach their breeding pools, which form as snowmelt cascades down the mountains.

Interested in learning more? Join a park ranger on a curriculum-based field trip to study the phenology, or timing, of newt migration. Tracking the timing of breeding cycles gives scientists critical insight into how the lives of plants and animals are impacted by the changing climate.

Call 559-565-4211 or email [e-mail] to learn more about the community-science field trip opportunities offered at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.