Redwood Canyon Trail

Trail Closures Due to Fire

Due to the 2021 KNP Complex Fire, the following trails are closed until further notice:

• Redwood Mountain Road (Redwood Canyon)
• Sugar Bowl Trail (Redwood Canyon)
• Hart Tree Trail (Redwood Canyon)
• Redwood Canyon Trail (Redwood Canyon)

 

This area is not accessible by vehicle in winter.

The Redwood Canyon contains one of the largest of all sequoia groves and largest areas of old-growth sequoia trees. As you hike, you will see signs of many fires—some recent, some ancient. Prescribed fires have been used in portions of this grove to reduce fuel, restoring the forest more closely to the condition it was in 100 years ago. Look for young sequoia in these burned areas, as giant sequoias reproduce most successfully after fire.

Hart Tree and Fallen Goliath Loop

This alternate loop provides numerous vista points and a taste of the human history that are part of the Redwood Canyon experience. Follow the old dirt road .3 miles to the trail sign. Turning left and crossing fern-lined Redwood Creek, Barton’s Post Camp marks the remains of an old logging site from the 1800’s. The trail continues past lovely Hart Meadow and though Tunnel Tree, a hollowed out giant sequoia. At 3.2 miles you reach a spur trail to the largest tree in the grove, the Hart Tree. After passing a small waterfall, you soon encounter the Fallen Goliath. The trail will descend to the Redwood Canyon Trail leading to Big Springs (a 3.6 mile spur) and shortly the junction to the Sugar Bowl Loop. Veer right at both and continue up canyon, parallel to Redwood Creek and back to the parking area. Total distance is 7.3 miles (11.7 km), with an overall elevation gain of 1,100 feet (335 m).

Sugar Bowl Loop

Sometimes referred to as the “grove within a grove,” this portion of the Redwood Canyon Grove is particularly enjoyable because of the high density of young sequoias. Following the trailhead sign to the right, ascend a ridge of Redwood Mountain for 1.5 miles (2.4 km) where a series of switchbacks lead to an overlook of Big Baldy. Continue to the summit to another overlook at 2 miles (3.2 km). The trail descends into the Sugar Bowl, a dense stand of mature and young sequoia. After descending into the canyon you will encounter Redwood Creek and the junction to the Hart Tree. Follow the trail to the left back to the parking area. Total distance is 6.5 miles (10.4 km), with an overall elevation gain of 1,480 feet (451 m).

Redwood Mountain Loop

A hike that combines both the Sugar Bowl and the Hart Tree Loops makes for a long day-trip or an overnight adventure. A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping. Total distance is 10 miles (16.1 km).

Note: Cattle occasionally wander into Redwood Canyon from grazing allotments on the adjacent Sequoia National Forest. If you see cattle in Redwood Canyon, please notify a park ranger.