Hike Around Crescent Meadow

At the end of the Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road, you will encounter Crescent Meadow parking lot. From here, you can walk the flat, 1.5-mile (2.4-km) loop trail around Crescent Meadow. The bright green vegetation contrasts beautifully with the red bark of giant sequoias, especially in the early morning sun. This is an ideal place for photography and has inspired many artists over the years. The trail wraps around the meadow, offering opportunities to explore the giant sequoias up-close, see wildflowers in bloom, and potentially spot wildlife grazing in the meadow.

If you want to continue hiking, Crescent Meadow connects to a network of trails that can take you farther into the grove or out to various viewpoints. Popular trails to connect to are Tharp’s Log, Trail of the Sequoias, or Log Meadow.

The Crescent Meadow trailhead is located at the end of the Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road. In summer, free shuttles run from Giant Forest Museum to the Crescent Meadow parking area. On weekends, the road closes to private vehicles and shuttles are the only way to reach Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow. On weekdays, the road remains open, but the small parking area may be full.

In winter, Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road closes with snow and is only accessible by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. 

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

This road generally opens for the season by the Wednesday before Memorial Day in late May and closes when it becomes impassable due to snow.

Vehicle traffic to Crescent Meadow not permitted in on weekends or on holidays-access to this area is via shuttle only.

 

Accessibility Information

A limited number of accessible but steep parking spaces are available at the trailhead near the restrooms. This small parking area often fills up.

In the summer, free shuttles run from Giant Forest Museum to the Crescent Meadow parking area. On weekends, the road closes to private vehicles and shuttles are the only way to reach Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow. On weekdays, the road remains open, but the small parking area may be full.

The trail is partially paved and may be accessible, depending on abilities.