Thing to Do

Trail of the Sequoias Winter Trail

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

A visitor on a trail poses among a snow covered landscape.
This route includes several deep pitches through thick forest.

A challenging alternative to the Crescent Trail, the Trail of the Sequoias explores the eastern edge of the Giant Forest. The route includes several deep pitches through thick forest. This trail is not for novice skiers. The Crescent Trail and the Trail of the Sequoias make a nice loop for experienced skiers.

To reach this trailhead, visitors must first travel across the Crescent Meadow Road Winter Trail.

Trail Information

  • Trailhead: Crescent Meadow to McKinley Tree JunctionDistance: 3 miles (4.8 km) one way, Crescent Meadow to McKinley Tree junction
  • Difficulty: Medium/Hard
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1086 ft / 784 ft
  • Approximate Round Trip: 4 – 6 hours
For a complete map of winter trails, check out our Park Newspaper. For more detailed trail information, please visit our Maps page.
Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and length of time spent at trail features.
This trail is designated as a cross-country ski trail, but can also be used for snowshoeing. Due to the snowy and icy conditions on the trail, hiking without traction devices is not recommended. 
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

This trailhead begins at Crescent Meadow. To reach this trailhead, visitors must first travel across the Crescent Meadow Road Winter Trail.

Reservations
No
Accessibility Information

General parking is available across the street from the Giant Forest Museum. Accessible parking is available next to the Giant Forest Museum and at the Big Trees Trailhead. Accessible restrooms are available at the Giant Forest Museum.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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A yellow triangle with a black sequoia symbol inside of it.
Follow the route marker above to safely stay on the Trail of the Sequoias winter trail.

Route Marker Information

Trails that are buried under snow are very difficult to follow, so it is best to stick to trails marked for winter travel. Ski trails - open to skiing, snowshoe, and hiking - are marked by different symbols nailed to trees along their routes.

The route marker for the Trail of the Sequoias winter trail is a yellow triangle with a sequoia tree within it.

Caution

Please do not snowshoe or walk directly on ski tracks. The tread of snowshoes (or boots) can create divots and ruin carefully laid ski tracks, creating hazards for skiers. Skiers/snowshoers going uphill yield to those going downhill. Fill in depressions in the snow after falling to reduce hazards to others. Visit our Skiing and Snowshoeing page for safety tips, guidance, and snowshoe ranger program information.


More on Winter Trails in the Parks

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Last updated: December 20, 2024