Last updated: August 24, 2025
Thing to Do
Tunnel Rock
This granite boulder created a tunnel over the Generals Highway until the road was rerouted. If you want to take a closer look, accessible parking and a paved path provide easy access to the old roadway beneath Tunnel Rock. While cars can no longer driver under Tunnel Rock, you can stand below it and pose for a photo.
Both above Tunnel Rock and across the river, you can see a mixture of how the 2021 KNP Complex Fire affected the vegetation. Notice a mosaic of live trees and shrubs, patches of fire-killed vegetation, and other areas where only bare, blackened ground remains. As time passes new plants will sprout in most of these bare areas. These different burn patterns resulted from a variety of fire behavior (or how the fire burned). In places, light upcanyon winds may have pushed the fire cross-slope or it may have backed down the hillside at lower intensity. Further upcanyon, areas with no vegetation and exposed rock are places where flammable shrubs burned at higher intensity. Look on the slope below the pullout for a buckeye tree re-sprouting from its base and other plant re-growth.
Both above Tunnel Rock and across the river, you can see a mixture of how the 2021 KNP Complex Fire affected the vegetation. Notice a mosaic of live trees and shrubs, patches of fire-killed vegetation, and other areas where only bare, blackened ground remains. As time passes new plants will sprout in most of these bare areas. These different burn patterns resulted from a variety of fire behavior (or how the fire burned). In places, light upcanyon winds may have pushed the fire cross-slope or it may have backed down the hillside at lower intensity. Further upcanyon, areas with no vegetation and exposed rock are places where flammable shrubs burned at higher intensity. Look on the slope below the pullout for a buckeye tree re-sprouting from its base and other plant re-growth.
Safety
- Beware the three-leaved plant that grows here! Touching poison oak can cause an intensely itchy rash. Even in winter when twigs are bare, oils from this plant can transfer from the plant to hands, clothing, and anything that touches it.
- There are many safety factors to consider when exploring the foothills, including poison oak, rattlesnakes, ticks, extreme heat, and little to no shade. Please review the trail safety information on the Foothills page before going on this hike.
Location
- Located along Generals Highway, just beyond the Foothills Visitor Center.
Parking
- There are pullout parking spots on the north and south sides of Tunnel Rock. Please be aware that parking is very tight and limited. Arrive early or return at a later time if the parking lot is full. Please do not stop in the highway to get pictures.
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
Yes
Accessibility Information
Two designated accessible parking spaces are available on the Tunnel Rock side of the road. Parking is on a slight slope, and does not include access aisles.
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FoothillsLearn about what the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park has to offer.
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Sequoia National ParkLearn more about what features are within Sequoia National Park.
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Places to GoLearn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.