Trip Idea

Experience the Giant Forest

Multiple Parks

The paved Sherman Tree Trail surrounded by giant sequoias. Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone.
Duration Multiple Days
Topic(s) Animals, Forests and Woodlands, Wetlands, Coniferous Forests, Meadows, Caves, Caverns and Karst, River and Riparian, Rock Landscapes and Features, Scenic Views, Waterfalls, Mountains, Trails, Geology, Wilderness more »
Activities Wildlife Watching, Hiking, Caving, Museum Exhibits, Scenic Driving
Type Active, Relaxed, Inspirational, Outdoors, Group Friendly
Parks Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Along the Generals Highway
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Learn about Giant Sequoias

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Giant Forest Museum

    Before you investigate the area, stop here at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about giant sequoias and area history.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Big Trees Trail Wildlife

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Wildlife Watching
    • Pets: No
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A young deer stands between two giant sequoia trunks.

    Park wildlife are often seen along the Big Trees Trail, an easy and accessible path that starts at Giant Forest Museum and takes you around a meadow lined with mature sequoias.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    The General Sherman Tree

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Visitors stand in front of a massive sequoia tree.

    The General Sherman Tree is a must-see while visiting the Giant Forest. It is the largest tree in the world by volume.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Hike Among the Giants

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A hiker travels along a park trail. Image by Tuan Nguyen.

    There is no better way to explore the Giant Forest than by going out on the trails. Try a stroll on the Congress Trail, a 2-mile (3.2-km) loop that starts from the General Sherman Tree and takes you into the heart of a sequoia grove.

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Along the Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Moro Rock

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Duration: 30–120 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    People stand along the narrow ridge of Moro Rock, surrounded by railing. Photo Paul Johnson

    A stone and concrete stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, a granite dome that towers over the Generals Highway. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the hills below and the wilderness to the east.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Tunnel Log

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Duration: 5–10 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A truck drives through Tunnel Log, while a group of people pose for a photo above.

    Since 1935, people have been driving through Tunnel Log. You too can join in on the novelty of driving through a fallen Sequoia.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Crescent Meadow

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    Crescent Meadow by Alison Taggart-Barone

    The Crescent Meadow Trail is an ideal place for photography and a relaxing walk. Follow the flat, 1.5-mile (2.4-km) loop trail around Crescent Meadow, where bright green vegetation contrasts with the red bark of giant sequoias.

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If You Have More Time
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Discover Tokopah Valley and Falls

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Lodgepole Campground Overflow Parking Lot
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn
    A person sits on rounded rocks at the base of Tokopah Falls.

    The Tokopah Falls Trail is great place to see the “classic” Sierra Nevada landscape. Sheer granite cliffs, a dense conifer forest, and a rushing river create a peaceful mountain scene.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Enjoy a 360-Degree View at Little Baldy Dome

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Generals Highway, Sequoia National Park
    • Duration: 2–3 Hours
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

    Hike on a lesser-known trail in Sequoia National Park. The Little Baldy trail takes you through a mixed-conifer forest to the top of a granite dome. Once there, you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view.

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  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Crystal Cave

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: Yes
    • Activity: Caving
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Summer
    • Time of Day: Day
    A paved trail passes through Crystal Cave. Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone

    A tour through Crystal Cave will give you an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic features and animal creatures found within the cave.

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Last updated: October 5, 2020