Hikes in California

The beautiful Monarch Lakes grace the Sierra in an alpine cradle beneath Sawtooth Peak in the Mineral King Region of Sequoia National Park. A 9.4-mile round trip hike climbs over 2,500 feet to visit the picturesque pair of high-elevation lakes. Make your way to the Sawtooth Trailhead near the end of Mineral King and start up the trail. The first 0. ...Read more.

Eagle Lake is nestled within a high-elevation granite cirque in the Mineral King region of Sequoia National Park. The robust hike to the lake climbs 2,200 feet over 3.6 miles and delivers a steady climb with expanding views. Start from Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead at the end of Mineral King Road and commence hiking up the west rim of the valley. Cross the wooden footbridge that has been built over Spring Creek and continue uphill. ...Read more.

Campers at Atwell Mill in the Mineral King region of Sequoia National Park are in a perfect position to take a stroll down Hockett Trail. This forest path descends southeast for 1.5 miles to a footbridge that crosses the East Fork of the Kaweah River. Along the way, the trail passes pines, firs, incense cedars, and the occasional Giant Sequoia. Hockett Trail continues far beyond the bridge, passing through the East Fork Sequoia Grove after another mile. ...Read more.

The Mineral King region of Sequoia National Park has two serene campgrounds, Atwell Mill Campground and Cold Springs Campground. RVs are not allowed at either of these tent-only campgrounds. Both campgrounds are open from late May through the end of October. Outside of holiday weekends, finding a campsite at these remote havens is hardly a challenge. ...Read more.

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are two large adjoining parks with many camping options. With so much to see, it is definitely worth spending multiple days in these two parks. The campgrounds are a great way to experience the parks after dark. Located near the Giant Forest and Tokopah Falls, Lodgepole Campground is the largest campground in Sequoia National Park with 214 sites. ...Read more.

Panther Creek falls one hundred feet down a canyon wall to join the Kaweah River. The Middle Fork Trail passes right above the falls, providing a view straight down the waterfall. Unfortunately, a head on look at the falls cannot be obtained, but the trail is plenty scenic to justify the 6-mile hike (as long as it's not too hot out). The Middle Fork Trailhead is the foothills gateway to the Sierra. ...Read more.

People head out to Paradise Creek in Sequoia National Park with one thing in mind: swimming in the relaxing pools. This easy 0.5-mile round trip hike leaves from the east side of Buckeye Flat Campground near site 28. The trail follows the north side of the Kaweah River along a flat track before descending to a wooden bridge. Cross the river here above a wide and mesmerizing section of the river. ...Read more.

Marble Falls Trail begins from Potwisha Campground in the foothills region of Sequoia National Park. The 8-mile round trip trail is the perfect spot for a spring hike. Follow a flower-lined path up a mountain canyon to a powerful waterfall. In April and May, much of the trail is colored with flowers, giving hikers plenty to look at on the way to Marble Falls. ...Read more.

During a spring visit to Sequoia National Park, temperatures in the high country can still be quite cold. Night time temperatures can fall below freezing and there will be snow on the ground in places. While that may not sound pleasant, camping in the foothills during this time is perfect. There are two campgrounds to choose from. Both offer plenty of shade and mild evening temperatures. ...Read more.

A visit to the front country of Sequoia National Park should include a stop at the Giant Forest Museum. Here you can learn a lot about Sequoiadendron Giganteum and ask the ranger stationed inside for advise on what to see during your visit to the park. The rustic building that houses the museum was built in 1928 on a design by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. ...Read more.