Sierra Nevada Mountains

Hume Lake Ranger District is the northernmost section of Sequoia National Forest and is separated from the rest of the national forest by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Much of the Hume Lake Ranger District is also protected as part of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Kings Canyon National Park is divided into pieces. To drive between these two sections of the park (and to drive between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks) on Generals Highway, you must pass through the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. ...Read more.

Isn't it comforting to know that even in the Giant Forest, the most visited area of Sequoia National Park, you can still find a wonderful trail where you might not bump into another hiker? Starting from the busy parking area at Crescent Meadow, Sugar Pine Trail heads away from that beautiful sequoia-lined meadow to seek out other interesting natural features away from the big trees. ...Read more.

Big Trees Trail offers an easy, educational, and beautiful hike through giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest. Big Trees Trail is a level and paved nature trail circling 0.8 miles beneath towering sequoias along the edges of Round Meadow. Handicapped visitors can park at a convenient lot near Round Meadow for a 1-mile wheelchair-friendly hike. ...Read more.

Hanging Rock Trail might be one of the easiest trails to overlook in Sequoia National Park, but there are many reasons why you shouldn't. To start with, you'll find a fun giant sequoia at the trailhead that has been burned out like a chimney with two gaps big enough to climb in and out of. The hike to Hanging Rock also has some of the park's best views of Moro Rock, Sequoia's most famous granite dome. ...Read more.

Dragoon Gulch Trail is the primary trail in the city of Sonora in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain. The loop is made up of five short sections, which combine to form a 2.5-mile loop with 325 feet of elevation gain. If you prefer to avoid hiking on pavement, the loop can be reduced to 1.5 miles, without sacrificing the trail's most enjoyable areas. ...Read more.

Ever wonder what happened when settlers first set eyes on giant sequoia trees? Relive the excitement of that discovery and see the enormous trees for yourself at Calaveras Big Tree State Park. The 10-square mile park has two groves of sequoias, two campgrounds, picnic areas, and a number of hiking trails. You could easily spend a couple days exploring the park, but if you only have one afternoon, hike through the storied North Grove on a 1. ...Read more.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains hold many wonders. Some are famous worldwide, like the silken waterfalls in Yosemite National Park and the giant trees in Sequoia National Park. Others, like the Natural Bridges in Calaveras County, are only famous with locals. These no-less-amazing limestone tunnels make a charming destination for a short hike in the Sierra foothills (and an enthralling summer swimming hole). ...Read more.

Panorama Trail is a nearly 10-mile long point-to-point hike from the top to the bottom of Yosemite Valley. Starting at Glacier Point and ending at Happy Isles, the trail descends 3,200 feet and is filled with sensational views. You could not pick a more panoramic start for Panorama Trail than Glacier Point, a spectacular drive-up overlook atop the south wall of Yosemite Valley. ...Read more.

In the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park is a valley that John Muir described as “a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite.” Since Muir's time, Hetch Hetchy Valley has changed. It was dammed in 1923 and a large blue reservoir now covers the valley. Muir opposed the dam, and fellow conservationists lost a long battle to preserve the valley. ...Read more.

May Lake is a high elevation lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park north of Yosemite Valley. This 2.4-mile hike with 475 feet of elevation gain is a perfect outing for summer and early fall when the road and trail are free of snow. Stroll along a wide trail through a lovely pine forest. As you near the lake, gradually ascend a granite floor with sparser tree cover. ...Read more.