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Spring Hikes in Kings Canyon and Sequoia

21 Mar, 2017

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Author: Kate Harris

If you love hiking, then you know that you go through withdrawals during the winter months. It takes a while for a lot of hiking trails to open up because of rain and snow. But there are a good number of hikes you can do starting in March. With Fresno only an hour from the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park a little bit south of there, you can do day trips or make it a long weekend backpacking trip. Since there are so many hikes to choose from, here are some of the best ones.

Easy Spring Hikes

General Sherman Tree Trail

general-sherman
About: The General Sherman Tree Trail is more of a short walk is doable by all fitness levels. The hike is paved so it is easy for stroller or wheelchairs. It’s a must see as the General Sherman tree is the largest known living single stem tree on Earth.
Distance: .8 mile total out and back
Traffic: Heavy
Check out the map here!

Tokopah Valley Trail to Tokopah Falls

tokopah-falls
About: Tokopah Valley Trail is in Sequoia and features many waterfalls and huge granite slabs.
Distance: 3.7 miles total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Zumwalt Meadows and Roaring River Falls

zumwalt-meadows
About: Zumalt Meadows is in Kings Canyon and features a roaring waterfall, beautiful river, and peaceful meadows. It’s kid friendly and even good for strollers.
Distance: 4.1 miles total out and back
Traffic: Light
Check out the map here!

Marble Fork Trail to Marble Falls

marble-falls
About: Marble Fork Trail is in Sequoia and features waterfalls, scenic views, and a large variety of wildflowers. It is kid friendly and you can even do this one during winter.
Distance: 6.3 miles total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Moderate Spring Hikes

Moro Rock Trail

moro-rock
About: Moro Rock is located near Sequoia about 2 miles from the village. It’s an extremely short hike with incredible 360 degree views. The staircase is built into the side of Moro Rock so it is steep and can be dangerous.
Distance: .4 mile total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Big Baldy Ridge Trail

big-baldy
About: Big Baldy Ridge Trail is located in Sequoia near Stony Creek Village and features beautiful wildflowers and scenic views.
Distance: 5.5 mile loop
Traffic: Light
Check out the map here!

Mitchell Peak Trail

mitchell-peak
About: Mitchell Peak Trail is located in Kings Canyon and features incredible panoramic views. It is also dog friendly as long as the dogs are kept on a leash.
Distance: 5.8 miles total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Bearpaw Meadow to Redwood Meadow Trail

bearpaw-meadow
About: Bearpaw Meadow is located in Sequoia and features beautiful wildflowers, scenic views, and giant sequoias. If you are going all the way to Redwood Meadow then you will probably want to do a backpacking trip as opposed to a day hike. There are a lot of different destinations along the way that can be done as day hikes including Castle Rocks, Foothills Flowers, Panther Creek, and Mehrten Creek.
Distance: To Redwood Meadow Trail – 21.3 miles total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Hard Spring Hikes

Alta Peak Trail

alta-peak
About: Alta Peak Trail is located in Sequoia and is not for beginner hikers. It is a strenuous hike that takes up to 8 hours, but the views are worth it.
Distance: 12.8 miles total out and back
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail

five-lakes
About: Five Lakes Trail is located in Sequoia and definitely a 2 or more day trip. Previous hikers recommend hiking it clockwise because of how steep Sawtooth Pass is. Take your time on this hike because it is strenuous and you can wear yourself out before getting to your destination. It features awesome views and you can even see Mt. Whitney from Sawtooth and Black Rock Pass.
Distance: 28.1 mile loop
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

Rae Lakes Trail

rae-lakes-trail
About: Rae Lakes Trail is located in Kings Canyon and features beautiful meadows, lakes, and wildlife. This hike is best done over a 4-7 day period and is recommended to go clockwise.
Distance: 38 mile loop
Traffic: Moderate
Check out the map here!

About the Author
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About Kate Harris

Kate grew up in Santa Rosa, California and attended school at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, where she studied Media Communications with an emphasis in Film Studies. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and reading. She currently lives in Fresno with her husband and is the Digital Marketing Manager for WorldLight Media.