Thinking of planning a trip to Sequoia National Park?

I’ve created an itinerary of my favorite spots to help you plan your trip. 

Reserve a spot at Lodgepole Campground (gorgeous campground near flowing river with nearby hiking trails)

Hiking trails: 

-Tokopah Falls trail in Sequoia National Park is one of my favorite hikes to do during the Spring and Summer months. This trail is an easy 3.8 mile out and back hike that starts at the Lodgepole Campground. Along the trail are tranquil scenes of the Kaweah river surrounded by gorgeous granite walls. There are a number of swim holes throughout the hike during peak summer times where the river slows down a bit.  At about 1.9 miles in, the trail ends at a beautiful 1200 ft cascading waterfall. I highly recommend doing this hike towards the end of May into June. 

-Watchtower trail in Sequoia National Park is a beautiful out and back hike featuring stunning vistas of rocky mountain peaks and alpine scenery. It’s approximately 6.7 miles when starting at Lakes trailhead at Wolverton and ascends to high alpine country. There are a few water crossings along the way to filter water if needed. Lots of lush green and wildflowers in the Spring. This hike is breathtakingly beautiful! 

Elevation gain 1680’ 

Rated Moderate/Difficult 

3-4 hours total 

This trail is closed seasonal due to winter weather conditions, best time to go is May through September. Always check weather conditions. 

-Lakes Trail to Heather and Emerald Lake 

The Lakes Trail is a beautiful out and back hike featuring stunning vistas of rocky mountain peaks and alpine scenery. 

This hike approximately 5.1 miles to the first lake when starting at the Lakes trailhead at Wolverton and ascends to high alpine country. It’s a nice steady incline up to the Watchtower where you’ll then experience spectacular views of the falls surrounded by towering granite. This is a perfect spot to rest, take pictures, soak up the views, or enjoy your lunch. 

From there you can push on to the first beautiful body of water, Heather Lake. Keep in mind there is no camping options here so if you are wanting to do an overnight in back country you can push on about a mile further to Emerald and/or Aster Lake or 2.7 miles further to Pear Lake.  

We hiked to Emerald as a day hike,  but I highly recommend making it an overnight so you can see and experience all of the lakes and have time to enjoy them. There are bear proof storage bins at Emerald Lake as well as water filtering options at each of these lakes. A permit is required for overnights. 

Emerald Lake 

Total miles: 10.3

Elevation gain: 2570’

Rated Difficult 

-Mist Falls Trail in Kings Canyon National Park is another favorite. It’s about an 8.5 mile hike round trip.  Perfect half day adventure with incredible views throughout the hike. 

Mist Falls is a short series of cascades where the south fork of the Kings River drops 100 feet over a steep, rocky, granite incline. The route gains a little over 800 feet in elevation, mostly towards the end, and the round trip takes about 3 to 4 hours. Pack a lunch and enjoy it at the falls, and don’t forget leave no trace! 

Other trails and must see spots to check out on your visit: 

-Moro Rock 

-Little Baldy Trail 

-General Sherman Tree Trail 

-Roaring River Falls (Kings Canyon) 

Other Campgrounds recs: 

Potwisha Campground

Crystal Springs (Kings Canyon) 

Princess Campground 

Stony Creek 

Three Rivers Hideaway (outside the park) 

Happy Adventuring!