• Hiking in SEKI	• Photos and Video	•NPS Website	• Trail Map

Kings Canyon
Cedar Grove
Bailey Bridge (dayhike)		Easy	4.7 miles
Synopsis: Bailey Bridge crosses the south fork of the Kings River about two miles down a flat, sandy and pretty path between the tall granite walls of Kings Canyon. It's a wonderful hike for those arriving in the Cedar Grove area too late to do the eight mile hike to Mist Falls, or a nice little warm-up for backpackers heading out to do the Rae Lakes Loop.
Grizzly Falls (P.O.I.)		Easy	0.1 miles
Synopsis: You can see Grizzly Falls from the road, and it's power compels your attention. It's a very short, easy walk to the base of the falls, where one stands a decent chance of getting a bit damp. If it's not to crowded this is a great spot to stop for a break or a bite, especially with the river right across the road.
Hotel Creek / Lewis Creek loop (dayhike)		Moderate-Difficult	7.4 miles
Synopsis: Since the Rough Fire parts of this loop are less green and growing, but it's still a spectacular hike. As you rise out of the canyon the views begin to open up to the east and south. At the Cedar Grove Overlook these views are given their greatest expression, but upon turning around one sees the equally impressive spectacle of the Monarch Divide laid out to the north. Try to take the trail in spring for a chance of catching an excellent wildflower display.
Roaring River Falls (P.O.I.)		Easy	0.3 miles
Synopsis: This is a short paved walk to yet another mesmerizing Sierra waterfall. Roaring River Falls isn't broad or towering, it's just fascinating to watch as the water crashes through rock walls and drops into mist as it cascades down toward the Kings River.
Grant Grove
Buena Vista Pk. (dayhike)		Easy-Moderate	2 miles
Synopsis: This is a hike that packs a lot of punch for the effort. It's just a mile, and four hundred feet of elevation gain, up to a spectacular viewpoint. The scenery along the way doesn't disappoint either. The Kings Canyon Overlook just across the road attracts a lot of visitors, but if you really want a great vista and are willing to work just a bit, don't drive past this little gem.
Grant Tree trail (P.O.I.)		Easy	0.8 miles
Synopsis: If you're visiting Kings Canyon or the northern parts of Sequoia you don't have to miss out on giant sequoias. The General Grant tree, along with some other massive specimens in Grant Grove, makes for a great short interpretive walk. Don't miss walking through the Fallen Monarch.
North Grove Loop (dayhike)		Easy-Moderate	1.7 miles
Synopsis: If the General Grant Tree trail area is overcrowded, head to the north parking lot annex and enjoy yourself on this lightly used trail. You won't find named trees along this path, but you will be amazed at this wonderful grove of giants. As almost the entire hike travels under forest canopy, this is an especially good choice for hot, sunny days.
Panoramic Point (P.O.I.)		Easy	0.6 miles
Synopsis: If, when you visit this spot, you can catch a beautifully clear day or an especially nice sunset, that would be ideal. It's a short stroll to a pretty viewpoint, and the parking area looks to be a shady, less-crowded location for a picnic during busy summer days.
Sequoia
Giant Forest
Big Trees Trail (P.O.I.)		Easy	1.3 miles
Synopsis: If, like us, you just can't get enough of these amazing trees, you'll want to take this easy and enjoyable walk around a beautiful meadow ringed with incredible Giant Sequoia specimens. If you have a choice, hit this trail on a weekday, as it can be a bit overpopulated on busy days.
Congress Trail (dayhike)		Easy-Moderate	3.1 miles
Synopsis: If you are impressed by the largest trees in the world you could hardly find a better way to spend an hour or two than this walk. As you follow the paths through the Giant Forest you pass some of the most impressive giant sequoia specimens in the park. And if you take the hike clockwise, as we did, you end with the General Sherman Tree, the largest living individual organism in the world.
Moro Rock (P.O.I.)		Easy-Moderate	0.5 miles
Synopsis: This is about the quickest and easiest (in terms of logistics, not necessarily effort) hike to the top of a granite dome with amazing views one could hope to find. It tends to be a popular spot, but the panorama is worth the trouble.
Lodgepole
Lakes Trail to Emerald Lake (backpack)		Moderate	5.2 miles
Synopsis: A trip into the beginning of the Tablelands of Sequoia NP. Pristine backcountry lakes rimmed with tall granite walls and, during early summer, spectacular wildflower displays make this a great short, or beginner's, backpacking trip with a huge payoff.
Little Baldy (dayhike)		Easy-Moderate	3.5 miles
Synopsis: Little Baldy is a granite outcrop, reputed to have amazing views, that is reached by ascending through forested hillsides and across a montane hilltop. We can't vouch for the views as the top was shrouded in fog, but we can say the hike up is beautiful and serene. Just watch out for acquisitive marmots.
Pear Lake / Aster Lake (backpack)		Easy-Moderate	2.8 miles
Synopsis: A great little dayhike from Emerald Lake to two of the other lakes in the area. The hike to Pear Lake offers spell-binding views into the Tablelands backcountry of the park. Pear Lake itself is set in a ring of granite cliffs and watched over by Alta Peak to the south. Return by dropping down to little but beautiful Aster Lake before climbing back up to Emerald.
Tokopah Falls (dayhike)		Easy	3.2 miles
Synopsis: This is a pretty hike that becomes impressive at the falls (especially when there is good water flow). Terrific views up toward the Tablelands. A good warm-up at elevation before tackling even higher altitude or backcountry trips.

All photos and video by Laura or Bob Camp unless otherwise indicated. Use without permission is not cool.