SA Report: Speechless in Sequoia - Day 1

Trip Date: 7/3/2014

Location: Sequoia National Park

Permit/Pass: $20 Vehicle Pass - valid 1 through 7 days. Valid for Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

$10 Individual Entry Pass - valid 1 through 7 days. Per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group.

Trail Map: NPS, AmericanSouthwest.net

Directions: From California Highway 99 in the San Joaquin Valley take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. From here drive the Generals Highway into the park about 21 miles until you come to the Lodgepole area. Here, a right turn takes you past the visitor center, a gift shop and cafe up to the entrance kiosk for Lodgepole campground. Tell the ranger you are day hiking and you will be allowed through. Drive about a quarter mile to parking on the left. The trailhead is up the road a few yards, over the bridge to the north, and on the right next to a large bolder.

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.

Trail sequence: Tokopah Valley trail

Type: Out and back

Distance: 3.8 miles

Elevation: Min. -  6737', Max. - 7305'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: rocky sections)

Trail Notes: Easy grade. Forested most of the way, opening up to rocky cliffside near the falls. A few small stream crossings.

Tokopah Falls - Sequoia National Park

Turn by Turn:

  -- Cross over the bridge and head up the path next to the trailhead sign. There are a few little spurs here and there that dip down to the Kaweah River, next to which the trail proceeds, but no real possibilities for getting sidetracked.

  -- At around a mile and a half the trail leaves the taller trees behind and works its way around and through some rocky sections (some very large bolders make for a few interesting twists and turns but nothing very difficult to negotiate).

  -- You reach the falls at just under two miles. After enjoying the views, return the way you came.

Photo Gallery: Flickr

Video: Youtube