01
Iconic big-tree walk
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument High Country • Paved Forest Path Through Ancient Sequoias • Bucket-List Outing For All Ages
A relaxed, mostly flat loop that winds through one of the most accessible groves of giant sequoias in the southern Sierra.
If you only have time for one classic mountain stop from Edmundson Acres, this is it. The short, well-marked path lets you wander among enormous sequoias without committing to a big climb, so mixed groups and casual hikers are all comfortable here. Go early or on a weekday for cooler temps, easier parking, and a quieter feel among the trees.
02
Shady afternoon loop
Unal Trail
Greenhorn Summit Above Wofford Heights • Cool Pine-And-Fir Loop With Gentle Grades • Best Quick Hike For Summer Heat Relief
This mellow forest loop circles a small peak above Greenhorn Summit, trading valley heat for fragrant pines and filtered views toward Lake Isabella.
Unal Trail is a favorite when you want real mountain air without committing your whole day. The grade is friendly enough for patient kids and newer hikers, yet the mix of shade, soft forest floor, and glimpses of the lake keeps it interesting. Pack a light layer even in summer, since the breeze at the summit can feel surprisingly cool compared with the valley below.
03
Big-view summit
Sunday Peak Trail
Ridgetop Above Lake Isabella’S West Side • Steep Singletrack To A Rocky Sierra Viewpoint • Top Pick For Strong Hikers Chasing Panoramas
A sustained climb through mixed forest leads to a rocky summit with sweeping views over Lake Isabella and the southern Sierra ridgelines.
Sunday Peak is the go-to challenge when you want your legs and lungs to earn the view. The trail wastes little time gaining elevation, but the switchbacks and forest cover make the effort feel manageable if you take steady breaks. On clear days you can spot familiar landmarks around the lake and trace the highways you drove up from the valley far below.
04
Lake-and-peak combo
Isabella Peak via Coso Mine
Ridgeline South Of Lake Isabella • Historic Mining Road Turning Into Airy Ridge Walk • Best Blend Of History, Leg Burn, And Lake Views
Old mining tracks climb from the foothills to a broad ridge and summit, offering constant views of Lake Isabella framed by dry, golden hills.
This route has a different feel from the shaded Greenhorn hikes, with open slopes, big sky, and scattered relics from the Coso Mine days. The initial road is straightforward, then things steepen as you gain the ridge and push toward the summit cairn. Start early to beat the sun, and linger at the top to watch boats carving across the lake far below.
05
Riverside favorite
Kern River – River Trail segment
Lower Kern River Canyon Near Kernville • Rugged Riverside Path Through Boulders And Chaparral • Go-To Option For Water Views And Flexible Distance
Following a scenic section of the Kern River, this out-and-back path lets you pick your distance while keeping rushing water and granite boulders in sight.
The River Trail is ideal when you want a classic Kern experience without committing to a summit mission. Expect a mix of sandy tread, rockier stretches, and constant river noise as rafts and kayaks slip past below. In hotter months, many hikers time this walk for early morning or late afternoon and pair it with a picnic at one of the pullouts along the highway.