01
Iconic giant sequoia stroll
General Sherman Tree Trail
Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park • Iconic National Park Forest Trail • Bucket-List Landmark Stroll
A short but memorable walk down to the world’s most famous giant sequoia, with big views and bigger trees the whole way.
From the main parking area, the paved trail drops steadily through a grove of towering sequoias before delivering you to the base of the General Sherman Tree. It is crowded but for good reason: the trees are enormous, the viewpoints are thoughtfully placed, and interpretive signs make it a great first stop in the park. Plan for the uphill walk back to the car, especially at altitude.
02
Best waterfall hike
Tokopah Falls Trail
Lodgepole Area, Sequoia National Park • Riverside Granite Canyon Path • Best For Cooler-Season Waterfall Views
A moderate trail that follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to a dramatic granite-walled waterfall at the head of the canyon.
Starting near the Lodgepole campground, this well-marked path tracks alongside a cold, rushing river with plenty of flat rocks for snack breaks. The grade is steady but manageable, making it a good choice for hikers who want more than a stroll without committing to an all-day climb. Snowmelt season brings the waterfall to life, but even in late summer the canyon scenery is worth the trip.
03
Big-mountain day hike
Lakes Trail from Wolverton
Wolverton Trailhead, Sequoia National Park • High-Elevation Alpine Lakes Route • Top Pick For Strong Hikers
A demanding but rewarding climb into the high country, visiting a chain of clear Sierra lakes and sweeping granite views.
Leaving from the Wolverton parking area, the trail climbs through thick forest before breaking out onto open slopes with big views toward the Great Western Divide. Depending on how far you go, you can make Pear, Emerald, or even Heather Lake your turnaround point, each with its own dramatic shoreline and boulder-strewn backdrop. Expect altitude, switchbacks, and full sun in places, so this is best for fit hikers who come prepared with water, layers, and time.
04
Easiest way to wander among giants
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument, Northeast Of Porterville • Accessible Giant-Sequoia Boardwalk Loop • Family-Friendly Giant-Tree Experience
A mostly level loop with boardwalk sections winding through a dense concentration of giant sequoias in the southern Sierra.
This short loop in Sequoia National Forest packs a lot of big trees into a small area, making it ideal for families, mixed-ability groups, or anyone wanting maximum scenery for minimal effort. The path is wide and mostly gentle, with benches and side spurs that let you linger among some truly massive trunks. Combine it with a picnic or a slow drive along the mountain roads for an easygoing day out from the valley.
05
Closest low-key nature escape
Kaweah Oaks Preserve
Foothills Near Exeter, East Of Visalia • Shaded Oak Woodland Nature Preserve • Closest Wild-Feeling Escape From The Valley Floor
A network of short, mostly flat dirt paths through historic valley oak woodland, perfect for cooler mornings and casual walks.
Less than a full mountain drive from Richgrove, this preserve offers a quieter, more intimate kind of hike under sprawling oaks and along seasonal creeks. Several signed loops can be combined for a custom-length walk, and the low elevation makes it a good shoulder-season or winter option when the high country is snowy. Bring water, sun protection, and an eye out for birds and other wildlife that thrive in this remnant of the old Tulare County landscape.