Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park , United States

Heart of the Giant Forest Hike

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a nice walk through the Giant Forest while we walk down a paved trail to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. From there we will walk deeper into the Giant Forest. Along the way we will learn about the wildlife and plants that call this forest their home. Keep a watchful eye for a chance to see some of them in real life. If we are lucky we might even stumble into a black bear or two! Customization is available for medical and mobility accommodations only.

Available options

Heart of the Giant Forest Hike

What's included

Emergency Contact Equipment

Knowledgeable guide with over 9 years in these Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Photography: 3 Professionally taken and edited photographs of your group on the hike.

Basic First Aid Kit

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After meeting we will walk down a sloped, paved path to see the General Sherman Tree. This sequoia is the largest single living tree by volume in the world.

Stop 2

From the General Sherman Tree, we will walk up the paved path of the Congress Trail. We will see many sequoias and maybe some wildlife on our way. Some named trees we will pass are the Presidents Tree, the House Group, and the Senate Group.

Stop 3

After hiking the Congress trail we will pass by the General Sherman Tree one last time as we walk up the hill to the trailhead.

What's not included

Please bring your own food and drinks.

All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This option is for ADA guests only. The only parking here is for those with valid ADA Parking Placards. I will be standing in the cobblestone median between the shuttle stop and the ADA Parking Lot.

About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are two adjacent parks in the southern Sierra Nevada, known for their giant sequoia trees, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. These parks offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, including deep canyons, alpine meadows, and the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., Mount Whitney.

Top Attractions

General Sherman Tree

The General Sherman Tree is the largest giant sequoia tree in the world by volume and one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. It's a must-see attraction in Sequoia National Park.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free with park admission

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

This 24-mile drive offers stunning views of Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. The byway features pullouts, short walks, and breathtaking vistas.

Scenic Drive 1 to 2 hours (driving time) Free with park admission

Moro Rock

Moro Rock is a granite dome that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A steep staircase leads to the summit, providing a rewarding hike for those willing to make the climb.

Hiking 1 to 2 hours (round trip) Free with park admission

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is a marble cave formed by glacial activity. Guided tours are available to explore the cave's unique formations and learn about its geological history.

Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours (tour duration) Additional fee required (varies by tour)

Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, standing at 14,505 feet. Hiking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.

Adventure 1 to 2 days (depending on the route) Permit required (free, but limited availability)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Freshly caught trout

Grilled or fried trout, often caught locally in the park's rivers and streams.

Dinner Gluten-free option available

Hiking snacks and trail mix

Energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and dried fruit.

Snack Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available

Park-themed desserts

Desserts inspired by the park, such as sequoia-shaped cookies or mountain-themed cakes.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Backpacking Mountain climbing Rock climbing Camping Picnicking Wildlife viewing Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit for hiking, camping, and exploring the parks. The weather is warm, and most trails and facilities are accessible. However, it's also the busiest time of year.

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) 50°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The parks are generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards like wildlife encounters, sudden weather changes, and challenging terrain.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of wildlife and store food properly
• Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes

Getting there

By air

Fresno Yosemite International Airport • 120 km (75 miles) from the parks
Visalia Municipal Airport • 95 km (60 miles) from the parks

By train

Visalia Amtrak Station

Getting around

Public transport

The shuttle service is available during the summer months and offers a convenient way to explore the park without driving. However, it has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Giant Forest Kings Canyon Lodgepole

Day trips

Mineral King

32 km (20 miles) from the parks • Half day to full day

Mineral King is a scenic area within Sequoia National Park known for its alpine meadows, wildflowers, and hiking trails.

Three Rivers

24 km (15 miles) from the parks • Half day to full day

Three Rivers is a charming town known for its art galleries, wineries, and proximity to the parks. It offers a variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Mount Whitney

100 km (62 miles) from the parks • Full day to overnight

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced hikers.