As one of the 19 Californian National Forests, Sequoia National Forest earned the name from the world's largest tree, the giant sequoia. Sequoia's picturesque landscape stuns hikers trekking amongst rivers, waterfalls, canyons and granite monoliths. With more than 1,000 miles of trails, hikers stay active with easy, moderate or difficult trails. Trekking these trails can reach an elevation height near 12,000 feet. Hikers should take precautions to weather changes as this national forest operates year-round.
Trail Safety
Hikers utilizing Sequoia National Forest trail's should be readily prepared for hiking especially for longer hikes. During the summer and early fall months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees F. Proper amounts of food and water should be carried throughout the hike as well as light clothing, sunscreen and a hat for protection against high altitude sun. Hikers trekking during the wet, winter season can experience hypothermia in any temperature. Hikers that become drowsy, fatigued or forgetful maybe experiencing this life threatening condition. Trekkers should carry adequate clothing to remain dry.
Wildlife Precautions
During a hike, it is possible to encounter wildlife or poisonous plants. Hikers should keep food properly stored in backpacks. All food should be disposed in waste bins and not left on the ground. Bears have the ability to recognize backpacks as a source of food, therefore backpacks should never be left unattended. Never drink untreated water as giardia is a common disease found in lakes and rivers. Sequoia trails may trek amongst the poison oak shrub.
Trail Information
Visitors are recommended to purchase maps or inquire about weather services at the nearby ranger stations. The forest is broken into districts where a ranger station is located to access the local trailheads and travel information. Four main stations are are available within the forest including Hume Lake Ranger District, Western Divide Ranger District, Kern River Ranger District - Lake Isabella Office and Kern River Ranger District - Kernville Office.
Family Trails
Popular, Trail of the 100 Giants is a 1.4-mile round trip loop that meanders amongst the giant sequoias. Best hiked during the spring, summer or fall this "easy" trail gains an elevation of 113 feet. This trail is accessible at the Western Divide Ranger Station. A popular wilderness area are the Dinkey Lakes. The nine-mile round-trip Dinkey Lakes Trail is best hiked July through October. Rated easy, the trail can take near five hours to complete. Hikers enjoy scenery of meadows, wildflowers, coniferous trees and the Dinkey Lakes.
National Recreation Trails
Sequoia National Forest is home to several national trails. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail covers 78 miles of trails throughout the forest. This 2,600 mile trails leads from Canada throughout the United States to Mexico. Summit, Cannell Meadow and Jackass Creek are three National Recreation Trails. All three National Recreation Trails are rated difficult to strenuous due to high elevation gains as hikers trek amongst ponderosa and alpine forests leading to lakes, rivers and meadows.
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