Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [33]
FISHING
There’s limited trout fishing, bagging minimal hauls, in the creeks and rivers from late April to mid-November. The Kaweah River is a popular spot; check at visitor centers for open and closed waters. Some of the park’s secluded backcountry lakes have good fishing. A California fishing license is $11.30 for one day, $17.60 for two days, $34.90 for 10 days (discounts are available for state residents) and is required for persons 16 and older. For park regulations, closures, and restrictions, call the parks at | 559/565–3341 or stop at a park visitor center. Licenses and fishing tackle are usually available in Lodgepole. Among many other functions, the California Department of Fish and Game (916/653–7661 | www.dfg.ca.gov) supplies fishing licenses.
HIKING
The best way to see the park is to hike it. The grandeur and majesty of the Sierra is best seen up close. Carry a hiking map—available at any visitor center—and plenty of water. Check with rangers for current trail conditions, and be aware of rapidly changing weather. As a rule of thumb, plan on trekking 1 MPH.
For books about hikes in Sequoia National Park, contact the Sequoia Natural History Association
(47050 Generals Hwy., Three Rivers 93271 | 559/565–3759 | www.sequoiahistory.org)
EASY
Big Trees Trail.
This one’s a must, as it does not take long to stroll and the setting is spectacular: beautiful Round Meadow surrounded by many mature sequoias, with well-thought-out interpretive signs along the path that explain the ecology on display. From the handicapped parking lot off Generals Highway, the 0.7-mi Big Trees Trail is wheelchair-accessible. If you walk there from the Giant Museum, the total loop is 1.5 mi. | Trail begins off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), near the Giant Forest Museum 93262.
Congress Trail.
This easy 2-mi trail is a paved loop that begins near General Sherman Tree and winds through the heart of the sequoia forest. You’ll get close-up views of more big trees here than on any other Sequoia hike. Watch for the clusters known as the House and Senate. | Trail begins off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 2 mi north of Giant Forest 93262.
Crescent Meadow Trails.
John Muir reportedly called Crescent Meadow the "gem of the Sierra." Brilliant wildflowers bloom here by midsummer, and a 1.8-mi trail loops around the meadow. A 1.6-mi trail begins at Crescent Meadow and leads to Tharp’s Log, a cabin built from a fire-hollowed sequoia. | Trail begins end of Moro Rock–Crescent Meadow Rd., 2.6 mi east off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198) 93262.
Muir Grove Trail.
You will attain solitude—and possibly see a bear or two—on this unheralded gem of a hike, a fairly easy 4-mi round trip from the Dorst Creek Campground. The remote grove is small but indescribably lovely, its soundtrack provided solely by nature. The trailhead is very subtly marked; it is past the group campsite area, on the right. Use the amphitheater parking lot. | Trail begins in Dorst Creek Campground, Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 8 mi north of Lodgepole Visitor Center 93262.
MODERATE
Little Baldy Trail.
Climbing 700 vertical feet in 1.75 mi of switchbacking, this trail ends at a granite dome with a great view of the peaks of the Mineral King area and the Great Western Divide. The walk to the summit and back takes about four hours. | Trail begins at Little Baldy Saddle, Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 11 mi north of Giant Forest 93262.
Tokopah Falls Trail.
This moderate trail follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River for 1.75 mi one way and dead-ends below the impressive granite cliffs and cascading waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. It takes 2½ to 4 hours to make the 3.5-mi round-trip journey. The trail passes through a mixed-conifer forest. | Trail begins off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), ¼ mi north of Lodgepole Campground 93262.
DIFFICULT
Marble Falls Trail.
The 3.7-mi, moderately strenuous hike to Marble Falls crosses through the rugged foothills before reaching the cascading water. Plan on three to four hours one way. | Trail