Trails, and more trails - qr codes provided in the Cottage

Pass Information

This pass is only valid for entrance fees at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit. Connectivity may be limited, and the pass must be available to show at all times when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Vehicles longer than 22 feet (including all vehicles towing trailers) are restricted and prohibited in some areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. More information on vehicle length limits and advisories can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/vehicle-restrictions.htm

During Fall, Winter, and Spring, tire chains may be required for all vehicles on any park road at any time. The park provides up to date park conditions on its site.

Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.

 Fees are wavied at this site on the following days:

• January 16th 2023: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 22nd 2023: First day of National Park Week
• September 23rd 2023: National Public Lands Day
• August 4th 2023: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• November 11th 2023: Veterans Day
• December 10th 2023: Trek to the Tree Day

Pass Information

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857

This loop is also known as the North Grove Loop. It takes you along the North Grove and Sunset Trails through a beautiful giant sequoia grove just steps from the Grant Grove area. These towering sequoias are beautiful, and you can see the scars from where they were burned in the 2021 fires. This gentle loop is a great option for families.  

The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular backpacking trips in the Sierra, and for good reason. The trip has something for everyone: lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountain passes, and wildlife. Although challenging, the loop is generally approachable for most backpackers, with campsites and water access the whole way. Most backpackers do this hike over the course of 3-4 days.  The route starts at the Roads End Trailhead, after a scenic drive through Kings Canyon. Bear canisters are required. You’ll also need a wilderness permit, which can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857 Although most hikers choose a clockwise approach, this loop can be done in either direction. Clockwise spreads out the elevation gain over a longer distance, which might make it easier for you.  If you’re attempting this loop in early summer, there are two things you should be aware of. High water at stream crossings can be a problem. Also, Glen Pass might not be passable until the snow has cleared. The snow may take until mid-June to be passable, depending on the year. Call and ask rangers if you think these might be an issue for you.  Assuming you’re hiking clockwise, you’ll start northboard on the Paradise Valley Trail. This trail offers striking granite canyon views, as it snakes along the South Fork of the Kings River. You’ll also find Mist Falls here.  You’ll eventually turn right onto the Woods Creek Trail. This trail also offers beautiful views, as you hike eastward flanked on either side by tall granite walls. This trail passes through Castle Domes Meadow as well.  You’ll then come to the junction with the John Muir Trail/Pacific Crest Trail. Turn right and continue southward. This section is where you’ll start to see lakes. You’ll first come across Dollar Lake, then Arrowhead Lake, and eventually the loop’s namesake, Rae Lakes. The views here are striking, with ample camping along the lakes shorelines.  After the lakes, the next challenge is Glen Pass. Although at this point you’ve slowly been gaining elevation, the switchbacks leading up to the pass can be incredibly challenging. The views from the top are striking, and then from there it’s all downhill.   Continuing southward you’ll reach Vidette Meadow, and then take a right onto the Bubbs Creek Trail, which will take you back to the trailhead. 

This popular route starts along the sandy Cedar Grove Trail, and then continues onto the Mist Falls Trail. The trail is mostly moderate until the end, where there is a quick 600 foot elevation gain to the waterfall.  From San Francisco, the drive is roughly five hours. After a beautiful drive through the western part of Kings Canyon, you’ll end at Road’s End Trailhead, which is where this hike begins.  If you are just day-hiking, and not taking an overnight trip, you do not need a permit to do this hike.  This route follows along the sandy Cedar Grove trail, parallel to Bubbs Creek. After a couple miles, you’ll take a left (north) onto the Mist Falls Trail. As you climb into the wilderness, you’ll have some beautiful views of the canyon you were just in.  Eventually you’ll reach the falls which are, as their name suggests, very misty! Be prepared to get wet! After the hot hike, it is a welcomed reprieve.  The park road is closed in the winter time, so summer time is the best season to visit. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. There is a restroom at the trailhead but no water or services. Unfortunately you’ll have to leave Fido at home, as this park is not dog friendly! 

You are about to travel among some of the giants of the world. The General Grant Trail is an easy loop through the Grant Grove of sequoias.    The grove's namesake, the General Grant Tree, is the second-largest tree by volume in the world. (The largest is the General Sherman Tree, also in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks.)  President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant Tree as the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926.   You can also visit the historic Gamlin Cabin and walk inside the Fallen Monarch sequoia as you travel along this paved trail. Wayside exhibits along the trail offer insights into the history and natural wonders of this area in both English and Spanish. After you witness these giant sequoias, you can also explore other nearby groves, such as Redwood Mountain and North Grove.  Accessibility: There is 1 designated accessible space in the paved parking lot off of Grant Tree Road at the south end of the trail. It is van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved asphalt and smooth. It is typically at least 6 feet wide.   The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category but there is a steeper section at about 0.4 miles when going counterclockwise. Trail goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections or to avoid them for safety. There are benches along the route for resting.   According to the park's website, this trail is not considered fully wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller accessible. In the parking lot, there are accessible flush restrooms and water fountains. There are placards along the trail with raised illustrations and Braille explanations. The entry to the Cabin is a raised threshold so entering is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. 

On this trail, you will follow a gentle ridge where you can see great views of Kings Canyon and into nearby Redwood Canyon. The summit of Big Baldy is over 8,000 feet. Even in the summer months, the summit of Big Baldy can be cool and windy. It's a good idea to bring an extra layer for the top, and plenty of water! 

  This quiet river trail follows the South Fork of the Kings River to Roaring River Falls, traveling with a gentle incline. Great for families, this flat trail offers stunning views and colorful wildflowers, especially in Zumwalt Meadow. Bring a bathing suit if you want to take a dip in the pools along the river.  

The Paradise Valley Trail is popular for day hikers and backpackers in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon area. It begins on a sandy path surrounded by huge cliffs. As soon as the sand ends, the lush forest begins. There are smooth, rounded rocks with water features that the Sierra is known for throughout the hike. The incline gets tough around Mist Falls, where it begins a climb up rather steeply along the edge of the valley in sets of stairs. At the top it flattens out as you approach Paradise Valley. It is a beautifully maintained trail and very quiet past Mist Falls. The trail has great views of the roaring river most of the way.  For those making this a backpacking trip, there are three camps: Lower, Middle and Upper paradise. Lower paradise camp is around the six mile (10 km) mark, whereas the route mapped takes you to the upper camp about three miles further than that (9 mi, or 14.5 km). Middle camp has a restroom. Visitors are limited to just two nights in Paradise Valley, due to its popularity.  The 18 miles of trail begin at the Road’s End permit station. There is a parking lot there. Be mindful of black bears in the area, as well as rattlesnakes. Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance in the summer. 

Experience this 4.7-mile loop trail near Hume, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

Discover this 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

Check out this 1.6-mile loop trail near Dunlap, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

Explore this 2.8-mile loop trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 16 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

 Explore this 0.5-mile loop trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 15 min to complete. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Experience this 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Hume, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 59 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Head out on this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near Stony Creek Village, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 50 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Discover this 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 30 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Discover this 1.7-mile loop trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Get to know this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 36 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through August. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail 

 Discover this 7.5-mile loop trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 37 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are February through November. 

 Try this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 23 min to complete. This trail is great for camping and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Head out on this 4.3-mile loop trail near Badger, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 

 Explore this 5.7-mile loop trail near Cedar Grove, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 49 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.