My Favorite Sequoia Groves to Explore in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, east of Fresno, California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are among the most awe-inspiring destinations in the United States. These parks, which stretch over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain, are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and, most famously, their towering giant sequoia trees. These ancient giants, some of the oldest and largest living organisms on Earth, have captivated visitors for generations. For anyone who loves nature, history, and exploring the great outdoors, Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer some of the most unforgettable experiences.

One of the park’s most remarkable features is its incredible groves of giant sequoias. These trees are known for their sheer size, with some reaching heights of over 300 feet and living for thousands of years. Each grove in the park has its own unique character and charm, offering different ways to experience the beauty of these ancient trees. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk among the giants or a more challenging hike to deeper groves, the parks have something to offer every kind of adventurer.

From the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world, to the lesser-known, serene groves like Muir Grove, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to see. Many of these groves are accessible by short walks, while others require a bit more effort to reach, but the payoff is always worth it. With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to start, so I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorites. These are the places where I feel most connected to the awe-inspiring power of nature and where the spirit of adventure is alive in every step. Here are a few Sequoia groves that I highly recommend checking out, each offering a unique way to experience the majesty of the giant sequoias.

The General Grant Tree is the largest giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in the General Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park. It is also the oldest and the second largest tree in the world standing 267 feet tall, and nearly 29 feet wide at the base. A paved 0.8-mile loop explores the grove of giant sequoias around the General Grant Tree and you can extend your hike in this area by checking out North Boundary Trail, North Grove Trail, and Dead Giant Loop Trail, or by following the trail between Grant Grove and Grant Village. Expect General Grant Tree Trail (the loop through the heart of the Grant Grove) to be filled with other hikers, informative panels, and astonishing trees.

2. Giant Forest

Giant Forest is the largest and finest forest of giant sequoias in the world, with many portions where other species of trees are practically excluded by the density of the large sequoias. Contains three of the largest known trees—General Sherman, Lincoln, and President—as well as hundreds of other giants. The forest covers 2,387 acres. Located between the Marble and Middle Forks of the Kaweah River, at 5,000 to 7,000 feet elevation, on the Generals Highway.

3. Lost Grove

Lost Grove is a small but beautiful old-growth sequoia grove on the Generals’ Highway, midway between Grant Grove and the Giant Forest. It covers 57 acres and contains 15 trees more than 10 feet in diameter. Near the northwest boundary of the park. It’s a popular stopping point since visitors can easily stop and see the sequoias without hiking or taking any shuttles. Parking is readily available in large pullouts on both sides of the road.

As a hiking destination, Lost Grove doesn’t really have a lot to see; the best trees are right by the side of the road. There is, however, a short section of trail through the old-growth that can be explored in a few minutes.

4. Muir Grove

Muir Grove is a giant sequoia grove in Sequoia National Park of the Tulare County, which covers about 215 acres (0.87 km2). The grove, located in the northwest corner of the park, is accessed by the Muir Grove Trail which begins from the Dorst Creek Campground. Because of its relatively remote location in the park, it is significantly less visited than the more popular groves of large sequoia trees in the park.

The trail is 4 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 500feet. This enjoyable walk through lush woodland leads to the edge of an old-growth sequoia grove. There aren’t any sequoias along the way, and at the end of the trail only see a dozen or so of the big trees are visible, but the attractiveness of the woods makes it a worthwhile walk nonetheless. The trail is a great sampling of Sierra woodland scenery, with two burbling creeks, a nice view, pleasant pine woods, and some huge trees, all in a short, easy walk.

5. Redwood Mountain Grove

Redwood Canyon Grove Loop Trail offers some of the last remaining natural groves of giant sequoias in the world today, and they are also the very biggest in the world. The distance to do the Hart/Redwood Creek Loop is 7.3 miles and the Sugar Bowl Trail Loop is 9.6 miles. Here is the map of the Redwood Canyon to see the details of the trail.

Here is an additional list of groves to check it out.