LODGEPOLE DAY HIKES

There are some fantastic day hikes in and around the Lodgepole area and the Giant Forest area of the Sequoia Forest. Maps and descriptions of the trails in this area are sold at the Visitor Center Book Stores at Lodgepole, Ash Mountain, Grant Grove and Cedar Grove inside the National Forest. Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

Tokopah Falls:

The trail to Tokopah Falls starts just beyond the Log Bridge in Lodgepole Campground. It is an easy 1.7 mile (one way) walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the impressive granite cliffs and waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. Tokopah Falls is 1200' (365.8 meters) high, and is most impressive in early summer, when the run-off from the melting snowpack in the Pear Lake region upstream is at its peak.

Little Baldy Trail:

The trail to the summit of Little Baldy begins 11 miles north of the Giant Forest Village on the Generals Highway. This trail is 1.7 miles one way, and climbs 700' (213.3 meters). At an elevation of 8044' (2451.8 meters) the granite dome of Little Baldy is an excellent location from which to study the terrain of the Giant Forest Region.

The Lakes Trail:

The popular Lakes Trail begins at Wolverton picnic area and ascends steeply to a chain of glacial lakes. Heather Lake, the first lake on the trail, is 4 miles from Wolverton. Camping is not permitted at Heather Lake, but backpacking permits are available for Emerald and Pear Lakes, 5.7 miles and 6.7 miles respectively from the trailhead.

Alta Peak Trail

: "Alta" means "high" in Spanish, and Alta Peak provides some of the best views and high-country scenery within day-hiking distance of the Lodgepole/Wolverton area. On a clear day, you can even see across the Great Western Divide to Mt. Whitney from the summit of Alta Peak (11,204'/3415 meters). However, the steep grades and high altitudes along this trail make it one of the most strenuous in the western half of Sequoia National Park. Don't try this hike unless you are in good physical condition. The 13.8 mile round-trip hike to Alta Peak begins at the Wolverton picnic area. Backcountry permits are also available for this trail.

Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

For More Information

Sequoia National Forest      
900 West Grand Avenue
Porterville, CA 93257
559-784-1500

Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
Three Rivers, CA 93271
760-565-3341
SEKI_Interpretation@nps.gov