If you want to get out in the great outdoors and explore California’s beautiful Sequoia National Forest, look no further than this picturesque area. 

Home of dramatic mountains with lush trees covering them like a green blanket on top of our pristine blue waters. It has hidden hot springs that seep into stones, ready for anyone who wishes to dip their feet or let loose after being confined all day at work. This forest has something waiting just about anywhere one might go!

You can visit Sequoia National Forest for free and experience the breathtaking views of granite tower peaks and giant sequoias trees without paying an entrance fee.

While many people know Sequoia National Forest is home to some of California’s most magnificent trees, it also offers an extensive hiking trail system. This blog post will provide helpful tips for making your trip safe and enjoyable in the forest!

If you’re looking for an exciting day hike, Sequoia National Forest has some of the best trails!

Hikes in the Sequoia National Forest are great for humans and dogs alike. If you bring your pup on any of my hikes, be prepared to take these few things with me: 

-A dog license from their local shelter or animal control office (in case we get lost) -Leashes up high enough so they can’t chew them while hiking along trails

Trail of 100 Giants

Trail of 100 Giants provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. The short family-friendly route allows you to see some incredible trees that are centuries old, making this one of the best trails in Sequoia National Forest!

The Trail of 100 Giants is a great way to explore the beauty of Sequoia National Forest without any pesky visitors getting in your shot. The trails follow old cattle routes, leading through the deep forest filled with giant trees- some tall or taller than those found within their park equivalent!

Parking is a hot commodity for visitors to this popular hiking spot, but luckily you have options. The lot from the Trail Of 100 Giants has been reserved so that people can enjoy their day peacefully with plenty of space between them! It’s $10 per car, which covers parking AND Restroom usage (because we know how often those happen).

The Trail of 100 Giants is a short but scenic hiking trail filled with informative signs describing the ancient sequoias and their history. The most impressive trees along this path include The Proclamation Tree, which stands over 2000 years old.

  • Length: 1.3-mile-long loop
  • Time: 1-2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Dome Rock Trail

When looking for a day hike that will make your heart soar, look no further than the Dome Rock Trail in Sequoia National Forest. You can easily combine this with another of our favorite hikes – The Trail Of 100 Giants!

Making both trips on weekends is affordable and offers a fantastic opportunity to see two unique landmarks while still experiencing all they have provided en route (and at base).

You can’t beat the view from up here! You’ll look at all those mountains, the valley below, and forests far away. It’s worth taking your time to ensure you don’t miss any details before heading back down. 

Because driving around this giant rock formation- there isn’t much left to see until our next destination: Mount Pilatus (the highest point near Lake Tahoe).

The Dome Rock Viewpoint allows visitors to experience nature at its most beautiful as they take in all the sights and sounds found on this granite outcrop. A trip up here is adventurous and gives one pause to think about how small we are within our environment.

It’s hard enough reaching the top without having any worries below tempting you off-balance; however, going too far might cause injury.

  • Length: 0.5 miles there and back
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Johnsondale Bridge River Trail

The Hike to Johnsondale Bridge River Trail in Sequoia National Forest is one of the most scenic hikes you will ever take. This moderate hike travels along a narrow path with rocky parts and exposed tree roots, so good hiking shoes are highly recommended!

The gorgeous, forested River Trail is a great place to go for an outdoor adventure. There are multiple access points throughout the trail, so you can find your own pace and enjoy all that nature has in store! The launching point of local white water rafting companies could not be perfect if it tried. 

This spot will bring back memories with its picturesque views or give a new perspective on what “river” really means after experiencing something like fly fishing near gradients over 30 degrees (1).

The hike starts with an incline but quickly flattens out. This is perfect for those who want to speed up their walk and avoid steepness or long distances, especially if the weather starts getting hot! You can go as far down the river trail before turning around at all times – it’s your choice.

  • Length: 5.2 miles there and back
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Unal Trail

Head to Unal Trail to escape cool mountain air when the summer heat becomes unbearable. The hike offers beautiful scenery and refreshing waterfalls on your way up!

The Unal Trail starts at the small Alta Sierra mountain community just a short drive north of Lake Isabella. One designated area to park off Rancheria Road across from USFS Summit Fire Station.

The Unal Trail is a hike that will have you climbing steadily up for the first part of your journey. Still, once it starts gaining altitude, things become less complicated. The path narrows and widens as well, so there are not any steep sections or long distances where one has an opportunity to get tired out before they even start!

The hike to the top of this mountain is not very challenging. Still, it does offer beautiful scenery that you can enjoy while hiking. Along your journey up, there are views across an extensive forest and smaller mountains in the distance.

  • Length: 3.5-mile-long loop
  • Time: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Isabella Peak – Coso Mine Loop Trail

Hiking the Isabella Peak: Coso Mine Loop Trail is a great way to spend your day if you are visiting Lake Isabella. The views this hike offers make it one of our favorites and will provide something different than other hikes in the area!

The Isabella Peak/Coso Mine Loop Trail in the southern part of Sequoia National Forest provides a stunning 360-degree view from Lake Isabella. You can take your time exploring this beautiful area while enjoying some incredible scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities along the way!

Take a left from the Hungry Gulch campground gate at the first sign of Coso Mine Loop Trail. This will lead you to your starting point for this adventure!

This hiking trail offers stunning views of the Isabella Mountains and the surrounding area. The scenery changes as you hike up, with some steep sections that lead to two different panoramic overlooks along your journey!

This hike is best done in the early morning before it gets too hot. The second part of this trail travels through exposed hills with little to no shade, so pack some water and sunscreen!

 

  • Length: 2.3-mile-long loop
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Remington Hot Spring Trail

When you want to experience hidden, hot springs, the Remington Hot Spring Trail is your best bet! A short but fun hike within Kern River Canyon will reveal one of California’s most unique natural assets.

The drive to Remington Hot Springs is not too challenging, especially if you’re using a car. The visitor parking lot can be found off Cort 214/Kern Canyon Road. It will take most people 15 minutes from Lake Isabella or an hour in total driving time with no traffic!

What are you waiting for? The hot springs at Remington Hot Springs are hidden in a serene setting next to the Kern River, with large boulders and trees surrounding it. It’s only 0.2 miles long but steep, so be prepared!

Remington Hot Springs has a few different pools for visitors to soak in with various temperatures – natural ones made of big rocks and manufactured ones. Their scenic location makes them so popular among travelers, both local community members and tourists alike!

  • Length: 0.4 miles there and back
  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Mill Creek Trail

Mill Creek Trail in Sequoia National Forest is a great day hike for those who live nearby or are looking to get away from it all. The trailhead can be found just 40 minutes east of Bakersfield, so you’ll have plenty of time before your adventure takes off!

Mill Creek Trail is a hidden treasure in the heart of Kern County, just waiting to be discovered by those looking for an escape from it all. The natural beauty that can be found here makes this trail worth visiting anytime during any season, especially when flowers are everywhere!

The Mill Creek Trailhead is an easy spot to find. If you’re coming from Bakersfield, Highway 178 will take most of the way there. After a right, turn off onto Kern Canyon Road/Cort 214, which leads directly into it with only about 15 minutes before reaching your destination!

Mill Creek Trail is a challenging hike that will take 15 miles from start to finish, but most people only go as far as they can before turning around. The trail has an elevation gain of 4200 feet over the entire course, and it’s not technical at all–just very long!

  • Length: 15 miles there and back 
  • Difficulty Level: Hard
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes

Kern River Trail

If you are looking for a scenic day hike alongside one of the most beautiful rivers in California, look no further than this trail. The Kern River provides stunning views and endless opportunities to stop along your journey so take advantage while it’s still hot!

The Kern River Trail is only 6 miles long. Still, it’s a great beginner hike if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some beautiful wildflowers when temperatures are still moderate. I wouldn’t recommend visiting this trail in summer because of how hot things can get here at 100+ degrees Fahrenheit!

The Kern River Trail is one of our favorite hikes in all the Sierras. It’s scenic, with great views, and has plenty to keep you entertained on your hike and at the campground after the cookout! We recommend parking near Highway 178 across Delonegha Day Use Area if entering Bakersfield. That’ll put you next door for easy access when it’s time to hit some trails (and practice theories!).

After parking, you must cross Highway 178 and climb through a fence. Then it is just about an 800-yard hike on paved trails along the Kern River before reaching your final destination at Lake Isabella!

Kern River has always been dangerous, but now it’s even more so. At the beginning of this trail, there are some access points to go down into its depths and take in all those thrilling rapids – remember that you’re playing with fire!

  • Length: 6 miles there and back
  • Time: 3-4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Yes