The best walks and hikes in Tulare County
4.7
(915)
10,198
hikers
185
hikes
Hiking in Tulare County is centered around the Sierra Nevada mountains, encompassing significant portions of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The region's geography ranges from river-carved canyons to high-elevation granite peaks, characterized by ancient forests of giant sequoias. This diverse landscape provides a network of trails through varied terrain, including mountainous areas and alpine lakes.
Best hiking trails in Tulare County
- The most popular hiking route is General Sherman Tree Trail, a 1.4 miles (2.2 km) trail that takes about 38 minutes to complete. This accessible path leads to the world's largest tree by volume.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Tokopah Falls Trail, an easy 4.1 miles (6.6 km) path. The route follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the base of a waterfall.
- Local hikers also love the Moro Rock Trail, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) trail leading through forest to a granite dome, often completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Hiking in Tulare County is defined by giant sequoia groves, granite domes, and river canyons. The trail network offers options for different ability levels, from short, family-friendly hikes to more challenging high-elevation routes.
- The routes in Tulare County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 11,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Tulare County's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.7
(52)
1,189
hikers
2.20km
00:39
50m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(35)
272
hikers
22.2km
07:32
1,440m
740m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(98)
1,002
hikers
6.63km
01:55
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(14)
215
hikers
11.5km
03:21
290m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(11)
215
hikers
6.84km
01:56
120m
110m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(3)
113
hikers
14.0km
04:30
60m
1,600m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(11)
129
hikers
3.31km
00:56
60m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
49
hikers
9.91km
03:25
660m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
48
hikers
15.4km
04:33
380m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(3)
51
hikers
3.36km
01:01
180m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Tulare County
Hiking in Sequoia National Park
Hiking in Sequoia National Forest
Hiking in Giant Sequoia National Monument
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Hiking around Silver City
Hiking around Wilsonia
Hiking in Milk Ranch-Case Mountain Wilderness Study Area
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Hiking around Three Rivers
Other adventures in Tulare County
Tips from the Community
One of the most beautiful and impressive hikes I have ever done.
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Just a couple of miles from the Wolverton Trailhead, Heather Lake is a good half-day snoshoe destination on mostly flat to moderate terrain. In winter it is frozen and covered under a thick layer of snow.
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Spectacular overlook to Mirror Lake to the north, while Lone Pine Creek drops to the East
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While the main Mt Whitney Trail climbs gradually southwest, the most direct trail up to Mt Whitney summit continues here straight west, along the north fork of Lone Pine Creek, to Iceberg Lake. From there, the trail turns into a steep climb up a narrow couloir .that requires some scrambling and a helmet due to lose rocks that can fall, particularly if there are several climbers.
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Just off the Mt Whitney Trail, Lone Pine creek drops several feet deep off a cliff, providing a scenic spot and even a great shower opportunity
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Outpost Camp is located 3.8 miles from the Whitney Portal trail-head and is a good stopping point if you want to sleep down a bit lower at 10,400 feet rather than proceeding up to Trail Camp at 12,000 feet. Some hikers use this intermediate camp in order to acclimate at a slower pace before ascending to Trail Camp. There are excellent camp sites at Outpost Camp and plenty of water available during years of normal snowfall. Being below timberline, Outpost Camp offers a stark contrast with its green meadows and meandering streams in comparison with the rocky terrain at Trail Camp which is located above timberline.
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Emerald lake in a high alpine bowl, with only one outflow. The water refills from snowmelt every year
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Spectacular overlook of the pristine alpine lake, surrounded by peaks exceeding 12,000 ft
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good waterfall hikes in Tulare County?
Yes, the area has several rewarding waterfall trails. For a moderately challenging option, the Marble Falls trail in Sequoia National Park is a great choice, leading you through chaparral to a beautiful cascade. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 6.3 miles (10.2 km).
What are some easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Tulare County is very accommodating for families. A wonderful option is the General Grant Trail loop in Kings Canyon National Park. It's an easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) walk that allows you to experience the giant sequoias without a strenuous climb.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Dog access is limited on most trails within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can find dog-friendly options outside the main park boundaries. The Kaweah Oaks Preserve is a popular spot where leashed dogs are welcome on the trails through woodlands and open spaces.
Which trails offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking views, the hike to Little Baldy in Sequoia National Park is an excellent choice. This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) trail rewards you with expansive 360-degree views of the Great Western Divide and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape from its granite summit.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
Absolutely. For a strenuous but rewarding day, consider the Watchtower Trail & Lakes Trail loop. This demanding 12.4-mile (19.9 km) circuit in Sequoia National Park features significant elevation gain and offers stunning views of alpine lakes and rugged mountain scenery.
How many hiking trails are available in Tulare County?
There are over 140 designated hiking routes in Tulare County, ranging from easy strolls through giant sequoia groves to difficult multi-day treks in the high Sierra. The network provides options for all fitness and experience levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Tulare County?
The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the awe-inspiring scale of the giant sequoia trees and the dramatic beauty of the granite peaks and canyons.
Are there any good circular hikes?
Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. The Sunset Trail Loop in Kings Canyon National Park is a moderately difficult 7.4-mile (11.9 km) hike that takes you through beautiful forest scenery and offers a more secluded experience.
What is the best time of year to hike in Tulare County?
The best time to hike depends on elevation. Lower elevation trails are accessible year-round, though summers can be very hot. For high-elevation trails in the Sierra Nevada, the ideal season is from late spring to early fall (typically June through October) when the snow has melted and the weather is more stable.
Where can I see the General Sherman Tree?
The General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree by volume, is the main feature of the General Sherman Tree loop in Sequoia National Park. This popular 6-mile (9.7 km) trail is a moderate hike that explores the heart of the Giant Forest.
What are some of the most popular places to hike in Tulare County?
Several areas are local favorites for hiking. Key destinations include:
- Moro Rock Trail: A highly-rated trail known for its dramatic stairway carved into a granite dome, leading to panoramic summit views.
- Trail of 100 Giants: An exceptionally popular and accessible path that meanders through a magnificent grove of giant sequoias in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
- Kaweah Oaks Preserve: A peaceful nature preserve favored by locals for easy walks and wildlife viewing.
Most popular routes in Tulare County
Most popular attractions in Tulare County
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