HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

General Sherman Tree Trail

1 miout-and-back
200 ftelevation gain
25mmoving time
200 ft/miaverage climb

General Sherman Tree Trail is a 1 mi out-and-back with 200 ft of climbing — about 25m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 70% of it is shaded.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 4 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Refill not checked ☀️ 70% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved path, stairs, steep return

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

General Sherman Tree Trail charges in hours, not miles.

1 mi and 200 ft of climbing work out to 25m of moving time — before you stop for anything. We have not verified a refill point on this route. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

25mmoving time, no breaks
0.2–0.4 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–30 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

200 ft per mile 2nd steepest of the 5 trails we've measured in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
70% shaded Mostly tree cover — a workable afternoon

In July, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks runs around 76°F at the main visitor elevation.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

This Afternoon

77°F · Sunny · wind 10 mph

NOAA forecast for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Fire Restrictions in Place

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at all low-elevation campgrounds and picnic areas. Additional restrictions apply. Click "more" for details.

Live NPS alert for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does General Sherman Tree Trail take?

About 25m of moving time for 1 mi and 200 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on General Sherman Tree Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.2–0.4 L, cool day to hot. We have not verified a refill point on the route. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on General Sherman Tree Trail?

No — General Sherman Tree Trail is closed to dogs. Our Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is General Sherman Tree Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 4. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike General Sherman Tree Trail?

About 70% of the route is shaded, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks peaks around 76°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.