Why drive all the way to Yosemite when you can walk among giant Sequoia trees that are 1,500 years old in the Long Meadow Grove, just 50 minutes north of Kern River's Edge Campground near Kern River. This over one-mile hiking trail is paved with several loop options and interpretive signs that highlight the trails uniqueness. Perfect for most all abilities. Get up close, smell, touch and feel these giants!
This scenic mountain drive can add to your visit to Kernville and the Kern River in numerous ways.
· Perfect family 1/2 day trip or multi-day getaway
· A must see for your Adventure Itinerary!
· Raft in the morning, hike the trail in afternoon
· Hike in the morning, raft in the afternoon
· Perfect side-trip when you are camping @ KRE - Hike the Trail and then explore the natural, rock water slides, and later on roast marshmallows around the campfire under the stars!
About the Giant Sequoias
Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grow only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada in California. The groves are scattered over a narrow 260-mile belt 15 miles wide between the elevations of 5,000 - 7,500 feet.
"A notable site along the Trail is where two giant sequoias fell on Friday September 30, 2011. The two trees had grown together at the base, appearing as one for approximately the first 30 feet. Then, during the winter 2018-2019 another large tree fell across these trees, damaging the newly constructed boardwalk. Forest tree specialists visited the site after both occurred and found no evidence of insects or disease contributing to the fall of the giant sequoias. Streams run alongside where the giant sequoias once stood, with the wet winters of 2010/11, and again in 2018/19 the ground was likely saturated and simply gave way to the weight of the trees." For a deeper look at information on the Giants, check out Sequoia National Forest.
Click here to learn about the flora and fauna surrounding the Giants.
Pro Tip: Roads leading to the Giants are closed by snow during winter months.
How to Get to the Giants
Located on the Western Divide Highway (M 107) approximately 45 miles northwest of Kernville. Trail facilities include a paved parking area, restrooms, and picnic area. From Kern River's Edge Campground turn left (north) and follow the signs; it's really easy to get to the Trail of 100 Giants!
Know before you go
There is a $12.00 parking fee per vehicle to help maintain and improve these facilities. The roads leading to the Trail of 100 Giants are typically closed by snow during the winter months (November thru April). Pack water, food or snacks, and an extra jacket because temperatures here are usually about 10 degrees cooler than in Kernville.
Related Content: Is Kern River dangerous and can you swim in it?
Care-for-It
Recreating responsibly includes packing trash bags to leave our wild spaces cleaner than you found them. There is a glass ban in the Sequoia National Forest, so remember to use plastic storage containers, ziploc bags, or bota bags for camping gear and kitchen supplies instead of glass. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out what you pack in. See more Kern River camping tips.
Other family activities!
Locals secret Waterslides
Thank you for visiting Kern River's Edge Campground. Come camp with us soon!
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