Over a million people pour into Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks a year. Many of them are motivated to see the world’s largest tree, General Sherman.
Despite the millions of visitors, these parks make for the perfect solo trip. They made my list as one of the five parks perfect for solo travel. Click here to see what other parks made the list.
Read: 5 National parks that are perfect for solo travel
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What You Need to Know About Hiking in Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon are two different parks but only separated by an hour.
Sequoia is the first park you will enter. Drive past General Sherman (the world’s largest tree), and you will find Kings Canyon, the deepest canyon in the US and the home of the nation’s official Christmas tree.
So, I love visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon because you essentially get two parks in one. That means there is a wide variety of trails you can take, perfect for safe and peaceful solo hiking.
What Makes a Trail Best for Solo Hiking?
Read: Is It Safe to Hike Alone? 10 Solo Hiking Tips
I first started solo traveling to national parks because the pandemic upended my plans to travel to Africa. Hiking in such beautiful places offered me a sense of wonder and accomplishment.
Likewise, many other travelers found enjoyment at the parks during the pandemic, and now, national park visitation numbers are skyrocketing.
Because of this, the most iconic and popular hikes are not ideal for solo hiking unless you go early in the morning. Trails that are longer and more difficult are best for escaping the crowds and feeling present in nature.
What Are the Best Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon for Solo Hiking?
- If you are an experienced solo hiker and want a challenge, try Mist Falls and Big Baldy.
- If you are a solo photographer and want unforgettable photos, hike Tokopah Falls, Congress Trail Loop, and Big Baldy.
- If you are a solo traveler looking for peace and reflection, stroll along Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls and Congress Trail Loop.
Hike Without Much Effort to Tokopah Falls
- Length: 4.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 639 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
One of my favorite solo hikes in the park is Tokopah Falls. I had low expectations for this hike, but it was quite the experience because I managed to spot a brown bear on this trail.
Noah’s take: Although I like having space on trails, I was not completely alone on this trail, so I was not too nervous about the bear encounter. When I hike in bear country, I like finding less busy trails, but not trails where I am completely isolated.
This trail is perfect for a midday/sunset hike since it is not too difficult. You will encounter fewer people admiring the tallest waterfall in the park if you take this trail later in the day.
Noah’s take: This trail is right at the base of the Lodgepole Campground, so if you camp at Lodgepole, it is very convenient to access.
Hike Extra to Have the Best Experience on Congress Trail Loop
- Length: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 495 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
If you only have time to do one trail in the park, do this one. It features the largest tree in the world, General Sherman, along with incredible groupings of Sequoias.
Noah’s take: Many tourists just hike to the Sherman tree and then stop. Don’t make that mistake, hike the entire loop! It will make for an unforgettable solo hike.
Although more people concentrate at the Sherman tree, this trail can get a little busy since it is in the most famous area of the park. So, it is best to visit the Congress Trail in the morning, before midday when crowds are highest.
Solo Hike Big Baldy in Kings Canyon for an Unforgettable Sunset
- Length: 6.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Drive 30 minutes past General Sherman to hit this incredible ridge trail. There are only a few spaces along the road to park at the trailhead, so it is quite isolated.
Noah’s take: Again, I had low expectations for this trek, but it turned out to be one of my favorite sunsets I have ever experienced.
Wildfires are somewhat common in this section of the park, and sometimes, “controlled burns” are carried out to decrease the impact of the fires. So, it is important to ensure the trail is safe for solo hiking.
If it is safe for hiking, you should aim to hike to the top of Big Baldy during sunset. You might be rewarded with insane colors that are even more vivid because of the wildfire smoke.
Noah’s take: This trail is definitely a hidden gem in the park. It is not too strenuous, so I highly recommend it for a safe, reflective solo hike.
Challenge Yourself With the Long Trek to Mist Falls
- Distance: 8.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 879 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
*Currently, as of November 2023, the road that leads to Mist Falls is severely damaged from flooding. Hopefully, the road will be fixed soon because this is one of the best hikes in Kings Canyon. For more information, please visit this link.
This trail is located at the very end of the road in Kings Canyon. Since it is more difficult to reach, fewer people hike this trail. However, it is probably the most famous trail in Kings Canyon. So, do not expect to be completely isolated.
Noah’s take: Although I like being alone on a trail, for longer and more difficult hikes, it is a good idea to find a somewhat popular route, so you can remain safe.
This is a wide, fairly flat trail that leads to a misty fall. You walk along the Kings River as the towering granite cliffs fill the sky.
Noah’s take: It is not the most impressive waterfall but truly the best way to experience the canyon. I enjoyed the journey to the falls just as much as actually making it to the iconic landmark.
Stroll in Zumwalt Meadow for a Peaceful Solo Experience
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 364 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
*Currently, as of November 2023, the road that leads to Zumwalt Meadow is severely damaged from flooding. For more information, please visit this link.
If you prefer a shorter, less popular trail than Mist Falls, opt for Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park.
Noah’s take: This trail is not super exciting. It is perfect if you want to cool down and be surrounded by a picturesque Sierra meadow.
Many hikers also have reported that this trail gets buggy. Maybe pack the bug spray so you will enjoy this hike and be able to clear your mind.
Now, Try One of these Solo Hikes and Elevate Your Solo Trip
Solo hiking is an extremely rewarding activity. It can also be chaotic and loud as trails in many national parks are increasing in popularity.
Try hiking one of these five hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for the best chance of a rewarding solo experience.
Love solo hiking? Read more of my solo hiking guides.