No permits required. Just pay the $35 park entrance fee per vehicle (valid 1-7 days).

Muir Grove Trail - 4mi Moderate Hike

Q: Is cell service available for emergencies?

Unreliable or absent—don't count on it. Hike with others when possible and be self-sufficient.

Q: Are there bears on the trail?

Yes, black bears are present. Make noise while hiking, never run if sighted, and keep a safe distance. Store all food securely.

Q: How crowded is this trail compared to other sequoia groves?

Much quieter than Giant Forest or Moro Rock. Expect light to moderate traffic, especially on weekends in peak summer.

Q: Can I bring my dog on the trail?

No—pets aren't allowed on trails at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. ADA-qualified service dogs are the only exception.

Distance

4 mi

Est. Time

2-3 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late June through early September

Overview

About This Trail

Escape to a quiet 4-mile round trip through giant sequoias, away from the park's more-crowded groves. The halfway point granite dome offers views of Big Baldy and Chimney Rocks. A moderate hike suitable for most hikers who can manage rocky, uneven terrain. Expect lupine wildflowers mid-summer blooming against cinnamon-red sequoia bark.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

A rare quiet sequoia grove experience away from crowds. The halfway-point granite dome offers views of Big Baldy and Chimney Rocks. Muir Grove itself, named for naturalist John Muir, features towering giant sequoias with minimal visitor traffic. Mid-summer lupine wildflowers create bright blue contrast against cinnamon-red bark.

Insider Tips

• The granite dome at mile 2 is the best photo vantage point—don't skip it; circle around for different angles. • Turn left at the only trail junction to continue to Muir Grove (right leads elsewhere). • Mid-summer lupine colors peak in July; they create striking contrast against cinnamon-red bark. • Take the shuttle early (arrive Lodgepole by 7 AM); free and reliable, and parking lot is closed anyway. • Wear sturdy boots with aggressive tread for rocky descent. • Hike with others when possible given remote location.

Best Season to Hike

Late June through early September

Hiking Tips

Carry minimum 2L water—summer heat is real despite tree cover.
Tighten boots for rocky terrain; trekking poles recommended for descent.
Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
Turn left at the only trail junction to reach Muir Grove.
Make noise while hiking to alert bears.
Take the free shuttle—parking lot is currently closed.

Family Info

Suitable for ages 6+ with adult supervision. Rocky terrain and exposed dome viewpoint edges require careful footing and hand-holding. Younger children (under 6) may struggle with 4-mile distance and 2-3 hour duration.

What Hikers Say

Hikers consistently praise the quiet, uncrowded sequoia experience relative to other park groves. The granite dome viewpoint halfway is noted as a highlight with good photo opportunities. Most complete the hike comfortably in 2-3 hours and rate it moderately challenging but achievable.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Unpaved dirt, rocky and uneven throughout

Getting There

Trailhead: Dorst Creek Campground, near group site B

Fills Up: Varies—campground lot currently closed for winter storm repairs; access via shuttle only

Requirements

Permit Required

None required

Fees: $35 per vehicle (valid 1-7 days for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks)

Shuttle Required

Free Purple Route 3 shuttle available in summer (late June-early September) from Lodgepole Visitor Center, Lodgepole Campground, or Wuksachi Lodge to Dorst Campground stop. Outside summer months, park outside gate and walk in.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No—pets are not permitted on trails at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. ADA-qualified service dogs are the exception.

Trail Markers: Well-maintained and easy to follow with clear trail markings and established path

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No water sources on trail—carry minimum 2L water; dry hike

Shade: Moderate—mixed-conifer forest provides shade; granite dome at mile 2 offers full-sun exposure

Hazards:

Trail surface is rocky and uneven with loose stones throughout; careful foot placement required. Granite dome at mile 2 has exposed edges and drop-offs—stay on marked trail and avoid scrambling beyond established path. Summer heat can be intense despite forest shade; sun exposure at dome viewpoint. No guardrails at viewpoint.

Emergency: Call 911. Nearest ranger station: Lodgepole Visitor Center, approximately 8 miles south via Generals Highway.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Light to moderate—significantly less crowded than other sequoia groves like Giant Forest or Moro Rock

Peak Times: Weekends in July-August during peak vacation season

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rocky, uneven terrain throughout requires stable footing. No facilities at trailhead due to campground closure. Not wheelchair-accessible. Requires shuttle or outside-gate parking.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Dorst Creek Campground (currently closed for repairs). Nearest open facilities: Lodgepole Visitor Center, Lodgepole Campground, and Wuksachi Lodge, approximately 8 miles south.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail suitable for kids?

Yes, ages 6+ with adult supervision. Rocky terrain and exposed dome edges require careful footing and hand-holding for younger kids.

Do I need a permit?

Is cell service available for emergencies?

Are there bears on the trail?

How crowded is this trail compared to other sequoia groves?

Can I bring my dog on the trail?

📖 National Park Service — Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove (official page) (checked 2026-07-03) 📖 National Park Service — Sequoia National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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