Muir Grove Trail - 4mi Moderate Hike

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Trail Surface: Unpaved dirt, rocky and uneven throughout
Trail Features: Giant sequoias
Mixed-conifer forest
Granite dome viewpoint
Big Baldy views
Chimney Rocks views
Lupine wildflowers (mid-summer)
Named after naturalist John Muir
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Dorst Creek Campground, near group site B
Parking Fill Time: Varies—campground lot currently closed for winter storm repairs; access via shuttle only
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: 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.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: $35 per vehicle (valid 1-7 days for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks)
Trail Status: Trail open and maintained. Trailhead parking unavailable—shuttle access only (campground closed for repairs).
Seasonal Closures: Dorst Creek Campground shuttle operates late June through early September only. Outside these dates, park outside the gate and access on foot.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No water sources on trail—carry minimum 2L water; dry hike
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain
Exposure at granite dome viewpoint
Summer heat despite shade
Hazard Details: 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.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate—significantly less crowded than other sequoia groves like Giant Forest or Moro Rock
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends in July-August during peak vacation season
Best Season: Late June through early September
Best Time To Visit: Late June through early September while Dorst Campground shuttle operates. Start by 6 AM to beat afternoon heat. Mid-summer (July-August) brings lupine wildflower blooms.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Sequoia National Park - Dorst Creek Area
Trail Markers: Well-maintained and easy to follow with clear trail markings and established path
Dogs Allowed: No—pets are not permitted on trails at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. ADA-qualified service dogs are the exception.
Shade Level: Moderate—mixed-conifer forest provides shade; granite dome at mile 2 offers full-sun exposure
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Nearest ranger station: Lodgepole Visitor Center, approximately 8 miles south via Generals Highway.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December-May typically—snow closes most park roads; winter access requires parking outside gate
Mud Season: Spring (April-June)—snowmelt runoff may create muddy or wet sections
Wildflower Peak: Mid-summer (July-August)—lupine blooms bright blue
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.
Recent Updates: Dorst Creek Campground parking lot closed through summer 2026 for repairs from winter storm damage. Trailhead parking unavailable; access via free Purple Route 3 shuttle from Lodgepole only. Trail itself remains open and maintained.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Dorst Creek Campground (currently closed for repairs). Nearest open facilities: Lodgepole Visitor Center, Lodgepole Campground, and Wuksachi Lodge, approximately 8 miles south.
Review Summary: 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.