North Grove Loop Winter Trail

A snowshoer looking up at a sequoia on the North Grove Loop.

A gentle loop through ancient giant sequoias, designed for winter skiers and snowshoers. The North Grove Loop serves up forest immersion without brutality—1.9 miles of rolling terrain through a magnificently groved landscape. Snowy and icy conditions require traction devices or skis; hiking without them is not recommended. Accessible facilities at the trailhead, manageable elevation gain, and a well-marked path make this winter workout doable for moderate fitness.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 300

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 300
Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on fitness, snow depth, and time spent at viewpoints
Trail Surface: Snow and ice on winter road. Packed snow typical; icy sections likely at shaded turns.
Trail Features: Giant sequoia groves
Snow-covered forest canopy
Dead charred sequoia tree (rare fire damage, halfway around loop)
Red trail markers
Gentle rolling terrain
Protected forest setting
Trail Highlights: Skiing through a magnificent grove of ancient giant sequoias in deep snow. The rare fire-damaged sequoia halfway around the loop is a striking reminder of the species' fire resistance. Forest immersion without steep technical sections.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: End of Lower Grant Tree parking area (General Grant Tree parking lot, Grant Grove)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Drive to Lower Grant Tree parking area.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for this trail.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (valid 1-7 days for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District). Trail use is free.
Trail Status: Open during winter months when snow conditions are suitable and Highway 180 is passable
Seasonal Closures: Closed or inaccessible during autumn (pre-snow) and spring (melt phase). Highway 180 can close without notice during heavy snow. Check NPS website before departure.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Dry trail—carry your water. Snow can be melted if you have a stove, but don't rely on it.
Accessibility: Flat to gently rolling terrain with no severe steeps. Accessible parking and flush restrooms at trailhead. Drinking fountains available. Well-packed snow surface is more accessible than ungroomed terrain, but winter conditions are inherently less accessible than summer.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Snowy and icy conditions
Sharp downhill curves (especially on clockwise direction)
Low visibility in heavy snow or whiteout
Hypothermia risk in prolonged exposure
Avalanche risk on steeper sections (rare but possible)
Hazard Details: Trail is snowy and icy year-round in winter season. NPS explicitly advises against hiking without traction devices—this is non-negotiable. The downhill curves present real risk if you lose control; counterclockwise descent is safer. Whiteout conditions can happen fast; turn back if visibility drops. Cold dehydration and hypothermia are silent killers on this trail; carry water and monitor yourself constantly.
Crowd Level: Moderate. Winter specialty trail has lower demand than summer routes, but weekends and holidays can see consistent traffic.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and school holidays during December and January
Best Season: Winter (December through March, depending on snow accumulation and road access)
Best Time To Visit: December through March when snow is stable. Start early—by 9 AM—to ski before afternoon sun softens the snow. Check NPS website for road closures before driving; Highway 180 can close without notice during heavy snow.
Tips Advice: Ski counterclockwise to avoid the sharpest downhill curves.
Carry 2L water minimum—cold air dehydrates you as much as heat.
Traction devices or skis are mandatory; hiking without them will fail.
Red markers are your lifeline; stay on them.
Wear layers; you'll heat up on the ascents and freeze on the flats.
Trekking poles help on the descent and assist with balance on ice.
No phones work reliably here; tell someone your plan.

More details

Park Area: Grant Grove
Trail Markers: Red markers—well marked throughout the loop. Maintain visual contact with markers in snow.
Dogs Allowed: false
Biking Allowed: false
Shade Level: Mostly shaded by the dense sequoia canopy. Limited sun exposure; hypothermia risk on cloudy, windy days.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 or contact Kings Canyon National Park ranger station via park phone (reception may be limited in heavy snow). Tell someone your expected return time before you leave.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December through March (timing varies by year based on snowfall)
Mud Season: N/A—winter trail only, inaccessible without snow
Wildflower Peak: N/A—winter trail
Fall Colors Peak: N/A—winter trail
Bug Season: N/A—winter trail
Insider Tips: Ski counterclockwise—the clockwise descent has tighter switchbacks you don't want on skis.
Halfway around the loop you'll see the massive dead charred sequoia—worth the photo but don't dawdle; stay warm.
Early morning powder is fastest and safest; afternoon sun crusts the surface.
The false summit at mile 1 tempts you to turn back; ignore it and keep going.
Bring goggles if you have them; snow glare is real.
Check the NPS snow report before driving; Highway 180 closures happen without warning.
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families with winter sports competency (skis or snowshoes required). Children need proper winter skills and equipment. Stay together through the downhill sections with sharp curves; hold hands on the steeper parts. Supervision is mandatory. Not recommended for toddlers or non-skiers.
Nearby Facilities: Grant Grove Visitor Center is nearby. Restrooms and drinking fountains at the trailhead. Winter services are limited; stock up in the town of Grant Grove before entering the park.
Review Summary: This is the winter trail for skiers who want forest immersion without suffering. Accessible facilities and well-marked path make it confidence-building. Hikers say the 300-foot elevation gain feels gentle and the sequoia setting is unmatched. The main complaint: sharp curves on the clockwise descent scare nervous skiers—go counterclockwise.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I hike this trail without skis or snowshoes?

No. NPS explicitly advises against hiking without traction devices due to snowy and icy conditions. You will slip, fall, and fail. Skis, snowshoes, or microspikes are mandatory.

Is this trail safe to do alone?

Not ideal. Winter conditions isolate you quickly; cell service is unreliable. Buddy system is safer. If you go solo, tell someone your plan and expected return time. Carry a whistle and emergency supplies.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderate fitness is fine. The 300-foot elevation gain is gentle. The real demand is winter endurance—you're working in cold for 1.5–2.5 hours. If you can ski an hour without stopping, you're ready.

What gear do I absolutely need?

Skis or snowshoes, winter boots, traction devices (if hiking—but don't), layers (never cotton), hat, gloves, goggles, and 2L water. Trekking poles help on descent. A headlamp extends your window if you start late.

What if the road to the trailhead is closed?

Highway 180 closes without notice in heavy snow. Check the NPS website before driving. If it's closed, you cannot access this trail. Plan a backup lower-elevation route.