Old Lodgepole Rd Winter Trail - 2.5mi Medium

Q: Do I really need traction devices?

Non-negotiable. The trail is icy and snowy. Hiking without microspikes or snowshoes is a recipe for a twisted ankle or a long, painful fall.

Q: Can I see the General Sherman Tree from the park road?

No. This winter trail is the primary way to reach the tree in the off-season. In summer, a short walk from the parking area gets you there.

Q: How much daylight do I actually have?

In December, sunset is around 4:30pm. Start by 8am to give yourself a comfortable margin. Winter days are short; don't gamble.

Q: What if I turn back halfway?

The round trip is roughly 5 miles. Turning back at mile 1 saves an hour but costs you the payoff. The steep section is the final 0.5 miles, so you can bail early and still have a solid winter outing.

Q: Is this trail marked well enough without a map?

The old roadbed is your primary guide, but snow can obscure it. Bring a map and compass (or GPS) as backup. Cell service is unreliable.

Distance

2.5 mi

Elevation Gain

618 ft

Est. Time

3-4 hours round trip (varies with snow depth and fitness)

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (late November through early April, depending on snow)

Overview

About This Trail

This 2.5-mile one-way winter route follows an old road from Lodgepole Visitor Center to the General Sherman Tree, Earth's most massive organism. Expect easy skiing on the gentle roadbed for most of the distance, but the final steep section will test your quads and technique on ice. Winter snow and icy conditions are relentless—traction devices are non-negotiable. The payoff: solitude in a giant sequoia forest and a view of a tree so large it defies comprehension.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Medium

Trail Highlights

Stand beneath the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Ski through cathedral-like groves of 2,000-year-old giant sequoias. Experience the park's winter silence—few visitors venture here when snow falls.

Insider Tips

• The trail is only occasionally marked—don't hunt for blazes; follow the worn roadbed surface • Wolverton Road crossing at 1.5 miles is a key navigation landmark; if you reach it, you're on track • The steep section sneaks up; you'll round a bend and suddenly be climbing hard • Bring a headlamp even if you plan to be done by 4pm—winter gets dark fast • Early morning is best; afternoon sun-on-snow glare is brutal on unprotected eyes

Best Season to Hike

Winter (late November through early April, depending on snow)

Hiking Tips

Microspikes or snowshoes are mandatory—the trail is icy year-round in winter
Carry minimum 2L water; dehydration sneaks up fast in cold, dry air
Wear layers you can shed; the grind will heat you up despite the cold
The roadbed is your compass—follow the worn path when snow obscures everything
Watch for the steep section in the final 0.5 miles; it arrives suddenly
Bring a headlamp; darkness is your enemy in winter

Family Info

Kids can handle the easy roadbed sections if they have winter skiing/snowshoeing experience and proper traction devices. The steep finale and icy conditions are not suitable for inexperienced young skiers. Cold exposure is real—bring extra layers for children.

What Hikers Say

Skiers praise the solitude and the payoff at the General Sherman Tree, but caution newcomers about the steep final section and the necessity of traction devices. Most report the modest 2.5-mile distance masks a more demanding effort than expected. The snow-draped sequoia forest and quiet are the real rewards.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 618 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours round trip (varies with snow depth and fitness)

Difficulty: Medium

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Old packed roadbed (snow-covered in winter)

Getting There

Trailhead: Lodgepole Visitor Center parking area

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required for day skiing

Fees: $35 entrance fee (private vehicle pass valid 1-7 days)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle available; drive to Lodgepole Visitor Center

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Biking: No. This is a winter skiing and snowshoeing trail only.

Trail Markers: Occasionally marked. The old roadbed itself is the primary navigation aid; follow the worn path through the snow. A map and compass (or GPS) are backup essentials.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Dry trail. Carry all water you'll need (minimum 2L). Do not rely on melted snow or creek water in winter.

Shade: Mostly shaded by dense sequoia forest, with occasional open meadow areas. Winter sun is weak; shade provides little thermal relief.

Cell Service: Spotty to none. Assume no service and tell someone your route before you go.

Hazards:

Steep grade in the final 0.5 miles requires leg strength and technical control on ice—this is where most people struggle. Snow and ice create constant slipping hazards. Trail is only occasionally marked; navigation depends on following the old roadbed. Elevation near 7,000 feet means thin air and rapid dehydration. Winter days are short; leaving at 2pm guarantees darkness on the descent.

Emergency: Lodgepole Visitor Center (nearby). Dial 911 in emergencies, but service is unreliable. Self-rescue is your primary plan.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Light to moderate (winter sports attract dedicated skiers and snowshoers, not casual crowds)

Peak Times: Winter weekends and holidays (Thanksgiving, New Year's, Presidents Day week)

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Accessible parking at Lodgepole Visitor Center. The old roadbed is relatively flat and navigable except for the steep final section. Restrooms are not available at the trailhead.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Lodgepole Visitor Center (maps, ranger info). Lodgepole Campground nearby. Grant Grove area offers lodging and full services (restaurant, store).

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail harder than it looks?

Yes. The easy roadbed lulls you into complacency for the first 2 miles, then the final steep section humbles you. Medium difficulty is accurate for experienced winter athletes, not beginners.

Do I really need traction devices?

Can I see the General Sherman Tree from the park road?

How much daylight do I actually have?

What if I turn back halfway?

Is this trail marked well enough without a map?

📖 National Park Service — Old Lodgepole Road Winter Trail (official page) (checked 2026-07-02) 📖 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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