Old Lodgepole Rd Winter Trail - 2.5mi Medium

A group of visitors with snowshoes walk down a 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Medium
Elevation Gain Feet: 618

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Medium
Elevation Gain Feet: 618
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours round trip (varies with snow depth and fitness)
Trail Surface: Old packed roadbed (snow-covered in winter)
Trail Features: Giant sequoia groves
General Sherman Tree (world's largest organism)
Old historic roadbed
Snow-draped forest canopy
Wolverton Road crossing
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Lodgepole Visitor Center parking area
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle available; drive to Lodgepole Visitor Center

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day skiing
Fees: $35 entrance fee (private vehicle pass valid 1-7 days)
Trail Status: Open seasonally
Seasonal Closures: Closed when snow accumulation makes conditions impassable; typically this trail is snow-covered November through April. Summer: inaccessible. Check park website before driving up.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Dry trail. Carry all water you'll need (minimum 2L). Do not rely on melted snow or creek water in winter.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep final section
Snow and ice
Occasional trail markers
Cold exposure
Altitude (7,000 ft)
Limited daylight in winter
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Spotty to none. Assume no service and tell someone your route before you go.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate (winter sports attract dedicated skiers and snowshoers, not casual crowds)
Peak Crowd Times: Winter weekends and holidays (Thanksgiving, New Year's, Presidents Day week)
Best Season: Winter (late November through early April, depending on snow)
Best Time To Visit: Mid-December through February offers the most stable snow. Start by 8am to bank daylight—winter darkness falls by 5pm. Avoid weekends if you crave solitude; early weekday mornings are ghost-quiet.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Lodgepole Campground Area
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.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed: No. This is a winter skiing and snowshoeing trail only.
Shade Level: Mostly shaded by dense sequoia forest, with occasional open meadow areas. Winter sun is weak; shade provides little thermal relief.
Emergency Contacts: Lodgepole Visitor Center (nearby). Dial 911 in emergencies, but service is unreliable. Self-rescue is your primary plan.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Late November through early April (varies annually based on snowfall and park conditions)
Mud Season: N/A (winter trail; not applicable in mud season)
Wildflower Peak: N/A (winter trail)
Fall Colors Peak: N/A (winter trail)
Bug Season: N/A (insects are dormant during winter months)
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
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Lodgepole Visitor Center (maps, ranger info). Lodgepole Campground nearby. Grant Grove area offers lodging and full services (restaurant, store).
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.