TrailThe General Sherman Tree
Largest tree by volume. 0.5 miles paved. Don't underestimate the 200-foot return climb—bring water and poles.
200 ft elev. gain
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Road’s End
Last Updated: July 2026
Distance
0.5 mi
Est. Time
1
Route Type
Out-and-back
Dogs Allowed
No
Best Season
Mid-April through November
Overview
About This Trail
Road's End is your last basecamp before the High Sierra backcountry. The signature walk to Muir Rock is brief and easy—a hard-packed trail alongside the Kings River to a historic granite boulder. The river is beautiful and deadly; respect its currents. This is also where you obtain wilderness permits for extended High Sierra expeditions.
Highlights
Difficulty Level
Easy
Trail Highlights
Historic Muir Rock, a granite boulder named after naturalist John Muir, with river views and access to high Sierra backcountry
Insider Tips
• Arrive early (by 8 AM on weekends) to secure parking • Muir Rock sits on the riverbank; follow the established path and do not venture beyond barriers • Wilderness permits for High Sierra backpacking are issued at the on-site office; lines can be long on weekends • Kings River gets snowmelt in June; water level is highest early season
Best Season to Hike
Mid-April through November
Hiking Tips
- Never enter the river—currents are deceptively powerful and drowning is the leading cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Store all food, trash, and scented items in provided lockers; bears have keen sense of smell and will destroy vehicles
- Bring 2L of water minimum
- Tighten your boots—rocks near the river are slippery
- Arrive early (by 8 AM on weekends); the moderate-sized lot fills by mid-morning
- Make noise while hiking to alert bears of your presence
Family Info
River is extremely dangerous—hand-holding mandatory for children near water. Keep children close at all times due to bear activity. Slippery rocks—supervision required.
What Hikers Say
This is an easy, accessible river walk with serious tactical hazards. The granite views are worth the trip, but respect the water—it's killed more people in this park than any other cause. Crowds are moderate, especially weekends.
More at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
ℹ️ Data Sources
National Park Service — Road's End (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 →