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    Crescent Meadow and Tharp's Log

    4.8 (16 reviews)

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    Going around the looping trail.
    Tony H.

    Probably the most laid back hike in sequoia. The shuttle bus 2 goes around to where this hike is, most people only take that shuttle up to Moro Rock so this area is fairly quiet and not crowded. Our shuttle drive mentioned there are usually Bear sightings along this area (we happened to see one and it's cub while we were here). There are a couple different loops you can do around the meadow or to Tharp's cabin that range from 2-3 miles. Some of the other trails in the park connect up here as well. Either way if you're looking for a nice peaceful place in the park, this is the spot.

    Alex D.

    There are two paths to get to this meadow....you can park in the parking lot directly outside this meadow and walk a tiny distance, less than half a mile, to see it, or you can take the long pathway there, starting at The Congress trail, which connects to the Crescent Meadow trail. In the second case, with the longer trail, you NEED to start in the morning because you will end up hiking a total of like 25-30 miles. It is a beautiful meadow, but it is full of mosquitoes that will eat you alive. Also, this is one of the top places in all of the park that people encounter bears, so be aware and prepared. Know what to do if you see a bear. Research ahead of time. Bear spray is illegal in California, so that's not an option here. You might also see deer here. I saw deer. I wish I had brought mosquito spray, though.

    Marisela V.

    It's a short walk to the Crescent Meadow viewpoint, and there was plenty of parking available during our visit. This is also a shuttle stop when the service is running, making it a convenient spot to explore.

    Jacqueline T.

    This was probably my favorite hike we did at Sequoia. It's very secluded. While there were a decent number of cars in the parking lot, we only saw two other people on the trail. I loved the combination of the meadow with huge trees in the forest. We hiked the crescent meadow trail then went off on the log meadow spur to Tharp's Log and Chimney Tree before heading back to the parking lot. It was maybe a 2 mile hike. The trail was pretty flat and easy. I would definitely recommend stopping here in Sequoia.

    sherry u.

    What an awesome experience. My daughter said I found Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood... well, not quite but what a treat! Great easy hike. Gorgeous trees, interesting history, and a bear sighting- what a great experience. Loved everything about it. How cool to actually stand inside a tree ( chimney ) and to see how the first euro American built a home from a log (Tharp's log) such fun.

    Xiaoting X.

    To get better view and see the deers you would need to get on high sierra trail that's next to the crescent meadow. About another 1mile more but totally worth it and the eagles view is also just a few steps away.

    8 point buck scene on the Crescent Meadow trail. They were more worried about what they were eating than about us.
    Don P.

    Holy cow this place was pretty. It takes a little driving up a windy narrow (common fare at Sequoia Natl. Forrest) and the parking lot is kind of small. If you can, take the free shuttle. Anyways I went to both Crescent Meadow and Tharps Log and it was well worth the walk. We experienced critters, bugs, trees, plants, and plenty of fresh air. It's not too hilly and the paths are well marked. Don't go off trail as that isn't cool. The only critter we didn't see were bear, however, we've heard some can be spotted in the meadow. Highly recommended in my book.

    Oh deer!

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    Ask the Community - Crescent Meadow and Tharp's Log

    Review Highlights - Crescent Meadow and Tharp's Log

    We saw tons of wildlife along the way, and after reaching the log we continued on to Chimney Tree.

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    Pear Lake Via the Hump Trail - tired feet locked in crampons.

    Pear Lake Via the Hump Trail

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Pear Lake Hike @Sequoia National Park…read more Distance : 12.5 mile Elev Gain: 2,200 ft Level : strenuous 5 stars : absolutely stunning hike in the giant forest. You'll first reach Heather Lake , then Aster Lake , Emerald Lake and Pear Lake. If you are afraid of the height like me, there are a little scary section after the Watchtower where the trail gets really narrow like if hikers are coming from the opposite direction you have to stop and let them pass by otherwise one of you will fall off the steep cliff kind of narrow. I try not to look down otherwise I'll freeze up. Only these sections are tough for vertigo otherwise so gorgeous and beautiful up there. It's definitely not a beginners hike considering the distance and the eleva gains. Not as bad as Clouds Rest in Yosemite. I only made it to the Emerald Lake which is after Aster Lake.

    Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Giant Forest Village…read moreLength: 12.5 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Skill Level: strenuous Trail Type: Out-and-back Local Contacts: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Lakes Trail delivers the promise in its name: Heather, Emerald, Aster and Pear lakes. Named for the red heather growing nearby, Heather Lake, first along the way, is a worthy goal. With an early start, the ambitious hiker could visit all four lakes and return in a day. The little lakes called tarns rest in rock bowls that were scoured by glaciers long ago. The path to the lakes is the most popular in the Wolverton area--so popular that there is a quota on backcountry camping. Maximum 2 nights. No such restrictions are placed on day hiking, however. Even without the lakes, Lakes Trail would be a compelling path. Hiking over the Watchtower, an awesome granite formation, is a walk along the edge of the world--or at least along the edge of a precipitous cliff. Watchtower Trail was dynamited out of the rock by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s and remains a stunning example of the trail builder's art. The path is dangerous when icy or covered with snow. We took the Hump Trail and for the most part to reach Heather Lake. Passed the third hump towards Emerald Lake and to Pear Lake crampons were necessary. The Watchtower Trail was closed to the public due to a lot of fallen trees and very icy condition. No camping permitted on Aster Lake this time. Some nature renovation is being done. It means a lot of people trampled on the trail and it caused a lot of damage. The park is doing what they can to save it.

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    Pear Lake Via the Hump Trail - Hiking out of Pear Lake

    Hiking out of Pear Lake

    Pear Lake Via the Hump Trail - Bacteria that helps cure diseases were in abundance here.

    Bacteria that helps cure diseases were in abundance here.

    Pear Lake Via the Hump Trail

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    Marble Falls

    Marble Falls

    3.9(9 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Marble Falls , Sequoia National Park…read more First time I did this 5 years ago it was breathtaking gorgeous. Misty , foggy , a bit dark in lush green rainforest like tropical jungle. Second time was like that also. Third time today (04.10.22) not so rainforests - like due to burns. Really sad. Almost the entire place was affected by the fires. Looked completely different from last two times I did this hike. Nevertheless the water was raging at the falls. Some sketchy areas on the trail due to washouts. Sad to see graffiti on some boulders ( they weren't there 4,5 years ago). Tons of native species like Mariposa Lilies , Ithuriel's Spears, Pink Fairy Lanterns, a few blooming Yuccas , birds eyes gills, popcorn flowers, fiddlenecks, Madia , Chinese Houses , Tritelea, California Goldfields, Brodiaea, baby blue eyes etc. First time I did this 5 years ago and second time 4 years ago , my hiking buddies and I did not see a single other hiker but today tons , too many to count. It's too crowded now. Because of the burns and the crowd , 4 stars otherwise if this was 5 years ago definitely 10 stars.

    Not a difficult hike, and pretty close to the main entrance of Sequoia National Park. You have to…read morego through the Potwisha campgrounds and park your car at a small parking lot. You start by following an aqueduct and then at a sign, you turn right and start going up. It is a moderate distance, 3.5 miles to get there. The views are breathtaking and you have a waterfall reward at the end. Which actually may vary if in the dry season. Alternative: If you don't want to hike that long and still want to see a nice amount of water, instead of going left on Powisha Campgrounds, go right and park at this little construction site. Follow a small trail, that will lead you to a bridge. Before you reach the bridge, will see to your left ancient paintings and if you keep an eye on the grounds around the bridge, you will see holes in the granite (mortars) that were made by local tribes to grind nuts. We were advised not to go too far past the bridge because it "gets snaky". We didn't see any rattlesnakes, but kept close to the bridge, which was gorgeous with a swimming hole and a little private beach.

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    Marble Falls
    Marble Falls
    Marble Falls - Marble Falls Sequoia National Park 04.10.22 Sun

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    Marble Falls Sequoia National Park 04.10.22 Sun

    General Sherman Tree

    General Sherman Tree

    4.6(139 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Visited the General Sherman Tree at Sequoia National Park and overall it was a good experience, but…read morethere are definitely a few things to be aware of. The tree itself is truly impressive and worth seeing at least once--it's amazing to stand in front of something that massive and historic. That said, expect large crowds and long lines, especially during peak times. It can take a while just to get close enough for photos. Parking was also a challenge during our visit. Spots fill up quickly, so you may need to circle around or wait. We started from the top parking lot, and while going down is manageable, the hike back up is pretty exhausting, so be prepared for that. One downside was the restroom condition--they were quite dirty and looked like they hadn't been maintained well that day. Also, just a heads-up: not everyone we encountered was friendly, so patience helps in crowded areas. Despite these issues, it was still a memorable visit. Just plan ahead, bring water, and be ready for a bit of a workout.

    If you haven't seen the largest tree(s) on earth, you are missing out, get your hiking boots on…read morecome witness some of the most beautiful trees and landscape to be found. Parking can be a beyotch, especially when the main lot is closed, but stay patient and people are coming and going constantly, but whatever you do... DO NOT PARK on the road itself. Don't do it. You can do small short hikes around the grove or during winter you can strap on some snow shoes, or crampons, based on conditions, and you can get further out into the grove or park itself. I just be prepared for whatever you're planning on doing that will guarantee you have a successful outing

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    General Sherman Tree
    General Sherman Tree
    General Sherman Tree

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    Crescent Meadow and Tharp's Log - hiking - Updated July 2026

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