Sequoia National Park - Little Baldy Peak Hike

on July 01, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

The hike for the top of Little Baldy Peak is 3.3-mile out-and-back trail, considered a moderately challenging route (780 ft elevation gain), it takes an average of less than 2 hours to complete.

Little Baldy Peak is an exposed granite mountain that provide a excellent viewing point to the Sequoia National Park area and the high Sierra mountains.

Where? :

Sequoia National Park is in the heart of California central Sierra mountains, adjusted South of Kings Canyon National Park.

It is about six hours to drive from Los Angeles and six hours to drive from San Francisco.

The trailhead is located on Generals Hwy.

If you are coming from the north, Kings Canyon NP, you need to drive 18 miles from highway 180 junction.

If you are coming from Sequoia NP you need to drive 9.4 miles from General Sherman Tree Car Park, Parking lot, 6.3 miles from Lodgepole Visitor Center.

This trail head is located at the highest point on the Generals Highway.

Google Map Link

When? :

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks are open year-round although not all roads are clear of snow during winter (see below). The best time to visit here is during the summer months, from May to September.

Summer month can introduce hot days even in high elevation. At mid-late summer you can have forest fires and smoke that cover the view during that season.

During the summer month you may start your day with clear blue skies, but weather conditions can change quickly and by midday, you may find yourself in a strong summer storm with wind, rain and thunderstorm.

Lightning activity in the Sierra during summer months is common (can cause forest fire). Thunder clouds buildup seen far off in the distance can be an indicator of incoming lightning activity, you should evaluate your location and if you are in high and expose area you need to seek shelter or lower ground.

Winter months are very cold and stormy, and the area and trails are covered by snow. Tire chains may be required on park roads any time it snows, usually late fall, winter, and through spring.

The recommended and safe enter to the park during winter, when the roads are covered with snow and ice is via highway 180 coming up from Fresno.

Winter roads closer:

· General Highway coming from the south (coming from Visalia, CA) in it steep and narrow switchbacks section can be close.

· Highway 180 road in heading down into Kings Canyon is closed during winter month when deep snow covers the road, usually between Jan to March.

· Crescent Meadow Rd leading to Moro Rock is close during the winter months.

Due note 1:

This is in a national park, so it requires an America the Beautiful yearly pass or paying the $35 entrance fee, which is valid for up to seven days.

Due note 2:

In the parking at the trailhead is parallel to the road.

No restrooms at the trail head.

Due note 3:

Please note that as in any other trail in the park pets are not allowed on the trail.

Due note 4:

There are no gas stations within the national parks. Be sure to fill your tanks before you enter the park or ensure that you have enough gas to reach one of the two gas stations in the neighboring national forest:

· You can find gas stations on highway 180 before entering the park

· Hume Lake (open year-round)

· On the road leading to Sequoia National Park at Stony Creek Resort & Gas Station (open summer only).

· In Three Rivers not so far from Visalia.

There are no charging stations for electric vehicles.

Due note 5:

You may encounter high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats and use sunscreen.

Due note 6:

Even during the summer months be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack an extra layer of clothing that reflects the most extreme conditions you could encounter.

Summer storms are common, avoid being on the summit during a lightning storm.

Salty and easy to digest snacks work well for outdoor activities.

Due note 7:

Black bears, though not always black, are found throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Never touch or feed ANY wild animals. View animals at safe distances (the length of two city buses from more dangerous animals like bears).

Rattlesnakes are common in the Sequoia foothills and in the Kings Canyon at low elevation.

Due note 8:

Hazard trees can be very dangerous in burned areas. Check at trailheads for information about potential hazards or closures.

Due note 9:

This trail doesn’t have any viewing of sequoias trees.

My thoughts:

I hiked here at mid-day but probably the preferred time to visit here is at sunrise or sunset. The view from the top of the dome is rewording, especially looking southeast to the high granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada Range.

There is another more “famous” granite dome in Sequoia National Park, that is Moro Rock. In my view indeed Moro Rock is more impressive and provide better view. But if you want to combine a hike with a view than Little Baldy trail is your destination. Moro Rock is not a hike; you climb the stairs right from the parking lot. Moro Rock is also one of the crowded places in the Sequoia where here you will see less people and the hike “improve” the view. You will probably see other people on this hike but it does not fill crowded, and the top of the dome is wide so you can find your quite place.

This is a great, relatively short hike, that take you to a good high viewing point and because it is not long hike (~2hr) it can be combine with other hikes at the park on the same day.

Links to my Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Blogs:

The Hike:

Located a few miles south of Dorst Campground, the Little Baldy trailhead is marked by a large sign on the east side of the road, this is the highest point of this road.

From the roadside parking the Little Baldy Trail start with a moderate climb in the forest.

After climbing few switchbacks, you will reach to the ridgeline. At this climbing section of the trail, you do not have a view and it is mainly walking up in the forest. The trail leveled and followed the ridgeline for a short section, a section of forest that was burnt from wildfires many years back, so it start to recover.

The last final steep but short climb will take you to the open landscape granite dome.

Overall, the trail up to here is 1.7 miles long (2.7 km) and gaining 800 feet (241 m) in elevation.

At the top of the dome, you will enjoy the views to the east, south and west.

Here is a perfect place to take a rest and eat something and drink while you are enjoying this 360-degree view.

When you're done you need to return the same way you came, this time all is downhill, for a total of 3.4-mile round-trip hike.

www:

https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/little-baldy-trail.htm

Additional Pictures:

Comments