Sierra National Forest

 — Top 10 Hiking Trails

The Sierra National Forest offers some of California’s most beautiful trails — granite domes, alpine lakes, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and peaceful forest routes just minutes from Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and the Yosemite gateway.

This guide gives you distances, difficulty ratings, timing, trailhead locations, parking details, and local tips—the info visitors actually need.

 
🥾 1. Mist Falls Trail — Kings Canyon Adjacent (Most Iconic Waterfall)
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights: Massive waterfall, scenic canyon, river access
Local Tip: Start early; canyon gets hot by midday.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nikq5JA1rXez8wXk6
Coordinates: 36.79416, -118.66970
Parking: Large lot at Road’s End (fills early in summer)
Facilities: Restrooms at parking area
Best Season: Late May–October
Notes: High water flows in early summer; bring extra water.

 
🌲 2. Shadow of the Giants — Nelder Grove (Best Sequoia Walk)
Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 45–60 minutes
Highlights: Giant sequoias, shaded trail, family-friendly
Local Tip: Great “arrival day” hike.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCUx1NC4QvzvbboN7
Coordinates: 37.37039, -119.59578
Parking: Small dirt lot
Facilities: None — bring water
Best Season: April–November
Notes: Road becomes rough after winter storms.

 
🌊 3. Angel Falls to Devil’s Slide — Bass Lake (Best Adventure Hike)
Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Highlights: Waterfalls, granite pools, swimming spots
Local Tip: Go early to avoid summer crowds.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yteuvmsafJZyGuqV7
Coordinates: 37.30805, -119.55706
Parking: Roadside parking along Willow Creek Trailhead
Facilities: None
Best Season: May–October
Notes: Granite becomes very slippery when wet.

 
🌳 4. Goat Meadow to Mariposa Grove (Quiet Giant Sequoias Route)
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Quiet access to Mariposa Grove
Local Tip: Avoids shuttle crowds entirely.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNnCqM5p9RD3w6qTA
Coordinates: 37.47508, -119.59646
Parking: Large dirt pullout
Facilities: None
Best Season: June–October
Notes: Snow lingers into June at this elevation.

 
💦 5. Lewis Creek Trail to Corlieu & Red Rock Falls (Best Waterfall Double)
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Highlights: Two waterfalls, shaded forest
Local Tip: Great family-friendly trail with options.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8bt6h5kxjCrhqGqP8
Coordinates: 37.37240, -119.64512
Parking: Small lot + roadside overflow
Facilities: None
Best Season: March–November
Notes: Bug spray recommended in summer.

 
🪨 6. Willow Creek Trail (For Experienced Hikers Only)
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Time: 6–8 hours
Highlights: Wild terrain, river crossings, solitude
Local Tip: Avoid after rain — slick granite slabs.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2LVog3P4tcQxGTAH8
Coordinates: 37.30523, -119.56679
Parking: Limited roadside
Facilities: None
Best Season: June–September
Notes: Carry offline GPS; trail becomes faint in places.

 
🏞 7. Dinkey Lakes Trail (Best Alpine Lakes Hike)
Distance: 5–7 miles (choose your lakes)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3–5 hours
Highlights: Alpine lakes, wildflowers, granite domes
Local Tip: Perfect for summer swimming.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XW8MzxURtGq5uhmK6
Coordinates: 37.15064, -119.08877
Parking: Dirt lot at trailhead
Facilities: Primitive toilets
Best Season: July–October
Notes: Mosquitoes thick in July — bring spray.

 
🌅 8. Fresno Dome Trail (Best Short Summit View)
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Highlights: 360° Sierra views
Local Tip: Excellent sunrise/sunset hike.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qUenG1us9PPdKFBP7
Coordinates: 37.43749, -119.47566
Parking: Small lot
Facilities: None
Best Season: May–October
Notes: Road rough early season.

 
🔭 9. Shuteye Peak (Fire Lookout + Best Panoramic View)
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights: Lookout tower, endless mountain views
Local Tip: High-clearance vehicle recommended to reach trailhead.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h7PDY6UCLnLktDpv7
Coordinates: 37.36209, -119.39515
Parking: Limited
Facilities: None
Best Season: July–October
Notes: Snow blocks access late into the season.

 
♨️ 10. Mono Hot Springs Loop (Relaxing Lakes & Springs)
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Highlights: Hot springs, river views, forest
Local Tip: Best early morning or golden hour.

📍 Trailhead Info
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5tNw1FxoDdW4hZ2L7
Coordinates: 37.32232, -118.96969
Parking: Resort + day-use parking available
Facilities: Toilets, lodge services nearby
Best Season: July–September
Notes: Check road conditions — Kaiser Pass Road is narrow.

 
🧭 Sierra National Forest Hiking Tips
Always download offline maps (AllTrails / Google Maps offline)
Bring more water than you think
Afternoon storms are common in high elevation
Keep food secure — bear activity is normal
Start early to avoid heat + crowds
Wear shoes with grip (slick granite everywhere)